new sound system, need amp

I have a 03 Cavalier and I'm planning on installing a new system. I'm using Polk db 6501 for the front a rear speakers and a Kenwood x592 head unit. I have everything except for an amp picked out. I did find a Power Acoustik amp but am skeptical about it, anyone have experience with them? The criteria that the amp needs to fit is: under $300 maybe more, 100watt RMS x 4 channels at 4ohms, I'll settle for 90w RMS, .1% or less THD, 95 or higher SNR, AB class, and I would like for it to has variable bass boost for all 4 channels. I know it's a tough one but I'm sure there's something out there.

Thanks!

I have a question for you guys on the THD and SNR. I've been finding great amps like the Kicker650.4 but it has a THD rating of 1% and a SNR of 95dB is this bad? I'm sorry if it's a dumb question, but as you can tell I'm a complete newb and need some guidance.

Thanks again.

Don't get caught up in the numbers, THD, SNR, slew rate etc. Any THD numbers below 1% and it makes no difference. The class D amps have improved enough to rival the class A/B amps.

I would not recommend the Power Acoustic.

Yes, the Kicker 650.4 would work fine. Alpine PDX 4.100 is gaining praise. Variable bass boost is something not encouraged to use. It's a band aid for other issues.

audiocableguy, Why do say "Variable bass boost is something not encouraged to use. It's a band aid for other issues."? I thought it was just a feature to well...get "more" bass if you want it, kinda like the head unit's bass boost.

What do you think about my soon to be set up?
Kicker ZX650.4
Polk Audio DB6501 components (front and rear, I'm not big into heavy bass)
Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X592
Kicker CK44 4 channel amp install kit
RAAMmat everything (including floorboards)

I'm open to suggestions on changing some things. I don't want to break the bank, but I do want quality.

Thanks

Forgot to add...I'm planning on using Q-Forms kick panels for the front install. Unless you guys see a better way around NOT cutting into the door (metal or plastic) to fit the 6 1/2's.

Has anyone ever used the Q-Form kick panels before?

99% of Q-forms will only fit a 5.25" in them and they are very flimsy. Be prepared to modify them. It is a easy job for a qualified installer to put in 6.75" woofers into the stock location in the door, consider getting this done for you if you cannot do it yourself. Throw the Power Acrapstick in the outhouse where it belongs. Infinity makes a nice amp in this area for you to consider in the Reference 7541A (111w rms x 4).  Are you in Canada or the US? (note....update your user info to tell everyone) this way if we need to send you to someone we can direct you to the appropriate business.

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

How much amperage would that kicker suck from my alternator? It's rated 120x4, but I will only be sucking 100x4 max. My current OEM alt. is only rated to produce 80 amps I think. Should I be looking for a higher output alt?

The wiring kit from kicker that I want to buy has a 100A fuse, so that means that anything over that it'll blow the fuse correct? It also has 16 gauge wire, which I believe will big enuf...am I wrong on this?

forbidden, I looked at the infinity and it's nice, but I just like the kicker amp more. The other 2 I found where, Polk Audio PA500.4 and Alpine MRP-F600. But I like the idea behind the controls for the kicker being on top. It'll make it easy for adjustments where I plan to mount it.

i have a 2004 cavalier with the q-form kickpanels.  once set up and properly and secured in place they actually become preety rigid.  Forbidden is right about them only being able to fit 5.25 inch drivers, this is the case for the cavalier.  As for an amp i wuld recommend ther JBL px 300.4 a great amp and you can get it for about 300 if you look around.

ragsports, do you have any pictures of them installed? Q-form offers a 6 1/2" model as well as the 5 1/2". Unless you guys are saying that it's not really a 6 1/2" and just marketed that way, which I would sadly believe.

ragsports, Did you need to upgrade your alternator to run all of that, or is that what the battery is for? Thanks for the pix, I love the set up. Have you ever had any problems with people kicking or damaging the speakers/tweeters?

yes the alt is upgraded..  Without an upgraded alt, the power being pulled from the amps wouldent be able to be replaced fast enough creating a strain on your whole electrical system..  I was also worried about people damaging my speakers, they havent gotten damaged in 3 years..  if someone new is getting into my car i just ask them to be careful of the speakers on the floor..  With that being said they really dont take up that much legroom anyways. they seem to be off to the side and out of the way..  thanks for the positive comments!!

For the price of the Q-forms however, a good installer can hide the speakers in the stock location.....

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

This is a good point. Pluse you already have the 6.5 inch speakers..  if you decide to use the Q-forms you will have to get 5.25 inch speakers, i guess it comes down to personal preference and what you really want.  Compare prices on either way you could go and find a good installer in your area. 

I haven't bought anything yet. I'm still trying to put my list together, and find the best deals. Reason I'm not wanting to add speakers to the door is because I'm thinking of adding a couple 6.5inch Kicker SS Mid Bass drivers. But that idea is slowly going down the toilet, and the thought of 2 8" Comp CVR's in the trunk is looking pretty good powered by a 2 channel amp.

Thanks for all the help guys. Keep the suggestions coming.

I have a cav also, and you can easily make a 1/2" or 3/4" spacer that will allow you to hide the speaker. Preferably 1/2" if there's enough clearance between the magnet and window to keep the speaker from hitting the door panel during full excursion.

Plus if you have the wood lying around already it's free, and if you don't it's only like $10 for a sheet of 1/2" particle board which you can also use to make an amp rack if you so choose.

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2003 Chevy Cavalier coupe