The PDX-V9 on Sonic is only 499, also another couple options might be the Image Dynamics i5800 which is 399, also if you're wanting to save more money for other items the NVX 5 channel is 300 and they seem to be relatively good quality for the money.

All are nice options though, for power I guess the PDX-V9 has most power. There is a JL HD series 5 channel but it's up in the 900 dollar range I believe.

Forgot about the Massive NX5, it's rated to do over 100w x4 at 4ohms and the sub channel is capable of 1ohm loads which they rate at 800w. I'm not sure if it benches these numbers been a while since I looked for reviews of their stuff.

Massive Audio NX5 Nano Block Series 5-Channel Car Amplifier

NVX JAD900.5 (JAD9005) 900W RMS Full Range Class D 5-Channel Car Amplifier

Image Dynamics i5800 5-Channel Class AB i Series Car Amplifier

 

My vote goes towards either the Kenwood or the JBL.

Out of the choices Hdale recommended (good guy right there, really knows his amps )NVX, Massive Audio, then ID only because of it's size.

Of course I recommend these - Soundstream TN5.950D or Precision Power PPI P900.5

Alpine in last place, only because of some similar issues quite a few people have with them.

 

Thanks for the input fella's.

My vote goes towards either the Kenwood or the JBL.
Alpine in last place, only because of some similar issues quite a few people have with them.

I'm unfamiliar with the Alpine PDX-V9 issues... Care to share what you've heard/seen?

 

PDX V9 for sure. Sub stage on the Kenwood isn't as good as I thought it'd be, not bad though. I've done many V9's and liked them more. That said, I have a 900-5 for sale used briefly if you want to cut a deal.

 

I would go with the Alpine PDX V9 as well. The PDX series is great.

 

Another vote for the V9.

 

Those JBL amps did not impress me at all. I had the 504ez and 701ez.

 

I think the issues with the PDX were related to the first gen series. Havent heard any problems with the second gen.

 

jl hd900/5

 

Alpine. I'm running one bridged with the gains pretty low, works great!

 

From initial testing I do like the NVX's. Five relatively strong clean channels for less than $300 looks like a pretty good deal and a small footprint. My only grievance is what you find with less expensive amps. They don't have differential inputs for noise rejection, so not a biggie.. Used shielded interconnects. That said though there's something to be said for amps with all connections on one side in terms of installation ease.

 

I am very happy with my JL Audio XD700/5v2 (~$500)

Have you looked at the new Alpine PDR-v75? Looks hard to beat for $370...
Alpine PDR-V75 (pdrv75) 750W PDR Series 5-Channel Class D Car

 

What do you guys think of zapco ST-D amps ??

 

the jbl 5ez can be had for $250 or less on fleabay.

 

I was going to say the same thing, I paid $250 for mine, brand new

 

Zuki Eleets 5 channel

 

i picked up the jbl gto5ez on eBay for 228 shipped. i really like it. it puts out a ton of power. I am running 6.5 components front, 6.5 coax rear and 2 Boston g2 15's on the sub channel. It runs my entire system very well. I'm considering adding a second one. 8 channels for my active setup I'm planning, and one sub channel per sub. however my Boston's will have to be upgraded. even at 4 ohms on 1 sub it pushes way harder then the sub can handle.

 

Hmm, does no one think he should consider the Helix amp for $249 free shipping?

75x4 @ 4 ohms 13.8v + 550x1 @ 2 ohms 13.8v < .03% THD

WoofersEtc.com - Dark Blue 5 - Audiotec Fischer Helix 5-Channel 1140W RMS Amplifier

 

Im sorry, that is one of the Ugliest amps I have ever seen. I tried to find something pretty about it but...yuck!!:freak::freak:

 

For what little it's worth I have nothing but great experiences with my Powerbass ASA 1100.5x

 

I've had nothing but good luck with these amps, even ran one hard for 5 plus years and its still going strong.

 

I've never had much reserve for any particular amplifier brand. If it has the power, is clean, & inexpensive, I will give it a go. Being said, a big surprise came in a not so likely package. The Cadence F100-5 was being blown out at one time for $150 shipped, so I took the plunge and ordered a matching 2 channel F200-2 to go along with it (just in case of 4-way). I have to say for an underdog brand I was impressed. Big footprint and not so beautiful, but power & cleanliness was definitely an attribute. Defeatable sub crossover which is quite rare. The amp may have been a little overrated, but I couldn't tell. Pushed a pair of sealed XXLS 10" easily. Plenty of volume on mids. Not a hiccup, blown fuse, shutdown, or anything in the time that I've had it including a 6 hour trip of dang near being played at peak volumes.

Sort of off topic I suppose, but the point being made is when it comes to 5 channel amps, there's more viable choices besides just the normal brands thrown about here. Biggest problem is people want gobs of power on the subs... just not happening without spending serious coin. A 4 channel & separate monoblock solves that problem.

 

I am running the PDX's little brother, the PDR-V75. They share some of the same tech though the PDX is definitely superior. I can't say enough about it, efficient, clean, no noise and is rated higher than advertised. I was so impressed that when I decided I wanted more power, I bought another.

 

A little more retail, but priced really well used is the ARC Audio 900.6. Lots of features and good power. Youll be happy.

 

V9 may have turn on/off pop. But i still love it.

 

None of the above, MB Quart Onyx OA1100.5, zero regrets..

 

What do you like about it over comparable amps?

 

The PDX has more power (rated), and I really like the way the wire plugs. The footprint is nice, and with the exception of very mild turn on noise, they are very quiet. I don't know what the price is on the MB Quart, but it's less powerful than the Alpine, looks bigger, and the wiring is a bit less convenient.

At 2ohms, it looks like the MB has more power, but for 4 ohm speakers the PDX is in my opinion a better option.

 

The OA1100.5 does make more power, 150 x 4 @ 2 ohms + 500 x 1 @ 2 ohms.

IDK what you mean about wiring difficulties, it's pretty straightforward with power and rca's on one end and speaker out on the other side..

It's also a lot bigger than the Alpine, the OA1100.5 is 16" wide x 9-7/16"D x 2-1/4"H.

And the MB Quart symbol on top of the amplifier is backlit and glows red when the amp is turned on, it looks tough..

It also has pre amp out RCA connections for daisy chaining multiple amps.

It's got all the bells and whistles

 

I've used the Kenwood in 2 installs with good results. The only thing I've had trouble with is that it doesn't fit too well under front seats.

 

I am going to bump this.

The sub system outruns the DSP which is 17 watts times 4 channels, especially after reducing the mid-bass coming from the sub... More on that here - http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum...8-10-amplified-sub-woofer-sony-digital-link-sound-system-oh-my.html#post2262573

So I am going to upgrade to a 5 channel amp and I found this thread via Google.

I have many of the same amps in-mind with a budget of about $250 that can be extended to maybe $350 but only if that selection proves that much better than what's available for the original budget.

It has to have at least a Class D sub section otherwise the amp would be too large.