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Old Mar 13, 2004 | 01:37 AM
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Default Need amp suggestions

Installing a set of Focal 165 K2's and 1 10" Solobaric into the SS. Now I need to find an amp to power these. I've tried to look around at what's out there, but there are so many choices that it's very overwhelming.

The Focal's will handle 100 watts at 4 ohms, and the solobaric will handle I think 450 watts at 2 ohms. Would I be better off going with a 2 channel amp for the Focal's and a seperate mono amp for the solobaric? Or could I use a 4 channel amp and power all of em? I'm not looking to compete or be heard 5 miles down the road, but I do want a good sounding system that I can hear over my exhaust (cam/headers/true duals).
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Old Mar 13, 2004 | 05:34 AM
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I would do 2 amps for better control. I myself would go with 2 zapco 350's and their EQ with symbolinc (sp). Not cheap but you cant beat it.
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Old Mar 13, 2004 | 09:10 PM
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i have a clarion apx1000.1 digital on my L7 10 (500watts to 2 ohms)... wouldnt do it any other way now.. =) (came from about 300 watts on it with my old setup)
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Old Mar 13, 2004 | 11:26 PM
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you noticed a big difference between running 300 watts and 500 watts to 1 sub?
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 11:51 AM
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buy SoundStream
Their amps are really nice and are underrated too
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 12:55 PM
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Whats your budget? And what do you want to accomplish? Depending on your answers, therin will be your answer.

On a budget perhaps a single 4 channel amp bridged to three channels.

Want a little more control and can spend a little more money a pair of amps and a good electronic x-over. JBL is a good all around performer but not the best.

Or how about settle for a good Xtant 3 channel amp that will give you outstanding SQ, and ample volume. However, you will not win any SPL awards with it.
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Gregg 00SS
you noticed a big difference between running 300 watts and 500 watts to 1 sub?



(of course thats a sub thats rated for 600 RMS, i dont know if you have the L5 or L7.. mine's L7)
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by raceguy333


(of course thats a sub thats rated for 600 RMS, i dont know if you have the L5 or L7.. mine's L7)

Generally speaking doubling your amplifier power will only give you some 3db of increase. No more. 3db is nothing, and barely perceptible. But then again sound is subjective....
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by unredeemed
Generally speaking doubling your amplifier power will only give you some 3db of increase. No more. 3db is nothing, and barely perceptible. But then again sound is subjective....
well, the old amplifier was a sony rated at 360watts RMS... i really doubt it was putting that out... thats why i say 300. i dont know if it was even putting out that much RMS. the clarion is a much better piece, and i definately heard a difference...maybe the stereo shop wired the first one wrong (wrong ohm load to get the full power of the amp), but there was an increase in volume, and i am much happier with the clarion
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 05:20 PM
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If you want amps that will put out good power I would recommend JL Audio amps. I have done a bunch and never had a person tell me they were disastisfied. For the interiors I would get a JL300/2 does 150 watts X 2. For the subs I would look at a JL1001 1000X 1 and it has a regulated power supply so you always get 1000 watts regarldess of the voltage(most of the time) and at almost any ohm load.
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 06:25 PM
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I looked at JL's but they are kind of spendy. I've kind of got my eye on getting a pair of RF 501S's. 1 to run my Focals and 1 for the sub. I believe it will put out 125 x 2 at 4 ohms, and 500 x 1 at 4 ohms bridged. That would work out perfectly for what I need.
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 06:26 PM
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If your interested in JLs I can get them new in the box for a good deal. PM if your interested.
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 11:53 PM
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I don't think you will go wrong with the RF's. They make very good equipment for the price you pay.
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Old Mar 19, 2004 | 07:58 AM
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It's all about Phoenix Gold. I have a ZX350 that I have been running into the ground for going on 7 years now. Everyday POUNDING and it has never let me down. I bought an amp to replace the 350 (right place right time) figuring I would have it there for when the 350 blew up. The replacement is still chillin out in my garage.
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Old Mar 26, 2004 | 05:54 PM
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hey I was wondering you failed to mention if your l5 was 2ohm or 4ohm.also the l5 is 300 rms. there is still a couple good options using a single amp. kick has two that would work for your usage. 600.4 and 800.4. kicker's also have sub woofer controls and variable crossovers built in. I currently have a 12" l5 in my care with the 600.4 and my k2 compents on it and it works great. sorry if I sound like I'm adevertising for kicker but I've used them for year's and know how vesatiale there are.
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