Good 3 channel amp

simpleone71 · Post by **simpleone71** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 4:58 pm

I am looking at this kicker amp (ZX550.3)
http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop ... /SFV/30046
I am going to use it to run a pair of image dynamics CTX65CS 6.5 component speakers(accept 100 rms) and run one 10" or 12" sub (yet to be determined). Anyone know if this is a decent amp?
Could I use any 4 channel amp to run this configuration, by just bridging the back two channels together?

William from NOLA · Post by **William from NOLA** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 5:07 pm

You can get something a little better in a 4 channel amp. I would definitely bridge it.

You should go this way instead: http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop ... /SFV/30046

It's the next line up AND is a tad cheaper.

Edit: Er, well that is a refurbished model. But I would go 4 channel.

simpleone71 · Post by **simpleone71** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 5:32 pm

Ok, it looks like that kicker model is discontinued (couldn't find it on the kicker site). I found this though by Alpine
http://www.woofersetc.com/p6251/MRPF600 ... lifier.htm
k..additional question here are some specs on that amp
# 4-channel car amplifier
# 100 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
# 150 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms
# 300 watts RMS x 2 bridged output at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)
# 2-, 3-, or 4-channel output

So does that mean I would have 100 watts rms x 2 at 4 ohms and 300 watts x 1 bridged at 4 ohms for the sub?

Also, since I am bridging channels 3 & 4, am I correct in thinking that I wouldn't need a dual voice coil sub since the amp would have the left/right input coming from my headunit for channels 3 & 4?

tomcat · Post by **tomcat** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 7:13 pm

Correct on the 100x2 and 300x1 at 4 ohms. You need a single voice coil 4 ohm or a dual 2 ohm for the sub.

smoker · Post by **smoker** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 4:19 am

its not really as simple as all that....it may not be putting the cart before the horse but its close. there is a difference in running a 4 channel vs some of the 3 and 5 channel amps out there. the biggest difference is going to come in the sub channel....usually....the sub channel will be stable to 2 or 1 ohm and give you better adjustments because it is geared towards driving a subwoofer. running a 4 channel gives you typically 4 ohm stability when bridged and there is nothing wrong with this, its the way we all did it for years. it will have less adjustability on the channels which in my opinion is no big deal, do everything else right and you wont need it. i would personally probably run a 4 channel and be done with it but, keep in mind that if you start running the front channels at 2 ohm and bridging the rear channels to run a sub or two you are going to be able to cook eggs on the amp..

smoker · Post by **smoker** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 4:23 am

oh and before any one reads my post and tries to type something in here about what he did or didnt say in his post..

this was a basic commentary on some of the more simple pros and cons of running a 4 channel amp vs running a multichannel amp with a dedicated sub channel. he may not have said he wanted to run it at 2 ohms on the front channels. he may not have said he only wanted a single sub or a pair....he may not even like eggs...he may not be a he, he may not be a she, i dont care. but i knew after i typed that that someone would come along and make an issue over the fact that he didnt say he was gonna do this or he said he was gonna do that so just to let you know.....it was commentary....not to be confused with the actual relaying of events as they may or may not have occured......in other words its my opinion about the situation and what may happen not an actual news brief on what did happen

Bwcad1 · Post by **Bwcad1** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 4:39 am

smoker wrote:oh and before any one reads my post and tries to type something in here about what he did or didnt say in his post..
this was a basic commentary on some of the more simple pros and cons of running a 4 channel amp vs running a multichannel amp with a dedicated sub channel. he may not have said he wanted to run it at 2 ohms on the front channels. he may not have said he only wanted a single sub or a pair....he may not even like eggs...he may not be a he, he may not be a she, i dont care. but i knew after i typed that that someone would come along and make an issue over the fact that he didnt say he was gonna do this or he said he was gonna do that so just to let you know.....it was commentary....not to be confused with the actual relaying of events as they may or may not have occured......in other words its my opinion about the situation and what may happen not an actual news brief on what did happen

This shit made me lol for about 6 mins.

simpleone71 · Post by **simpleone71** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 5:29 am

I'll probably go with a 4 channel amp then since they are much easier to find. I don't anticipate going to 2 ohm, but I guess we all know how these projects tend to grow. I'd just have to replace the amp or add an amp if I make changes later down the road.

Eggs are good, but not while I'm driving.

One final question. Can any 4 channel amp be bridged on the rear channels or does the amp need to say that it is bridgeable?

Thanks to everyone for all the help.

Ryan from Ohio · Post by **Ryan from Ohio** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 5:52 am

Almost all 4 channel amps are bridgeable.

Just make sure it has the low pass filter for the rear section.

If you still havent settled on a sub or amp let me make a recommendation:

http://americanbassusa.com/front/showco ... ?fileid=81

http://americanbassusa.com/front/showco ... ?fileid=67

Both of these can be had for less than the price of the MRP-F600 amp posted...

PM me for additional info.

simpleone71 · Post by **simpleone71** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 7:47 am

I'm still under the limit of posts before I can PM. :-O

I haven't decided on an amp or sub woofer or enclosure for the subwoofer yet. I'll def. take a look at these. Most things I've been viewing are on woofersetc. Are there internet retailers that sell the American bass, cause I don 't see them on woofersetc.