System check

I currently have 2 12inch JL audio W6's.    

I was thinking of running the Sony XM-1600GSD to them @ 1.5 ohms.             

I know a JL audio 500/1 would be better but the price difference is HUGE.

Sony: $200                                                                                                              

JL:     $500                                                                                                          

Anyone had any experiences with this amp and is this an acceptable system or crap?  

Also I'm looking for a box for these babies but every where I go they tell me I have to get a custom box.                                                                                  

Sorry, can't pay $350 for a custom box.                                                                 

I'm sure they have acceptable pre-made boxes except no place I went to sells any.                                                                                                                       

Anyone know any good pre-made PORTED boxes for these maybe subzone, obcon, ect...not q-logic(to much particle board).                              

I've found some good sub-boxes (3/4 mdf) but I'm not sure if it will work well with my subs.                                                                                                         

They match the cubic ft. just not sure if the port is acceptable and what not.   

I'd appreciate any help you can give me, especially since I'm a new member.

Thanks alot,                                                                                                       

BigBodySchultz

The XM-1600 is a good beginner amp but is not very configurable. Doesn't like anything that will give it too much load, otherwise it shuts down. I really do not like the way you have to install the amplifier wiring . It's all done at an angle and it hard to see what you are doing because of the over hang from the amplifier heat sink. BTW: This amp will not like a 1.5 ohm load although the specs say it will take it...the instruction that you get from Sony DO NOT RECOMMEND it ( ??? ) Also, the specs tell you this:

* 1200 Watts Max Power (into 2 ohms)
* 300 Watts x 1 into 4 Ohms, 5-300Hz, 0.4% THD
* 600 Watts x 1 into 2 Ohms, 5 - 300 Hz, 0.1% THD
* 1000 Watts x 1 into 1 Ohm, 5 - 300 Hz, 0.1% THD
* Class D Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

It's funny how it says the MAX Power is 1200 watts at 2 ohms but farther down the line it says it only produces 1000 watts at 1 ohm ???????

I would dish out the extra cash or look for another alternative for a better amp thatn this one from Sony. There are alot of other Class D amplifiers out on the market that are reputable below the $ 500 level. AS far as the sub box is concerned.... make your own. It's easier and cheaper than a pre-fabed one.

-------------
Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

These were just some I was looking at.  Click here

I'm just guessing, I'm not really sure what would be a good amp to power these besides the JL 500/1. 

Any suggestions?

Last amp question:  I need help deciding between these amps.

I'll be running the amp @ a 1.5 ohm load.

MTX Thunder6500D

Rockford Fosgate Power 500BD

Kicker KX600.1

Alpine MRD-M500

I'd appreciate anyones help.

Just my thoughts for you,

  Check out the Ebay Stores. I am into Kicker, and I know how you feel about spending the cash. You can Get a KX1200 for under $500 shipped to your door. It is a class D amp and is 1 ohm stable. Check it out and if thats too much power, there plenty of different amps as you know. I hope maybe U can save some cash from those stores as they have saved me tons.

Kyle

Thanks for the imput guys. 

I'll definatly buy from either Ebay, or OnlineCarStereo.com, maybe Earmark or Tweeter if they will sell it to me cheap enough. 

I'd rather buy from Earmark or Tweeter because of their service, but no way I'll pay $500-600 for an amp I can get online for $300-400.

I'll stop by them today and see what they will sell them to me for.

I just hope that the amp I choose is 1.5 ohm stable! 

The only amp that lists that it is is the JL audio one. 

But they're a lot more expensive,  but MTX, Kicker and Rockford make very good amps as well so I hope I'll be fine.

Just make sure you know that many times you don't get the manufacturer's warranties if you buy from an internet retailer.  I know JL does this for just about all internet dealers; also, I believe rockford and mtx do the same thing if you buy from an "unauthorized" internet dealer. 

As Jeff said, MTX makes a good amp so you might not even be concerned about not receiving a full manufacturer's warranty, but that is something you'll have to decide on your own.  Good luck!

I have not had great experience running MTX amps at less than the loads recommended (in your case 1.5 ohms would be under their 2 ohms recommendation), but they are solid performers otherwise. I'd say no to the MTX because it doesn't meet your system needs.

I also would probably not recommend th Sony because it is not a solid performer. It probably wouldn't run your subs very cleanly althought they may poud well. They aren't known for running cool either (it'll run pretty hot with the load your proposing).

I don't know what advice to give you for powering your subs (a 1.5 ohm load?) but I do know that those two amps probably won't suit your needs. (You need a 1 ohm stable amp if you don't want your new investment to go up in smoke, literaly)

One more thing. You are honestly doing way more harm to your system by putting your speakers in a  generic box as opposed to a box made to spec for your subs (Hopefully you can find a prefabricated box very close to the spec needed for your subs to perform well). If you put them in a box that is not suited for them it won't matter what amp is running them they won't sound good.

                                                                                             Colin a.k.a. bLaZ