Hi to all,

Here's my setup:

- Pioneer AVIC-D3 deck
- 6.5" Alpine Type-R components up front (SPR-17S)
- Alpine 5.25" Type-R speakers in the rear (SPR-13C)

I am leaning against running a sub, so I want to make sure that my speakers are properly powered. I don't want to spend a lot of money, but I want the speakers to be run to their full potential or close to it for a reasonable price. Not just running off the deck.

To me, a lot of 4 channel amps seem the same or very similar - I'm just looking to max out my setup without going to a sub setup. I'll probably pick something up on eBay or Craigslist in new or lightly used condition. Alpine, JL Audio, etc. preferred.

Suggestions appreciated!

 

$?????

 

Get a 2 channel and amp the fronts. No need to amplify rears...

MB quart discuss is good for the money and some of them make a ton of power. They are very similar to hifonics, crunch, autotek and a couple other brands.

The Alpine PDX amps have a ton of noise but are not bad if you are space limited.

JL amps are overpriced lumps that don't get you more power at lower resistances.

 

Or looked at a different way, JL amps with the RIPS feature don't lose power at higher impedances. It's all a matter of perspective.

When you're running 4 ohm speakers on each channel, it's nice to get all the power the amp is capable of, which doesn't happen with conventional amps.

 

JL is overpriced and has nothing more to offer then any other company.

Lower resistance should give you higher power. I'll take an amp that can get a little warm over one that makes the same power regardless of what you put it on...

 

Yes, and higher resistance should give you less power, assuming equal voltage. Conventional amplifiers are "geared" for one particular impedance (by their maximum rail voltage) at which they produce their optimized design power (typically 2 ohm per channel on a 4 channel car amp). When operated at 4 ohms per channel they make less than their optimal power output. This is a tradeoff, not an advantage.

An amp like a JL Slash or HD has the ability to switch "gears" depending on the impedance of the connected load, which allows optimal power to be available at higher impedances and at lower impedances. Rail voltage goes up with higher impedance loads and steps down with lower impedance loads.

If you find JL's to be overpriced, that's your call, but at least you should understand what they do and why they do it.

 

I've heard the rail voltage story a hundred times. They are great amps if you are buying jl equipment that lines out to resistances between 1.5-4 ohms. It is a great idea in terms of matching your equipment, but I dislike the lack to flexibility outside JL equipment.

I strongly considered the slash series amps when I purchased my equipment, but educated myself and spoke to the shop around their recommendations. I'll take my Diamond amps D5 and D7 amps over the slash or HD series any day.

The JL's are nice, but aren't really an sq or spl featured amp. They sound good, but not great. They make good power, but not good power for the money. They offer flexibility, but only within the realm of JL products.

JL engineers can do great things with drivers. Although pricey the W7 is a great woofer. I have just been dissapointed with thier amps. Some people want an amp that makes rated power. I want one that makes more...

 

I've been using a memphis audio amp, I have a JL sub and love it, I've had my JL stuff for 5 years and love them-no problems, memphis audio is on the same level of JL audio, just a smaller price tag, however, just keep in mind you get what you pay for