Question: Need input on 4CH. Amp

**IntellaWorks** · 01-15-2005, 12:10 PM

I've been searching for quite sometime. I'm trying to decide on what amp I should buy and I need your input.

I'm replacing my existing audio system with my PC, I've finally finished the custom dash and I'm in the early stages for planning my audio hardware install. I need a good 4CH amp to power my stock 04 tacoma speakers. Eventually I'd like to throw in some better speakers but for now just to power the stocks. I've been to car audio shops around where I live and most of thier 4CH amps are a little overpriced... 4 X 40 RMS for like 270.00.

I've also searched on Ebay and have seen all different ranges of prices. I'd basically like a Decent amp thats not overly priced but will perform nicely with my stock speakers and eventually with higher end speakers...

Thanks for your input guys / gals.

**silencery** · 01-15-2005, 12:56 PM

Zapco makes an excellent line of entry-level amps with the iForce label. I'm using the Zapco iForce 450 right now which is absolutely fantastic for my purposes. The 1st two channels run the fronts and i'm bridging the 3&4 channels for the sub. For your configuration you could easily use the 3/4 channels to run the rears. I'm not quite sure if this is what you're looking for, but if so, I'd highly recommend it.

I believe they're going for under $200 on various places online. If you have a hard time finding one, try the guys at www.indoaudio.com/ (their phone and email are in their profile somewhere). Thats where I got mine.

**edscholl** · 01-16-2005, 08:57 PM

get a refurb. $80.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...744489387&rd=1

**RedGTiVR6** · 01-17-2005, 07:03 AM

what are you looking to spend?

you want good quality but you think that $200 is too much? I'm a little confused there....

what specs are you looking at when looking at amps?

do you already have your speakers? if so what are they and what are their ratings? you need to buy an amp that is compatible with those speakers.

keep in mind that what will kill a speaker quicker than anything is too LITTLE power, over powering will NOT kill a speaker that quickly, contrary to what many believe.

alpine, mtx, JL, Xtant, Zapco, all make good amps.....

try and stay away from the real cheap stuff, you won't be happy with it....

for instance, Boss, Jensen, etc.

and AudioBahn is just flashy.....IMO any company that has to resort to using BLING to sell their stuff is covering up for something and spending the money on BLING instead of quality

what amps have you been looking at?

**IntellaWorks** · 01-17-2005, 02:02 PM

Thanks for the responses thus far.

Right now, I need an amp to power my stock 04' tacoma speakers. Eventually I'd like the same amp to power a better set.

I've been looking at cheaper amps, because i feel as though they wont be so powerful as to destroy my stock speakers... But I also dont want to regret spending a little more to get a decent amp.. I'm looking at the alpine 4*50 (forget the model number)

**RedGTiVR6** · 01-17-2005, 06:58 PM

absolutely go with the alpine then

you can't go wrong with it and if youa re worried about overpowering your stock speakers....TURN THE GAIN DOWN!!!! that's all it takes!

**LATEOTT** · 01-17-2005, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

absolutely go with the alpine then

you can't go wrong with it and if youa re worried about overpowering your stock speakers....TURN THE GAIN DOWN!!!! that's all it takes!

I concur.

Alpine makes great stuff, with reliable RMS claims. They are a little spendy sometimes but great quality.

You can check out sounddomain.com. They often have amazing closeout deals on last years' models. I got a great deal on an Xtant amp that makes me happy every time I drive my car!

Also millionbuy.com often has good closeout deals.

And Red GTi is absolutely correct. YOU control whether you blow your speakers or not, no matter how much power you have. Gain control and Volume knob are a great place to start....

**ill_ace** · 01-17-2005, 07:22 PM

hifonics amps are also good. they are not very expensive and you can find them all over ebay

**DallasCamaro** · 01-17-2005, 07:57 PM

Yeah, no matter if you have an amp that puts out 2000 watts or 40 watts, if you turn it up the the same volume, the same amount of power is going through the speakers. The only difference is that you could turn the big amp up alot more, but you'll go deaf too. And don't worry, it'll be time to replace those stock speakers soon no matter what system ya got, it's just a fact that no stock speakers are really designed to last too long. Actually, you got a Toyota, and I've actually found that toyota uses some of the better stock speakers of all the manufacturers <Before you all call me dumb, I'm referring to basic stock car stereos, not high-end luxury cars and fancy sound systems>.

**IntellaWorks** · 01-18-2005, 05:59 AM

alright, I;m going with the alpine thanks to everyone here... I think I'm also going to upgrade the speakers as well... Alpine f240 4ch AMP.

I got 5.25 components in the front and 5.25's (non component) in the rear...

Whats your thoughts about sticking with the same speaker brand throughout the car ?? Is this common or uncommon ?? You guys that compete, what do you typically do here ?? Any recommendations... I'd like to spend about 150 in the front and 150 in the rear I think that leave me with enough breathing room for a decent pair...