Looking for a cheap entry Amp

[aggybong]

Now that I have some money, I'd like to further advance on my car audio setup. Right now, I have an Alpine 9830 Deck, Kappa 62.5i in the front, and Pioneer TS-A6970R's in the rear. I didn't have much choice on the rears, not much would fit on my car (95 Camry) without modification.

Anyway, I am now looking for an amp to power it all, since my deck can only output 18w RMS. What's good to get for $100-150 bucks? I found some Profile and MA amps for cheap, considering their RMS wattage (80x4), but I have read that they are bad. But are they bad for audiophiles, or bad in general? Would I even notice a difference?

My future plans don't include an extra amp+sub, right now I just want the basic 4 speaker setup, maybe making the rears mono+using a low pass filter.

[lotas]

Now that I have some money, I'd like to further advance on my car audio setup. Right now, I have an Alpine 9830 Deck, Kappa 62.5i in the front, and Pioneer TS-A6970R's in the rear. I didn't have much choice on the rears, not much would fit on my car (95 Camry) without modification.

Anyway, I am now looking for an amp to power it all, since my deck can only output 18w RMS. What's good to get for $100-150 bucks? I found some Profile and MA amps for cheap, considering their RMS wattage (80x4), but I have read that they are bad. But are they bad for audiophiles, or bad in general? Would I even notice a difference?

My future plans don't include an extra amp+sub, right now I just want the basic 4 speaker setup, maybe making the rears mono+using a low pass filter.

i definetly would not reccomend buying a cheap amp for 100-200$...there's numerous reasons, not only is it less reliable because you most likely aren't going to find a decent 80wrmsx4channel amp for that (new that is) for that price, but you will notice a sound difference between a profile or legacy amp vs. a us amp or arc audio amp.

Just save up and buy once. You know the saying measure twice, cut once? Well think of it same with car audio, save up twice, buy once :)

theres quite a few classes (by classes i dont mean class A/B, class D, I mean brands quality)ill name jsut a couple
for high end you have (500$+)- xtant, zapco, us amps, mcintosh, arc audio
good (300-500$)- jl, kicker, mtx
decent (300$ish)- phoenix gold, jbl

prices of course are just averages... just trying to give you an idea.anyways for amps 100-150$? I really wouldnt waste your time/money on that...just save up, it's an expensive hobby.

[Justin from Detroit]

It would definetely do you some good to save up extra money. If you buy a 150-200 amp you might not notice too much of difference switching from your head unit, honestly. Save up a little more. The amplifier to run the interior speakers is a VERY important part of a nice audio setup. Don't go cheap on it.

[aggybong]

Well, I honestly don't want to spend above $200 for an amp. I am NOT looking for audiophile quality sound. To be honest, I like how it sounds now, I just want it to go louder. Anyway, I've seen used Alpine 40x4 amps for $100, which I'm guessing is at least decent, so finding a better one for $150-200 shouldn't be too hard.

[Justin from Detroit]

40x4 is hardly much more then your Hu puts out. Get at least 80x4.

[aggybong]

After reading the recommendations, I came across the Phoenix Gold OCTANE-R 5.0:4, which has 80w RMS x 4 @<hidden> 4ohms. Is this a good amp to get? If it is, I think I am going to order it :P

[Justin from Detroit]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39742&item=5723645208&rd=1

Better amp, better deal. Go with this one over the Phoenix.

[aggybong]

It's slightly over my spending range, though :( What exactly makes it better, anyway? I don't really need fancy options, just high\low pass filters

[William from NOLA]

As for quality of the amp, far better. The MTX will have better and more reliable output. The MTX will also have cleaner output power which can make a huge difference to the subs.

[aggybong]

Different question that I should have asked before:

What are the chances of blowing my speakers with a 60-85w rated amp? I know the Pioneers max out at 40w RMS, and the Kappas at 75.

[William from NOLA]

You wouldn't want a 60-80 wrms per channel amp then. 40 wrms per channel will do you just fine. An external amplifier no matter what power level, will give you a huge boost over the head unit.

[6three6mafia6]

man take my advice and the others advice ,save up , i saw a arc audio cxl 4050 for 150$ , you got to look around man , you will regreat it one day if you spend that money on a cheap amp and end up buying a new one, do it once do it right.

[aggybong]

You wouldn't want a 60-80 wrms per channel amp then. 40 wrms per channel will do you just fine. An external amplifier no matter what power level, will give you a huge boost over the head unit.
It would definetely do you some good to save up extra money. If you buy a 150-200 amp you might not notice too much of difference switching from your head unit, honestly. Save up a little more. The amplifier to run the interior speakers is a VERY important part of a nice audio setup. Don't go cheap on it.
40x4 is hardly much more then your Hu puts out. Get at least 80x4.

Now I'm confused :(

Anyway, I have narrowed my choices down to 2...either the MTX Thunder 564, or the Phoenix Gold OCTANE-R 5.0:4. Of course, now theres the talk of me blowing my speakers with either...so should I stick with a 40w RMS max amp, or go for the MTX or the PG?

[Ryan from Ohio]

What is the RMS rating on the Infinty's?
The Pioneer's?

That determines what to look for, not price.

If they will handle 75 WRMS then they should be OK with 80 WRMS.

[William from NOLA]

I know the Pioneers max out at 40w RMS, and the Kappas at 75.
I think going over 50 rms would fry the Pioneers.

[aggybong]

I read the pdf manual on the Phoenix Gold amp, and its only 50w rms @<hidden> 4ohms :( The MTX is 75w RMS.

Anyhoo, about the Pioneers blowing...is it a sure thing, or just if I crank it up really high? I want to replace the rears, just not yet.