JL Audio Slash or "E" series amps

Went to the JL Audio web site and read up on the amps.  It seems like the Slash series amps are better than the "E" series amps.  In the Slash series I did not see any D class amps or any which utilized the plug in Remote Bass Control.

1.  Can anyone give me the scoop or point me to a good tutorial on A, A/B, D or T classifications for amps and which is best for what applications?

2.  Which series of amps is best for me? {E series or Slash}

I have {4} 6.75" speakers to power and a single 10" JL 250 watt sub in a stealth box

I would stick with the Slash series depending on your budget. The *E* series amps are JL's cheaper line and are only about half as good as the slash series.

Chris

Class D is the best class for subwoofers because they are the most efficient of all of the classes.  They can achieve the most output with a given power.  Class D amps also respond well to impedence drops (like when you bridge it for a woofer or you have dual voice coil woofers).

Class AB and A are the best for speaker/midrange amps.  They have the lowest THD (total harmonic distortion) and achieve the cleanest noise.  As you may know, woofers dont need the cleanest power, but speakers do.  The cleaner the better is always the way to go, but with woofers, power efficiency is just more important.  So...

Subwoofers = Class D amps

Speakers / Midrange = Class AB or Class A amps

Hope this helps.

Thanks to both for your responses.  

I will go with the better series 300/4 amp from the higher end Slash series for my mids/highs

Here is the confusion - unless I missed something there isn't a D class amp in the Slash series only in the E series.  Should I go for the lower quality amp for the sub {single 10" JL 4 ohm sub in a stealth box} to get the D class or go for a quality amp in A A/B class?

Not true. The Slash series amps are *D* Class.

https://www.jlaudio.com/amps/pdfs/500_1_MAN.pdf

Scroll to the bottom and read the specifications.

Chris

Thanks Chris, I wish that 500.1 amp would fit in my truck!  I found the PDF for the 300/4 Slash amp and it is A/B.  The 250.1 Slash amp is made just for subwoofers and is a D.  My decision is made! 

Now if I could figure out a way to incorporate a Remote Bass Control knob into the system.  Any ideas?

The 500.1 is actually does not have that big of a footprint coming in at 13.4"L x 9.25"W x 2.36"H, Plus you can the bass control know with it as with the 250.1 you don't have that option.

Does your head unit have a built in subwoofer control? If not, you might want to look into a unit that has the controls built in like the Aplines Do. I am running an Alpine 9833 and it hase built in crossovers and sub controls and I love it.

Chris

I mistook the 500.1 for the 500.5, which would have allowed me to run everything off of 1 amp instead of two.

My head unit is an Alpine CDA-9830 with sub outs.  Would it be better to use the Alpine settings rather than the JL audio settings for my system?  Does the Remote Bass Control mak that big of a difference?

I am pretty sure the knob is just the gain control with a cord (basically)

As far as using the x-overs, you can use either one, deck or amp, it won't matter. Just make sure you use only one, don't double them up.

I use the the internal crossover in my head unit and I love it. I also use the sub adjustment all the time in the head unit as I listen to a wide variety of music and I love having the sub adjustment at my finger tip.

BTW: the 500.5 will take up roughly the same amount of space that 2 amps will. So, if you are looking at the route, then I would consider it. That is a vary nice amp but, it carries a hefty price tag as well.

Chris

Personally, I would go with two separate amps simply in case one of them goes out in the future.  I'm sure you would much rather replace one amp rather than having to get another full system amp.

As for the crossover settings, I always use the one on the amp.  It tends to sound cleaner and have better overall control than the ones in the deck.  When you are dealing with a deck, you need to remember how much stuff they're cramming into a single product.  They need to skimp here and there to make it fit.  I recommend using the one on the amp, you should be much happier.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback! 

Now for the next two questions:

1.  Is there anything better than the JL Audio line I should consider?

2.  Where can I get the best deal on amps - JL Audio or otherwise?