jokrj

I am trying to figure out the simplest way to set up my system. I have 2)10" MTX THUNDER 8000 subs 400watt rms and 4) infiniti reference speakers, 2)6 1/2s and 2)4x6s. I want to know what the best and least amount of amps I can go with to power these speakers. I was looking at the JL audio 1000/1 for the subs and the JL audio 300/4. I saw these on sonic electronix. Is this the best place to purchase them?

ronjon228

Not trying to start a flame war, but you can do MUCH better than JL Audio amps for the same or lesser money. Their amps are quality, but the price is inflated grossly because of the name.

I'd suggest you get rid of the 4x6's first. Then if the 6.5's aren't a component set, get yourself a nice 6.5 comp set. The Phoenix Gold RSD's are 87.00 shipped (US) on Ebay. For the money, they simply can't be beat. Then, for the amp, you have a few choices.

If you absolutely want the best, check out US Amps, Zapco, McIntosh, or even Mmats. They aren't cheap, but they are regarded as the best amps out there. I may have forgotten a few, but those 4 manufacturers are much better than JL in my opinion.

If you want to spend a bit less, and still get the same quality as JL, if not better, check out Memphis or even Soundstream. Great amps and the prices aren't through the roof like JL.

For a budget ended solution, you can always check out Hifonics or Cadence.

Myself, I am looking at a couple of Cadence amps. The TXA line is phenomenal for price to performance and that's my cup of tea. If I had more money to spend, I'd go with either Memphis or Zapco most likely.

For your setup, you could get by with even just 1 amp. If you go with a 5-channel amp, check out the Memphis 600MCH 1300MCH. The 600 does 55x4 (4ohms), 400x1 (1ohm) and the 1300 does 75x4 (4ohms), 1100x1 (1ohm). It's a phenomenal amp because you can run any it 4+1 channel and the amp channel is a dedicated D class amp. Also, the sub channel does 1ohm stable depending on your subs voice coils and ohm rating. Here's a link.

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...date+Selection

__________________

jokrj

Thanks for the reply. My speakers are all Infiniti reference that I got at BEST BUY. I have a 2003 GMC SIERRA and that is what they told me to get. What should I replace the 4x6s with? I need whatever will fit in my factory locations. The one person I talked to said that I can hurt my subs by underpowering them and that I need something that will supply a true 400rms watts to them. If I could get away with one amp that would be great as I am trying to keep it simple and dont have alot of space to spare.

jokrj

When I said they told me I needed a true 400watts rms for my subs I meant to say EACH. So from what I understand I need an amp capable of a true 800 watts rms? I took a look at the link for the memphis amps. I wish I knew more about this stuff there are way too many choices and unless you hear them in action you dont know.

ronjon228

Well your first problem is listening to the people at Best Buy. They aren't paid to know car audio. They are paid to sell it. Most of them have never actually done an install themselves in their lives. I realize some are knowledgeable, but in general never let Best Buy, Circuit City, or other chains of the like tell you about car audio.

I've been building car audio setups for 10+ years so I know what I'm talking about. I'm not an expert by any means, but I won't give you bad information, that much I can assure you.

As for underpowering, yes, it's an easy way to blow an amp. However, if you know how to set gains you can basically use almost any amp with almost any speakers. That, coupled with the fact that those Memphis amps are most likely grossly under rated, I think you'd be fine even with the MCH600. I've been running 500watt RMS Pioneers @ 250watts RMS (or less) for 3 years and never had a problem. It just depends on how loud you want things to be. If you want LOUD, then go with the MCH1300. That amp would make those subs retarded loud, that much I know. And Memphis makes top quality stuff, especially the Memphis Belles.

For the speakers, just omit those 4x6's. Rear fill kills any chance of getting a good sounding setup unless you go active tuning and have the knowledge to do so. Get 1 good component set. It will come with 6.5" drivers, crossovers, and tweeters. It will drastically improve your sound stage and sound quality. With a nice set of 6.5 drivers, tweeters, and those subs, you'll have a great sounding setup. Especially if you go with a quality amp.

__________________

Mikey-Z

See ronjon's suggestions:

An alternative to the amp is to get the ED Nine.5, they're on closeout sale right now for $350 shipped:

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=550

4x100w@4ohm / 175w@2ohm should be enough for your comps

1x600 1ohm stable would leave 300 per sub.

Should be plenty for what you have right now. Be prepared to mount the gigantor amp though, cuz it's huge.

jokrj

Well every thing sounded great til that last line, as I have limited space but I am definitely considering the one amp installation now. I guess the other thing I need is to find as compact as an amp as possible. I definitely appreciate everyones input so far. Now I just have to figure out what to do. There are too many choices nowadays that is for sure. That sounds like a pretty good price if it is a quality piece. I myself am not familiar with it but will look at the link, thanks!