MA Audio Amplifiers

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=1982
Printed Date: September 19, 2025 at 12:11 AM

Topic: MA Audio Amplifiers

Posted By: orion157
Subject: MA Audio Amplifiers
Date Posted: July 16, 2002 at 12:41 PM

Does anybody here use or have any experience with MA Audio's amplifiers? I'm considering their amps for an install in an SUV (1999 GMC Jimmy) since they can be flush mounted, but I was hoping to get some feedback on them before I go spending the cash.

Thanks

Orion157 - Seattle, WA

Replies:

Posted By: GlassWolf
Date Posted: July 16, 2002 at 2:53 PM

nice looking amplifiers. heh love that flat chrome look.
they also have very nice connectors.. all screw terminals and take very large gauge wiring.

I hear mixed reviews on the quality though.. there are better amps for the money
considered McIntosh?

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-GlassWolf
Pioneer Stage-4, Orion, DynAudio, Fi

Posted By: orion157
Date Posted: July 17, 2002 at 10:54 PM

I was mainly considering the MA Audio amps for subwoofer application only. The THD of their amps seems a bit high for driving much anything else.

I've looked at the McIntosh amps, but there's only one dealer in my area (ie within a 100 mile radius), and the pricing is significantly higher than I can get on the MA Audio stuff.

The other line of amps I've been looking at is Planet Audio. Any experience with them?

-Orion157 - Seattle, WA

Posted By: GlassWolf
Date Posted: July 18, 2002 at 7:32 AM

no idea on planet audio. THD ratings can be misleading. don't put too much into that. most people can't hear distortion below 1$ anyway, and not below 10% in a typical car. THD can also be measured several ways which can be very misleading. Listen to the amps instead of basing opinions on numbers. That's my suggestion. Older MA Audio I'd been told was junk. Their new amps are supposed to be pretty good. I saw an X-series recently and it appeared to be a pretty solid amp.

McIntosh is expensive because they are one of the best. It's a case of getting what you pay for in that case.

No idea on planet audio. JL Audio and MTX have some good amplifiers, Rockford Fosgate is good, I've heard Memphis is good but haven't gotten to mess with them myself yet. Those are a few alternatives.

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-GlassWolf
Pioneer Stage-4, Orion, DynAudio, Fi

Posted By: orion157
Date Posted: July 18, 2002 at 10:14 AM

No argument on McIntosh from me, they definitely are one of the best. If had the money and was building a pure SQ system, that's definitely one way I would go as their amplifiers are definitely worth the money posted_image . However, I'd like to do SQ and SPL, and I don't have 2+ grand for for just the amps.

I understand what you mean on the THD ratings as it's pretty much like the rest of the ratings, you can measure them several different ways and get several different results.

I've been getting mixed feedback on Rockford Fosgate in recent years, so I'm not sure about them either at the moment. Never have heard any actual hard complaints on the JL stuff, mixed info on the MTX amps.

I guess I should grab an MA Audio SY5011DX and a Planet Audio 850d (or 1250d) and do some testing both on the bench and in a vehicle...

If I can get my hands on the amps, I'll post my results here for everyone.

-Orion157-
Seattle, WA

Posted By: GlassWolf
Date Posted: July 18, 2002 at 6:18 PM

sounds good. lemme know how it goes

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-GlassWolf
Pioneer Stage-4, Orion, DynAudio, Fi