Amp help

DracoPCGuy · 01-16-2008, 09:09 PM

ARG! I have been looking at amps all over. I wanna go to a store and actually look at some inperson I think before i make a final decsion. I really could use some good advice. i looked at the link posted on my other thread and basically its a good list but what I would like is ... I use this amp and it is great because...

What I would like to find is a small footprint if possible...I used to have an amp in my old old old car that was about 10x6 and it did decent on the stock speakers and drove the replacement speakers well too.

I have never ran 2 amps in a car at once. So thsi will be new to me when that happens but if I remember right I need just a normal make it louder/clearer amp for the speakers and then a boom boom amp for the subs(one that will split off the LOW bass from the signal).

Also am I understanding that the volume itself will be controlled by the computer when i want to raise or lower it...sorry stupid question but just want to be sure.

BYES BYES for now

Tuteuk · 01-18-2008, 04:48 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DracoPCGuy

ARG! I have been looking at amps all over. I wanna go to a store and actually look at some inperson I think before i make a final decsion. I really could use some good advice. i looked at the link posted on my other thread and basically its a good list but what I would like is ... I use this amp and it is great because...

What I would like to find is a small footprint if possible...I used to have an amp in my old old old car that was about 10x6 and it did decent on the stock speakers and drove the replacement speakers well too.

I have never ran 2 amps in a car at once. So thsi will be new to me when that happens but if I remember right I need just a normal make it louder/clearer amp for the speakers and then a boom boom amp for the subs(one that will split off the LOW bass from the signal).

Also am I understanding that the volume itself will be controlled by the computer when i want to raise or lower it...sorry stupid question but just want to be sure.

BYES BYES for now

Maybe look in the project threads...see what others are using...most project threads have lots of pics and such....well it's a place to start anyways...

Good Luck..

rijndael · 01-18-2008, 06:37 AM

you just need a basic understanding of the power requirements of yor car and what class amp you need.

go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_amplifier and read about the different amplifiers out there.

then when you understand that (or just pick up that class A is for audiophiles and Class D is for everyone else but still does a decent job) then...go look at your companies.

some companies make better products than others. I personally stay away from anything inside Wal*Mart and Best Buy when im buying an amplier, but if you dont care about sound quality, Best Buy just may work for you.

JL makes quality products
Rockford Fosgate make some quality products
Pioneer makes some decent sounding amplifiers
Kenwood i dont like as amplifiers, but they make some quality headunits
JBL i dont buy, but i have heard peoples systems with them, and it does sound good
Diamond i stay away from, but the D3 and D5 lines are good if you can find them
Pyle makes pyles of crap..i've heard stock stereos sound better in a 20 year old car
Blaupunct or however you spell it is trash in my opinion
Polk Audio was bought out maybe 5 or so years ago (if not more) and has been making trash in my opinion since then...even their new top of the line products

find a price point for what it is you want, take a look at the options you have, then go ask someone at a reputable audio install shop (not best buy or anything like that....im talking about real install shops like Audio Itch which we have here in Tampa). Ask them which they think is better, and they will most likely give you a straight up answer as well as try to sell you their stuff.

hopefully that helps you a bit...there is no end all be all with these things. if you need more assistance, look at my sig for a link to another thread i posted (i reposted from another forum and did not write the original). within that, you should be able to find a starting point.

good luck...
Rij

Lovecraft · 01-18-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DracoPCGuy

What I would like to find is a small footprint if possible...

Then look for a Class-T amp. Very small because they are digital. Alpine, Blaupunkt and many other manufacturers have made them.

Quote:

I have never ran 2 amps in a car at once. So thsi will be new to me when that happens but if I remember right I need just a normal make it louder/clearer amp for the speakers and then a boom boom amp for the subs(one that will split off the LOW bass from the signal).

Don't need 2 amps for this, there are single amps out there with 5 or 6 channels that will power 4 speakers and a sub. It all depends on your priorities and needs.

Quote:

Also am I understanding that the volume itself will be controlled by the computer when i want to raise or lower it...sorry stupid question but just want to be sure.

Yes, IF you are connecting the computer's sound card directly to the amp. Some head units have AUX-in so you could also control volume with the head unit.

Good luck on your build.

DracoPCGuy · 03-31-2008, 10:30 PM

This Topic is set. I ended up with a sony Explode Amp (600 watts) Its is alittle bigger footprint that I originally wanted but once I heard the quality of the sound for the price that I purchased it Iw as really happy. I went with a Tsunami 4 gauge amp kit. The amp calls for a 50 amp fuse and the kit came with a 30. That is lower obbiously but figure I would just try it and see what happens. I think it worked out pretty well. so I will go with it. I blow it i may put in a 40 or just get the 50 but I figure alittle lower to help portect the amp is that much better. I have a build post to keep track of the progress. You can see it at... http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/work...y-tracker.html ... infact I have pictures as info about the install up to this point.