Amps: Most bang for the buck?

[AZhitman]

Looking for a really inexpensive (i.e. USED or EBAY) 4-channel (or 6-ch) amp to run the system in my 'vert...

Probably gonna go with infinity or Polk 6.5's in the rear and 4x6's in front, possibly a bass tube in trunk...

I used to buy Jensen stuff for just cheap power, but they've really gone downhill.

So what brands are out there for lots of power, relatively clean, for under $100?

[Hellion240sx]

jensen hasn't gone down hill. i had a friend pusing one 12 in his hatch that was amazing!

[Simmsled]

Jensen is entry level and they have been consistant for the most part in recent years. They are a real amp company and not a "chip amp" company. I would say that they offer the about the best stuff you can get for the price. The lightning audio amps are cheap but offer some good qualities. I believe you can get them at Best Buy.

[MECPInstaller]

Autotek's ss line wasn't too bad, used to have a 400watt 4 channel running on pair of 12's for my first system. Wasn't bad seeing i paid around 150 for one brand new in box. Only minor downfall was on a summer day and pounding the hell out of my subs the amp would try going into protection for afew seconds. Had the trunk of my buick skylark heavily sealed soundeadened so it soaked up and kept the heat.So yeah Autotek, the bolt line of lightning, might be able to find a cheap used pioneer on ebay, or possibly an audiobahn, you just can't go wrong with one lol;).

[sidewaySilvia]

maan ooooohhh maaaaaannn .. its been a while since ive been on.. being that i dont have a computer and just use my phone for access( which is now broken!! ===D (l) right in there yup.. ha .. anyway whuts up mecp . ayjay .. quick reply .. you should get a kenwood amp.. any best buy , pc. richard , maybe circuit city.. very,very good bang for the buck.. ask to demo one at a retailer.. people dont know about the quality of these mutha's for the bang bang$$ or you could just stick with jensen

[AZhitman]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I am running a Jensen 600w in 4-ch mode in NICOmom's Pathy with four Polk Audio 6.5's and it just doesn't sound as clear as I'd like (all Monster Cable and gold terminals)...

Might buy her a good amp and throw the Jensen in the 'vert...

If anyone has something laying around I might be in the market.

Thanks again for the advice, i'll check out some of these suggestions.

[PoorManQ45]

I am running a Jensen 600w in 4-ch mode in NICOmom's Pathy with four Polk Audio 6.5's and it just doesn't sound as clear as I'd... /QUOTE]Sometimes, what sounds unclear in one car will sound clear in another car.

(all Monster Cable and gold terminals)

Not ment to be rude or anything

First, monster cables are a waste of money. They do not produce any audible/visual difference in quality when compared to standard Cable

Um... why are you using gold terminals? Gold is ~26% less conductive than copper. I would suggest switching to copper terminals. This would allow for better signal transfere.


Modified by PoorManQ45 at 4:24 PM 9/29/2004

[AZhitman]

I bought this one.

http://www.carsound.com/review....html

Thanks for the guidance guys!

p.s. Quality, proper gauge speaker cable IS important. However, I switched to copper terminals on your recommendation.

[PoorManQ45]

That looks like a descent amp.

However, I switched to copper terminals on your recommendation.

Say wha? Can it be, I actually influenced the owner/admin.

[AZhitman]

Just picked up a pair of Infinity Reference Series 6.5" components and a pair of Infinity Reference Series 3-way 6.5" speakers, as well as a Sony passive EQ with sub-out... Got a cheap Majestic amp to bridge to run the 8" Bazooka.

Should be enough for the 'vert without breaking the bank - Total cost for everything: $275.

[AZhitman]

I would suggest switching to copper terminals. This would allow for better signal transfere.

BTW, wrong again.

http://www.gold.org/pr_archive...e.pdf

Put my gold-plated connectors BACK on, as copper corrodes WAY too fast.

There's a reason the industry standard is gold-plated.

[PoorManQ45]

Put my gold-plated connectors BACK on, as copper corrodes WAY too fast.

Even though copper corrodes, that does not really matter. Copper is a very unique metal. The built up corrossion still conducts electricity very good.

If you don't want it to corrode, I suggest you use Die-Electric grease or some other anti-oxidant.

There's a reason the industry standard is gold-plated.

And that would be that they can get more money for it.

[Simmsled]

AZ, you are a smart shopper. You get a star!

[AZhitman]

Goodie for me!

Mr. Simmons, I'll probably be bugging you when all my stuff arrives.... I have some questions about ohms and such.