[brandon.g]

I'm currently running a JL 13tw5 with a rockford 325.1 and while it sounds good I feel I'm missing my subs full potential. I rarely crank it up loud. I mostly listen to country and rock. This set up sounds great on about 85% of songs but there are those that I feel like it's missing some punch. I'd like to be an informed buyer so I need some help in amp selection. I want something that will be reliable and not shut off. My Rockford has never once shut off on me. The other factor would of course be cost. I'd prefer to stay under 200 and buy from Amazon since I have 150 in credit there. The choices I have researched are:
Kicker 12-ZXS 1000.1----$229 [email protected] [email protected]
Kenwood KAC-9106D-----$139 [email protected] [email protected]
Rockford Prime 1200-----$229 [email protected] [email protected]
Pioneer GM-D9601-------$160 [email protected] [email protected]

I've read all the post and realize most are running the JL 500/1 and these can be purchased used for around 200 on ebay.
Are the JL JX series agood choice? The 500 is 170 and the 1000 is 250.
Am I missing any other options?

So the Kenwood looks the most appealing to me followed by the Kicker. I'd prefer to purchase new, but if the absolute best choice is the used JL then please let me know the benefits.

Thanks for the help.

 

[etroze]

I don't think you will find much difference from any of those amps. With that being said I've heard nothing but great things about hte Pioneer amps.

 

[captainobvious]

Look into the kenwood, or the PPI Phantom. Low cost and decent performance, plenty of power.

I'd caution this though, if the 13TW5 (which I also own and have run) is good on 85% of material, but not some others, I'd look more into your tune than for more power. Have you tuned the system and can you run an RTA to determine and low spots in frequency response? You may just have some response issues that EQ could fix that are more noticeable on certain songs.

Also, while the 13TW5 does have nice output for its form factor, it does give up just a little in low frequency extension in the really low stuff. If your lacking output on very low frequency bass, it may be either the EQ needed or simply limits of the subwoofer.

 

[brandon.g]

My set up is stock f150 sync head unit with infinity reference door speakers. I honestly don't know much about tuning. I tried using a 50 hz test signal with has my gain slightly less than half with my filtrer set around 75-80. The sub sounds great when listening to hip hop. I just don't listen to that music often. I've been looking at the jbl. 1001 ez its looking pretty appealing for 220. Tough decisions ahead. Any more input would be appreciated.

What would the real wattage be for the pioneer, JBL, and PPI Phantom at 3ohms. The reason I ask is I hear so many don't produce to spec.

 

[captainscarlett]

The only experience I have is with the Pioneer. As I found out when switching from Alpine to Pioneer/JL Audio/Ground Zero, amps play a huge part in the quality of bass!

On a budget, I still love using JL and Pioneer for subs.

 

[captainobvious]

Precision Power PPI P1000.1 Phantom 1000W Monoblock Amplifier

You could expect to get a good 650 watts on that JL with the PPI amp. Thats definitely more than enough. But I would definitely recommend doing some tuning or hookup with someone who can, prior to purchasing another amp. You might end up with more of the same, just louder. Meaning getting the frequency response EQd correctly first and THEN if you feel the amp is straining and you need more power, then go for it. But definitely get some tuning done first.

There's plenty of people on the boards from TX. I'm sure someone would be willing to lend a hand with some tuning. If you were in my area I'd help you out, but obviously a bit too far

 

[brandon.g]

Thanks for all the replies. I went with the JL 500/1. I got a decent deal on it. I will keep the PPI in mind when I upgrade my doors. I will take it into the shop and get the pro's to tune it once I get it installed.