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Help me choose some amps(I’m stuck in the 90’s)

3.9K views 25 replies 15 participants last post by  audiocholic  
#1 ·
I originally wanted to stick with a 5 channel but from research anything that would fit the bill on the sub channel gets poor marks on the highs/mids channels (noise/just sound terrible). So I’m looking for a 4ch and a mono/2 channel.

they will be running a set of cdt audio 3 ways(mx series mid/tweet and hd 8” mid) passive, eventually some kind of 2 way components in the rear doors and for subs 2 old school kicker s15d round solobarics( svc 2 ohm models 750w each).
Im looking to stay under 600 for the pair of amps and small footprint is a plus but not a dealbreaker . There’s plenty of amps out there that fit the bill but to me a lot of them seem to look almost identical. I don’t know enough about newer stuff and could use some help thanks.
 
#2 ·
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#3 ·
If you can find them, I highly recommend the Rockford T series power amps. I used a four channel and mono for a few years and they never failed to impress me. Folks would be blown away after listening to that truck when I showed them the amps I used (always made them listen before showing the components). Just damn good amps that did their jobs…in a very small footprint. Purest will scoff…I’m telling you, Rockford hit a home run with these amps. I’d happily use them again in a heart beat, which is why I’ll never sell my two. Rockford has updated their lineup (for some reason), so these can be found 30% off the Crutchfield price.

That little 750/bd can produce over 900 watts at 2ohm at 14.4v. 🤩 The four channel is underrated also by about 20%.


 
#4 ·
While I was hunting around for a few items I came across some decent pricing on Class D Audison gear which might fit the bill for your setup well. These should sound good, make enough power and are very compact considering the output. Down the road a bit you could easily add a DSP and another 4 channel to drive your front stage fully active.

Audison SR 4.300 D-Class 4-Channel Amplifier 85 Wrms X 4 At 4-Ohms - $259.00

Audison SR 1.500 D-Class Mono Bass Amplifier 1000 Wrms X 1 At 1-Ohms - $278.74
 
#5 ·
I personally have no experience with D4S products, but the power they provide for the price is pretty crazy. They have a 5 channel for less than $400 with 900 watts on the sub channel. I would probably go with these amps over some of the other off brand products. They also have a 7 channel for less than $700 if you want to try running active in the future.



  • Power Dynamics:
    • 900W x 1 RMS power at 1ohm for CH5
    • 200W x 4 + 700W x 1 RMS power at 2ohm
    • 120W x 4 + 400W x 1 RMS power at 4ohm
    • 400W x 2 RMS power at 4ohm when bridged



  • RMS Power Ratings:
    • 1ohm (CH7): 2000W x1
    • 2ohm: 190W x 6 + 1600W x 1
    • 4ohm: 120W x 6 + 1000W x 1
    • 4ohm Bridged: 350W x 3
 
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#6 ·
I was trying to think of who made that 5 channel, that's a nice all-in-one solution for the $$ for sure.
 
#10 · (Edited)
You gotta have some trade offs for price of $600. Power wise it's tough to beat the cost of the jp amps. You would be hard pressed to find an sq amp and a powerful sub amp for that price for more well known brands. Might not be a bad idea to buy used from a member on here. One thing to consider is the benefit of running active. I am unsure of the goals for your build, but the flexibility of running active with more tuning capabilities would outweigh the benefits of running passive with a better sounding amp imo.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Yep.... I'd avoid anything JP amp... but that's just me... some here have used them without issues... others not so much...

Even theirs specs are shady...

Acoustic Purity: Signal to Noise Ratio: 95dB <, T.H.D

🙄 you know that's less than 95db ..... how much less...🤣

Then this...

"Warranty Information
Your new Down4Sound product is covered by 1 limited warranty if purchased from Down4Sound or an authorized Down4Sound dealer. This warranty does not cover improper installation, accidental damage, misuse, abuse, improper wiring, operation of unit outside of listed specifications, or any product that has been modified or repaired by anyone other than Down4Sound. Your warranty covers defects in materials and/or workmanship ONLY and is not an insurance policy. The warranty only covers the original owner of the amplifier.

All warranty returns must be accompanied by the original sales invoice or receipt. You must contact us to request an RMA number prior to sending any returns via the RMA request form on our website. You are responsible for the cost of shipping your product back to us for warranty examination. If your product is covered under warranty, shipping back to you will be at no charge to you – if your product is replaced/repaired outside of warranty you must pay for return shipping and repair bill prior returning of the product or if no defect is found you are required to pay for return shipping only.

At the sole discretion of Down4Sound your product will be either repaired or replaced when it is being covered under warranty. In the event of shipping damage due to improper packaging on products being returned to Down4Sound the customer is liable for the cost of all damages, necessary repairs, or replacement. Be sure to properly pack your return!

* Extended additional warranty purchased on amplifiers take in affect from the date of purchase and must also be stated on orginal sales invoice or receipt."

That's not a warranty policy... that's a list of excuses not to replace your busted amp...

Just saying...
 
#14 ·
Look through the classifieds and find good products that will fit your budget. I mean honestly I have one Audio System Twister F4-400 left of the 3 I had that I planned to keep for a spare but if you wanted a worthwhile 4 channel I would sale it to you for $225 shipped. Either way get yourself something that's worth having on your setup that makes the power you need is clean and reliable. JP amps are not that. The Audio Apex Cab amps are very good if you want something in that same wheel house. I have used all of their models except the cab 45 and they were all silent and big power houses.
 
#15 ·
If you want to go with less power and better SQ the zapco st amps might be in your price range. Those I can vouche for. They sound good for the money and are class ab. You can buy two 5 channels for $600.

 
#16 ·
Since I opened my mouth in this thread and did suggest anything I'll throw some amps into the mix...

One or 2 of theses.

Sony XMGS4 GS Series 4/3/2 Channel Hi-Res Amplifier (Black) https://a.co/d/aNLoGMC

Run your subs in series like this

Image


Bridged to a 400.2

 
#17 ·
One or 2 of theses.

Sony XMGS4 GS Series 4/3/2 Channel Hi-Res Amplifier (Black) https://a.co/d/aNLoGMC
I second this suggestion. I picked up a couple XMGS4’s and they are nice and silent. No frills class AB power. I wish their footprint was a bit smaller but other than that they're great.
 
#18 ·
another vote for the GS4 truely remarkable amps for the price point. built solid,good components, no noise floor, good staging and relatively compact for a regular amp.

one thing I really like about them is that all connections are at the same side of the amp, it really makes it easy to install in smaller areas, I easily fitted a GS4 and a GS100 under both seats and had zero issues and that was in a compact european car.
 
#19 ·
I really like my Skar Rp-600.5 Full Range AB/D 5 channel which doesn't have a ton of power for mids and highs but sounds full and clear on my Infinity Reference 3.5s coaxiel in front dash and Infinity Reference 6.5s In back deck, 90 watts @3ohms to 4 channels channels.

Can run 5th channel @ 1 ohm which pushes my Kicker compr10 with over 400 watts with real deep and still punchy bass. I had same speaker and vented bass buncker enclosure set up previous vehicle except with kicker 600watt amp@2 ohm which sounded great also, but not as good as now.

This amp also Powered my kicker 12 L7S solobaric for a month and it surprised me. Now I'm running both these Kickers in seperate vented low tuned enclosures @ 1ohm, 2000 watts between them mostl off 2 skar amps makes the real low songs sound like a battleship firing from a great distance off the coast....

You cant tell where it's coming from but you hear it, feel it and the closer you get it sounds further away lol.

Hifonic Brutus 1600.4 amp is clear and clean as day we were born and can push 800watts×2 bridged mono 4ohms to 8 or 10 inch midrange or midbass speakers
 
#24 ·
This happens on a couple other forums that's run by Verticalscope, it usually changes back all on its own. I think whomever does updates to the main layout code accidentally breaks the code for which flag is which.
One of my online friends usually gets a russian flag even though he's in Texas, then a day later its back to US flag!