Looking for a cheap entry Amp

aggybong · Post by **aggybong** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 5:39 pm

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 · Post by **lotas** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 6:09 pm

aggybong wrote: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 Detroit1 · Wed Oct 06, 2004 6:18 pm

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 · Post by **aggybong** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:14 pm

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 Detroit1 · Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:39 pm

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

aggybong · Post by **aggybong** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:39 pm

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

Justin from Detroit1 · Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:44 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 45208&rd=1

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

aggybong · Post by **aggybong** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:50 pm

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 · Post by **William from NOLA** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 8:35 pm

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 · Post by **aggybong** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 8:44 pm

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.