[gckless]

Going to looking for new amp(s) for my front stage, coming from a Zed Leviathan III. Here are my requirements:

- About $1000 budget.
- Looking for SQ-level amps, but still need power.
- Need 100Wx2 @ 4ohms and ~150W+x2 @ 8ohms.
- For the above reason, I think I'm looking at a 6 channel (bridge 2 pairs of channels) or 2 amps, one 2 channel for tweeters, one 2 channel or 4 channel bridged for mids (I plan on going 3 way eventually, so a 4 channel here would be best).
- Has to look somewhat decent. LOVE the finned heatsink. This isn't super important, but I don't want anything that looks like garbage.
- Would very much prefer new, but not against used if it's in really good condition.
- Class of amp doesn't really matter to me.

Here are my choices so far:

- Zapco Z150.6. Kinda hesitant on this one, I've heard some not so great things.
- Soundstream Reference series (one REF2.640, one REF4.920). These would absolutely be my choice as they are pretty cheap, look awesome, and have great specs, but unfortunately they're discontinued. Might be hard to find by the time I want to buy.
- Arc Audio. A KS300.2 and KS300.4 might work.
- Zuki. Hard to estimate power though.

Some others that are possibilities:
- Linear Power. Don't know prices, but pretty sure they're out of my league.


I won't be buying until about mid-February, so I have a little time. Looking for any/all options and opinions.

 

[gckless]

The more I look at Zuki the more they look awesome.

 

[Coppertone]

Then you need to buy what excited you the most. This way less chance of buyers remorse based upon what we've told to you.

 

[gckless]

Then you need to buy what excited you the most. This way less chance of buyers remorse based upon what we've told to you.

This is very true.

I'm also looking to explore all options though.

 

[gckless]

Would I be better off just keeping the Zed after I get it repaired? It was working fine for me for a year now, and I've been happy with it besides this issue, once I got the original bugs worked out. For those that don't know, I had to send it back twice for repairs. One time was a faulty solder joint, another was a leaky capacitor, and that was within a couple months of installing it.

I love the thought of Zuki, but some things like his reply time, other threads people have made, and customer service reviews have kind of turned me off from that. Unfortunately. If I buy new, warranty is pretty important.

 

[Coppertone]

To me if I've sent something back twice to be repaired, it goes into my back up pile. It will never be used as my primary amp. Secondly customer service is very important to me. I work hard for my money and I want to be treated as if you respect that when we do business. If you can't be bothered with me, I don't bother with you.

Now on another note I don't want to tell you to spend money if you do not need to. But in my little opinion you need a one and done amp. Meaning get one amp installed, playing and done.

 

[Golden Ear]

What about the Focal FPD 900.6? Same power as your Zed as it was designed by him but built by Focal. It's a great looking amp to boot.

 

[gckless]

What about the Focal FPD 900.6? Same power as your Zed as it was designed by him but built by Focal. It's a great looking amp to boot.

That is a nice amp, never seen that before.

 

[gckless]

Found a place selling the SS REFs really cheap. Anyone have anything bad to say about em?

 

[Coppertone]

When you say really really cheap, are you referring to authorized or just unloading them ? I personally have nothing negative to say about them as well as what I've been saying so far. You've been offered up some great choices. Some of which will save you money, and others hat are slightly over what you've requested. Again no matter what it will still come down to that key element, install........

 

[gckless]

When you say really really cheap, are you referring to authorized or just unloading them ? I personally have nothing negative to say about them as well as what I've been saying so far. You've been offered up some great choices. Some of which will save you money, and others hat are slightly over what you've requested. Again no matter what it will still come down to that key element, install........

Authorized. Under $300 for the big 4 channel.

I agree with you though, install will play a part. Would take some work to fit them, these REFs aren't small. Which isn't a huge deal to be honest.

 

[Coppertone]

If you are comfortable with the size, can get it for less then $300.00 then folks it's safe to say that we have a winner. Just post a build thread when you get it and start installing please.

 

[gckless]

If you are comfortable with the size, can get it for less then $300.00 then folks it's safe to say that we have a winner. Just post a build thread when you get it and start installing please.

My build log is in my sig. I like to take pictures

Thanks for the help!

 

[Coppertone]

You are very welcome, and thank you for the thanks.

 

[Golden Ear]

Hopefully you aren't buying them from onlinecarstereo.com. They're terrible! If you are then make sure you call to make sure they actually have it first.

 

[gckless]

Hopefully you aren't buying them from onlinecarstereo.com. They're terrible! If you are then make sure you call to make sure they actually have it first.

I am SO glad you said this. That's where I was going to get them from, called, and they have no REFs at ALL, despite the site listing them. Thank you!

 

[Coppertone]

Sorry, I thought I was going to be of some help to you.

 

[Golden Ear]

I am SO glad you said this. That's where I was going to get them from, called, and they have no REFs at ALL, despite the site listing them. Thank you!

I had a feeling. You're welcome

 

[WestCo]

Gil man, I feel bad. I kinda steered you toward a Levi the 1st time. I'm sorry that she is still giving you issues.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lostthumb]

Would an ARC XDI 1200.6 work for your setup?