Need Help Picking Out an Amp

[lebewohl]

So I really hate the stock sound system - couldn't afford the Bose model. I got the following speakers as presents:

Polk Audio DB5251https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Au...r=1-9

Polk Audio DB651shttps://www.amazon.com/Polk-Au...r=1-3

I'm looking an amp to power these speakers. I've been eyeing MB Quart Discus DSC4125 but after reading what you guys have to say about MB Quart, I'm having second thoughts.

(https://www.amazon.com/MB-Quart-DSC4125 ... 873&sr=1-2)

This is my first car audio purchase in over ten years. I used to rely on Clarion and MB Quart but now I hear both aren't what they used to be.

I listen to mostly classical with some bebop and motown from time to time. I need clarity across all registers and rich mids.

Please let me know what you guys recommend. I don't want to spend too much more than $200.

Thanks!

[AppleBonker]

Yeah Champaign! U of I grad here.

Could be tricky since the speaker sets don't handle the same power. I'm assuming you have a sedan due to the fact that you have two pairs of 6.5" speakers? If so, how do you feel about amping only the front two, and running the rears off the deck? Actually, that brings me to another question, what head unit do you have? Is it stock? With those answered I can give some better advice.

[lebewohl]

I'm keeping the stock head unit. And yes, I have the sedan (2009).
Modified by lebewohl at 9:39 PM 3/31/2010

[AppleBonker]

I'm keeping the stock head unit. And yes, I have the sedan (2009).

Well, this is probably a first for me. I don't normally recommend this brand, but at your price point I think it might be the best option:

JL Audio J2 320.4

The reason I don't generally recommend JL, is they tend to be a bit overpriced. But, compared to the other options in this price range, they are about even for specs. If specs are all the same and price is the same as well, I'd take JL over a lot of those other brands.

Also, there is a member here who goes by Broadfield. He pops in every now and again. He works at a shop in Normal (definitely not too far from you). I believe he carries JL stuff, and he usually can get a good price for people on these forums. You might want to try to track him down. If I see him posting on here, I'll send him to this thread. He may be able to get you a good price on that amp, or recommend another option that would fit your needs. This is his user profile which has his email address.

[Vital]

If u're going with POLK (which is what i have an VERY pleased with) i'd recommend Polk Audio PA500.4 amp. Just set gain on the channel powering 60W speakers less then 100W speakers.

While we're at it - DB6501 also fit in the front door (at least in sedan), even thou per Crutchfiled they don't. Might wanna get those instead of 5251.

And while we're at improving Polk might i suggest you MM series insead of DB. DB are great speakers without a doubt but u're hear more details in MMs.

[lebewohl]

Thanks, Vital. I will look into the Polk Audio amp. I already have the speakers - got them as gifts - so I can't look at any others.

[Broadfield]

I received your email. I'll be replying back later tonight. I have equipment in any price category, so I'm sure we can find something that addresses your needs.

Apple, I would actually stay clear of the J2 stuff. That is the TMA (Total Mobile Audio) gear that JL use to help design, but manufactured in Taiwan/China. Now they brand it as JL Audio with the same price point. I'd rather get him into an Alpine MRP series for that price. Now the new JL Audio XD amplifiers are pretty cool. Substantially smaller than the PDX and even the JL HD amplifiers.... but maybe slightly out of his price range.

[AppleBonker]

Apple, I would actually stay clear of the J2 stuff.

I stand corrected. Listen to this guy, he knows his stuff. I spend too much time researching the gear that will cost me the most, so I'm not as familiar with stuff in the normal person's price range. I'm definitely not normal.

[SuBXeRo]

mb quart was something i had looked at for a while and with all the changes i wouldnt plunk down money to test it unless i had excess cash which i dont.

Check out sundown audio amps, they have a 4 channel amp that could work for you. IF i had to pick a 4 c hannel amp i would go with them, they are affordable at about 350 bux i think. JL makes good amps but they are a bit overpriced IMO and more for the showey.