[cleansoundz]

With all of the discussion on amps whether they all sound the same, put out rated power, built in the same buildhouse, etc. What are the most important things to look for when purchasing and installing an amplifier in a car system?

 

[SkizeR]

for me, its the amount of power, features, looks, and reliability

for my amps, i have more than enough power, features include a build it dsp, looks amazing, and havent had one of the ones ive used stop working, or heard much about these amps having issues, besides loading the DSP software

 

[etroze]

Looks and power are what attract me to an amp first and then when I have it in my hands I take it apart and look at build quality. Things like heavy heatsinks and neat soldered points are what I look for. For me the joints on the mofests are usually a good giveaway as they are usually some of the easier pieces to put in and take out and are the quickest thing for the manufacturet to soldier on the board.

 

[sjr033]

This is one of those questions that will get 100's of answers. Based on what is important to the customer.

Possible things of importance (no particular order)
1) Power
2) Price
3) Size
4) Features
5) Reliability
6) Looks
7) Current draw/demand

 

[sunshinefc3s]

All of the above. Also, configuration is important. For example, I have a KS900.6 (the Zed Lev III) is a good example also. It can be configured for 3/4/5/6 channel operation. That gives crazy flexibility not only for your current system, but any potential changes you might make in the future.
-a

 

[Victor_inox]

I`m not sure about amps but cars bought by looks first everything else second.
I think it`s a very good indicator of customers preferences.

For me it`s total value of the amp.
Engineering, repairability, quality of parts used.
I`m trying to stay away from far sides of offerings, cheapest and most expensive.
somewhere in the middle is golden standard.
There is always exceptions though...
Sometimes very cheap amps engineered really well.
Ugly one sounds great.
what I can`t stand is amps engineered for sole purpose to make money with repairability so complicated you`d have to send it to manufacturer for repair or toss it and buy a new one.

 

[cleansoundz]

I`m not sure about amps but cars bought by looks first everything else second.
I think it`s a very good indicator of customers preferences.

For me it`s total value of the amp.
Engineering, repairability, quality of parts used.
I`m trying to stay away from far sides of offerings, cheapest and most expensive.
somewhere in the middle is golden standard.
There is always exceptions though...
Sometimes very cheap amps engineered really well.
Ugly one sounds great.
what I can`t stand is amps engineered for sole purpose to make money with repairability so complicated you`d have to send it to manufacturer for repair or toss it and buy a new one.

I agree with everyone on here. Build quality, heaviness of heatsink, whether amp does rated power, looks, accessibility of gain controls and repairability of the amp is a new one. I am happy with a good mid level amp rather than a high end or low end amp.

Does brand play a role inn amp selection?

 

[Victor_inox]

I hate branding in everything, car audio is no exemption.
Branding is for teengers and adults alike.
but I guess my approach is not typical.

 

[cleansoundz]

I hate branding in everything, car audio is no exemption.
Branding is for teengers and adults alike.
but I guess my approach is not typical.

Branding in car audio is a total letdown. Don't get me started on that.

 

[Victor_inox]

don`t.