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#64298 - 29/01/2002 11:16 What amps are you guys running?
NicolasW
journeyman

Registered: 05/12/2001
Posts: 65
Loc: USA
Just curious what people are using....

Would also like to hear your comments on quality, sound, etc.

I personally have a Phoenix Gold M50 which is a great amp.
Thanks much,
Wes

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#64299 - 29/01/2002 11:26 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
SuperQ
addict

Registered: 13/06/2000
Posts: 429
Loc: Berlin, DE
I have an Xtant 403a, 2x50 1x125 @4ohm

I have it setup with a low pass on the 125W running @3ohms on a single 12" JL 12w6

and I have the ohm splitter module and a high pass module on the 2x50 to allow me to power all of my mains from the 2channel amp.. the only dis-advantage is that I don't have fader controls.. but it's balanced decently, so there isn't much of a problem.

I like the xtant because it has the internal modular slots on the line input, but they're built in so there is less cabling and less chance for input distortion. it also keeps the amount of wire-tangle down in the trunk.
_________________________
80gig red mk2 -- 080000125
(No, I don't actually hate Alan Cox)

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#64300 - 29/01/2002 12:18 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
rockstar
enthusiast

Registered: 24/11/2000
Posts: 316
PPI 4400.2 sounds great, using jl xr components in teh front and vr in the rear.

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#64301 - 29/01/2002 12:20 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
ithoughti
old hand

Registered: 17/07/2001
Posts: 721
Loc: Boston, MA USA
I have an old ass Targa Competition amp 100wx4 (i dont even think Targa exists anymore) running 2 kenwood 12" sealed box subs and my pioneer head unit running everything else. I built the boxes myself and I have plenty of room, so they are way bigger than they need to be, so the lows are distortion free. I think I entertain more people on the street than in my car.

//matt
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---------
//matt

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#64302 - 29/01/2002 12:31 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
tls
new poster

Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 8
I have an ESX Q604 (discontinued -- avoid newer ESX amps like the plague!) for the four main channels and an Infinity 102a (again, I believe this is discontinued) which is bridged to put 200W into the subwoofer (which is a Hsu in their prefab cylindrical enclosure -- takes a lot of space but cheap and sounds *beautiful*).

The way I picked the amps was simple; I went to www.mmxpress.com and bought whatever they recommended and had for cheap. I haven't bought from them in a while but it's been my experience in two Empeg installs of my own, one install into a friend's car, and various other car audio tinkering that MMXpress sells very good stuff at very good prices; it is hard to go wrong if you buy from them.

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#64303 - 29/01/2002 18:42 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
ClownBurner
member

Registered: 05/09/2000
Posts: 174
Loc: Irvine, CA USA
McIntosh Labs MC440. (4x50w, 2x100w). Smooooth.
_________________________
_____________ James Mancini

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#64304 - 29/01/2002 18:44 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: ClownBurner]
loren
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/08/2000
Posts: 3826
Loc: SLC, UT, USA
If you don't mind me askin'... how much did that McIntosh run ya? I'm researching some new amps..
_________________________
|| loren ||

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#64305 - 29/01/2002 18:46 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: ClownBurner]
nikko
member

Registered: 15/01/2002
Posts: 122
damn, i've not heard of any of these brands. I was just gonna use my 9 year old Kenwood 4 channel amp. Should that be adequate? It cost me about $500. Even if I bought a new one, I wasn't planning on spending more than that.

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#64306 - 29/01/2002 19:19 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: loren]
ClownBurner
member

Registered: 05/09/2000
Posts: 174
Loc: Irvine, CA USA
I actually picked it up used as part of a bunch of stuff, so I couldn't rightly say exactly. The going rate used is about $800.

The new one, the 404, I have no idea (about $1200, maybe?)
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_____________ James Mancini

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#64307 - 29/01/2002 20:19 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: ClownBurner]
NicolasW
journeyman

Registered: 05/12/2001
Posts: 65
Loc: USA
McIntosh is VERY nice!! My father has one of the OLD vacuum tube amplifiers in his home system, unbelievable. Very warm, like you're there with the band.

Is there a good place to pick them up used? I would imagine they're pretty rare.

Thanks much,
Wes

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#64308 - 29/01/2002 21:51 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
mp3freak
new poster

Registered: 20/09/2001
Posts: 17
Loc: Seattle, WA.. USA
Running the following;
Car, Xtant X1001(1000x1) and A4004(200x2 bridged)
Home, Sunfire Cinema Grand (200x5)
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John Karwoski MarkII 120Gig, MarkII 60Gig backup

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#64309 - 29/01/2002 22:38 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
ClownBurner
member

Registered: 05/09/2000
Posts: 174
Loc: Irvine, CA USA
Believe it or not, eBay has quite a few of 'em..
_________________________
_____________ James Mancini

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#64310 - 30/01/2002 05:26 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
DBALKUNJR
member

Registered: 17/12/2001
Posts: 194
I am running two McIntosh MC431M's 100x 4 each. Running one bridged to 250 x 2 for my subs and the other one is dedicated to my highs. Anyone ever get to listen to a set of Focal components? I am interested in the Utopia three way set for my Grand Prix and no one in Connecticut sells them. I am also looking for opinions on Diamond Audio Hex components.
Dave
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Dave

MK2 12Gb
MK2a 60Gb

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#64311 - 30/01/2002 09:42 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: DBALKUNJR]
ClownBurner
member

Registered: 05/09/2000
Posts: 174
Loc: Irvine, CA USA
Dunno about the Diamond audio, but the Focal's i've heard have been impressive. I was especially impressed by the 5WS.

I think the Focal's are a little picky about soundstaging and placement, at least that was my impression. If your speaker positions are very off-axis you might try them first if you can to see if you're happy with the response.
_________________________
_____________ James Mancini

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#64312 - 30/01/2002 10:05 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
skritch
journeyman

Registered: 22/12/2001
Posts: 56
Loc: San Jose, CA
I'm using a Profile California 640sx (75x4). Of course, I don't have a single clue what I'm doing when it comes to amps, and it probably shows in my choice -- which was based more on price than quality.
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#2529 [blue]Mk2a 10GB + Tuner[/blue] Original reg #3422 http://www.bitshift.org

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#64313 - 30/01/2002 10:27 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
seang
new poster

Registered: 14/05/2000
Posts: 28
McIntosh MC4000M and the optional EQ unit installed. 4x100 & 2x300. Exceptional amp but very wide! ~32 inches...
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Sean BMW [blue]/[/blue][purple]/[/purple][red]/[/red]M3 - 30 Gig [red]RED[/red] Mk2a RioCar

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#64314 - 30/01/2002 11:27 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: seang]
NicolasW
journeyman

Registered: 05/12/2001
Posts: 65
Loc: USA
Sean -
I've got an M3 also...where did you mount that thing??

Do you have any alternator whine problems? I can't seem to get rid of my noise. My next step is to ground the EMPEG with the amp in the trunk.
Wes

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#64315 - 30/01/2002 11:43 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
justinlarsen
old hand

Registered: 31/12/2001
Posts: 1109
Loc: Petaluma, CA
Ive Got One Eclipse 34230 (370W x 2 Channel 0.1% THD at 4Stereo, 20-20,[email protected] (RMS Continuous Power) For My Subs and then for my speakers im running Eclipse 36401 (60 x 4 Channel 0.1% THD at 2 Stereo @13.8V (RMS Continuous Power) Very Very Clean Sound, got greats deals on them and soild as a rock, good work on McIntosh, those are my dream amps, but very pricy

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---- Justin Larsen

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#64316 - 30/01/2002 11:52 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
Ruffles
member

Registered: 29/03/2000
Posts: 106
Loc: Seattle, WA
Soundstream Reference 405. It's an oldie but goodie. The rest of the system is Audiobahn crossover with remote control for JL Audio sub and MB Quart speakers.

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#64317 - 30/01/2002 12:29 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
ClownBurner
member

Registered: 05/09/2000
Posts: 174
Loc: Irvine, CA USA
Use the Crutchfield flowchart - it's excellent at isolating your problem, then take whatever you've identified as the source of the noise and ground it completely. Worked for me.
_________________________
_____________ James Mancini

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#64318 - 30/01/2002 14:00 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
trevorp
member

Registered: 08/06/2000
Posts: 144
Loc: Ft Lauderdale, FL
I'm running a Kicker IX404 (40x4). The 10" bazooka has a built in amp. The Kicker has plenty of power for the insides of an S-10 pickup.
_________________________
-Trevor

-----
Mk 2, Green 12GB, Tuner, 2.0b11, 080000349

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#64319 - 30/01/2002 20:33 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
seang
new poster

Registered: 14/05/2000
Posts: 28
No alternator whine for me except when I switch to the tuner. I had to use the harness extender that came with it so I'm betting that is the culprit. It is very, very faint. I only hear it when listening to the classical and soft rock stations here.

The MC4000M is mounted across the back seat (I don't have fold down seats). Fits perfectly with a couple of inches on each side for hookups. 4 gauge power runs thru a fuse to the battery (I'm so glad BMW put the battery in the trunk!) and a 4 gauge wire runs down the driver's side behind that plastic, removable floor panel. Below the taillight is a large bolt that is attached to the rear bumper. That's where I grounded the amp.

FWIW, I had a Sony MoblieES system before the Empeg with the same amp. Never had any alternator whine issues with this setup. Oh - my RCA cables run down the middle of the car, under the center console. I also have a 1.5 farad cap hooked up to the amp.
_________________________
Sean BMW [blue]/[/blue][purple]/[/purple][red]/[/red]M3 - 30 Gig [red]RED[/red] Mk2a RioCar

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#64320 - 30/01/2002 20:35 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
nlauver
new poster

Registered: 28/12/2001
Posts: 3
I'm running an a/d/s P440.

I neglected to mention that I'm very happy with the a/d/s amp. I have an alternator whine that I need to track down (I'm sure it's a grounding problem), but the a/d/s itself is crystal clear at all volumes. A friend of mine runs his empeg through an a/d/s 635 (I think) and his sounds great.

Neal


Edited by nlauver (30/01/2002 20:39)

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#64321 - 30/01/2002 20:41 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: nlauver]
jheathco
enthusiast

Registered: 21/12/2001
Posts: 326
Loc: Mission Viejo, California
I'm running an Alpine Flex4.... cheap amp (money-wise) but I personally think it's great quality. I'm just using a Kenwood monoblock amp to power my fosgate xlc subs in the back.

By the way, anyone else hate it when someone has crazy ass bass coming from a couple huge 15" woofers in the back and no amps/replaced speakers for their mids/highs? Personally, I think it ranks up there with the... well, basically it's just plain stupid. MHO.
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John Heathco - 30gig MKIIa w/ tuner module

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#64322 - 30/01/2002 21:31 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: mp3freak]
2003Tibby
new poster

Registered: 23/12/2001
Posts: 11
I'm running an Alpine MRD-F752, 75x4 @ 4 ohms + 250X1 @ 4 ohms into 4 Infinity Kappa 63.3i spakers and a JL Audio 12W3D4 sub, mighty nice setup if I do say so myself

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#64323 - 30/01/2002 22:37 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: 2003Tibby]
Dudemon
new poster

Registered: 30/01/2002
Posts: 10
So I'm looking for a good 4 channel amp, but being a new father don't wanna drain my wallet... Sounddomain.com has a lighting audio 4 channel 300 watt amp, the specs are as follows

Amplifier Type: Multi-Channel
RMS Power: 75W x 4
Bridged RMS Power: 200W x 2
THD at Rated RMS Power: n/a
Speaker Level Inputs: Yes
Preamp Outputs: Yes
Built-In Crossovers: HP/LP
Bass Boost: 12 dB
Frequency Response: n/a
Channel Separation: 50 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: > 90 dB
Fuse Rating: 2 x 25 amps

Is this suitable for use with Empeg and does anyone know if this is a decent amp?

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#64324 - 31/01/2002 00:21 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: nlauver]
hoagy
member

Registered: 19/08/1999
Posts: 116
Loc: Silicon Valley
I totally dig my a/d/s 640 also (6 x 40watt). Very clear sound. But it was way too pricey. I think if I had it to do again I'd get a higher end Alpine amp.

-Hoagy.

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#64325 - 31/01/2002 23:59 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: hoagy]
nlauver
new poster

Registered: 28/12/2001
Posts: 3
I agree that they're pretty pricey...although I'm sure nothing compared to the McIntosh amp that I saw earlier in this thread. Anyway, my friend and I both bought B-stock (refurbished) models on eBay at a greatly reduced cost and had good luck with them.

Neal

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#64326 - 02/02/2002 00:20 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: NicolasW]
jwickis
addict

Registered: 24/08/2000
Posts: 658
Loc: India
Profile California 300 watt rear
Lanzar 300 watt powered sub
Optimus (soon to be replaced) 50 watt front

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#64327 - 02/02/2002 06:00 Re: What amps are you guys running? [Re: jwickis]
jakobstone
journeyman

Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 70
Loc: Dallas, TX
I am running a Rockford Fosgate 4x160 for my mids and highs, and a Punch 75x2 for my subs.
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60 GB Blue Platinum Silver Subaru WRX Dallas, TX

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