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Here’s what I have:
Car:                     Saturn SL1
Head:                    Clarion VRX935VD
Speakers:               Factory
Amp (looking to replace):     Lanzar Vibe430

Replacing:
     Speakers with:          Infinity Kappa 652.7I (75rms/225peak/2ohms)

Adding:
Sub:     Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.1D (350rms/1400peak/2ohms)
     Housed in a box made in my spare tire well which will also house the sub amp.

Advice needed:
Need advice on amps. Not looking to break the bank. Want good clean sound and would like to get the most bang from the speakers
     A 4 channel for the fronts and rears and mono or 2 channel for the sub.

Any help is appreciated

Well, there are several options to look at. Look for a good quality name like MTX, Orion, Hifonics, etc. Not sure on the prices, but I know these are all good amps. If you are looking to save cash--look on eBay. Make sure the seller will accept the return of a DOA, though. Also, for the sub amp, look for a mono amd that has class d circuitry, as it will strain the car's electrical sysyem less.

I noticed your door speakers are 2 ohm. This will not yield the best sound as it will have a higher THD. A 4 channel amp that produces 75wpc at 4 ohms will not be a great deal more than one that produces 75 wpc at 2 ohm. I would recomend you get the 4 ohm version and a little more powerful amp.

There are people on here more qualified to help you though, but this should get you started searching.

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I have looked at Hifonics:
Sub: Zeus TXi7506 (1x500 @ 2ohms)
Front & Rears: Zeus TXi4406 (4x110 @ 2ohms)

I’m seeing that Infinity Kappa's are all 2ohm, their Reference series are running at 4ohm. I don’t do any balance or fader adjustments, so couldn’t I run the speakers series and bridge the amp?

kenwood makes some good 4 channels and mono amps otherwise you could just look at gettin 1 6 channel amp like a jl audio amp, they have a really nice 6 channel that puts out 75 rms to all 6 channels

You could, but then you'd only need a 2 channel amp that puts out 150 watts. I looked on crutchfield, and they on;y show a 2-ohm version, so I guess you're right.

If you can only get the 2 ohm version, I would go ahead and get a 4 channel at about 75 wpc at 2 ohm so you'll still have the ballance and fader control. Or if you wired in series like you said (which I wouldn't do, but it will still work no problem) you could still have balance OR fade.

maybe look into the infinity perfects, even though they cost more they are offered in a 4 ohm impedance.

Jacob

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There are 3 kinds of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't

The problem I have with the Perfects is that they are components. I am looking at keeping looks stock.
I am a Sounder not a Shower.
The Hifonics that I mentioned earlier, sorry wrong amp earlier.
The Hifonics that looks (by the rms 4x75@2ohms) should have been the Zeus ZXi 3406.
Now I being not too technical when it comes to this would say that it should be an even match.
Isn't the rms important?

Rms is important. You don't want to stray too far from that rms number. My general rule of thumb is 60% of the maximum or peak wattage. This isn't true for every speaker of course, but it usually works quite well. If your looking to save money on car audio products then check out www.onlinecarstereo.com if you haven't already. They carry a very wide variety of equipment at some very cheap prices! Don't worry about them being a bad company to order from either. They have a 1 year warranty on all there new products and they are the only one with a consumer rating of a perfect 10 out of 10! If you haven't been there yet, then go check'em out. As far as the speakers go I'd get a mono amp for your sub and a four channel for the rest... both amps Infinity. JL is good, but you said you didn't want to spend a whole lot.... big $$$ for anything that says JL on it! Great company, but their prices are rediculous. In my opinion, you could get something just as good for WAY cheaper. (like infinity, or Orion)

In comparison which would give a cleaner sound Hifonics or JL? In comparison shopping there isn’t much of a price difference
Hifonics ZXi6006 $200.00
Hifonics ZXi4406 $180.00
JL E1400D $200.00
JL E4300 $200.00

I am working with a budget of un $1000 for speakers, sub and amps.

Well, between the JL or Hifonics, I don't think there will be much difference. I would go with the JL just because it is the better name and better quality, IMO

badtazboy wrote:

The problem I have with the Perfects is that they are components. I am looking at keeping looks stock.
I am a Sounder not a Shower.

The component sets actually sound better because they create a spatial difference between the lows and highs. Even though you can't actively hear the different frequencies at different places, I will gurantee that the exact ame woofer/tweeter setup will sound better in a component set as compared to a coaxial set.

Anyway, just my $0.02. Good luck. Any more questions just ask.

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There are 3 kinds of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't

Uhh, where did you find a JL E-1400 for $200? Is that new with a warranty?

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j_darling2007 wrote:

Well, between the JL or Hifonics, I don't think there will be much difference. I would go with the JL just because it is the better name and better quality, IMO
badtazboy wrote:

The problem I have with the Perfects is that they are components. I am looking at keeping looks stock.
I am a Sounder not a Shower.

The component sets actually sound better because they create a spatial difference between the lows and highs. Even though you can't actively hear the different frequencies at different places, I will gurantee that the exact ame woofer/tweeter setup will sound better in a component set as compared to a coaxial set.
Anyway, just my $0.02. Good luck. Any more questions just ask.

A lot more benefits to components. Higher quality and steeper crossovers, higher power handling, and ability to place the tweeter on axis with your listening position all improve sound quality in a car audio system dramatically, imo.

Try a component design that allows you to mount the tweeter in a coaxial position. It isn't ideal, but allows you to keep the stock look while obtaining many of the benefits of components.

As for the amplifier. Spend as much money as possible on the speakers and your speaker install. Speaker quality and speaker install contributes MUCH MUCH more to the overall quality and character of the sound than the amplifier. Most midrange amplifiers all sound exactly the same, for all practical purposes, in a car. Go expensive on the speakers, cheap on the amp, if you are on a limited budget.

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

With the power that you need, all can be had in a single amplifier. There is no need in this application for 2 amplifiers. You have one amp to install, this minimizes the chance of ground loops, it also takes less real estate in your trunk. It then saves you a good amount of $ on wiring (use that for the better front speakers). If you buy the right amplifier, it will also be the perfect amount of power for the application. I would short list the Crossfire VR705D and the Eclipse PA5532 amplifiers right now before going off on the dual amp route. Both are rated very conservatively at 50w x 4 rms + 300w x 1 rms (2ohm on the sub), making more power of course as they both use unregulated power supplies. Count on them being around the 75w x 4 and 400w x 1 mark for the most part (this comes from practical hands on experience multiple times over). I will only recommend things that I know will do the job properly and have a highly predicatable outcome in the end.

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kfr01 worte:
A lot more benefits to components. Higher quality and steeper crossovers, higher power handling, and ability to place the tweeter on axis with your listening position all improve sound quality in a car audio system dramatically, imo.

Try a component design that allows you to mount the tweeter in a coaxial position. It isn't ideal, but allows you to keep the stock look while obtaining many of the benefits of components.

As for the amplifier. Spend as much money as possible on the speakers and your speaker install. Speaker quality and speaker install contributes MUCH MUCH more to the overall quality and character of the sound than the amplifier. Most midrange amplifiers all sound exactly the same, for all practical purposes, in a car. Go expensive on the speakers, cheap on the amp, if you are on a limited budget.

The component system the I originally was looking at was Polk db6750. They are rated at 100rms/300max @ 4ohms. The Lanzar Vibe430 150rms/250max that I currently have would suffice for them. If I was to spend more on speakers then I could use the 4 channel that I currently have.

forbidden wrote:
With the power that you need, all can be had in a single amplifier. There is no need in this application for 2 amplifiers. You have one amp to install, this minimi! zes the chance of ground loops, it also takes less real estate in your trunk. It then saves you a good amount of $ on wiring (use that for the better front speakers). If you buy the right amplifier, it will also be the perfect amount of power for the application. I would short list the Crossfire VR705D and the Eclipse PA5532 amplifiers right now before going off on the dual amp route. Both are rated very conservatively at 50w x 4 rms + 300w x 1 rms (2ohm on the sub), making more power of course as they both use unregulated power supplies. Count on them being around the 75w x 4 and 400w x 1 mark for the most part (this comes from practical hands on experience multiple times over). I will only recommend things that I know will do the job properly and have a highly predicatable outcome in the end.
The problem with a 6 channel that I would have is hiding it. My current amp is hidden up under the rear deck. And I would be mounting the sub amp with the sub in the spare well enclosure that I will be making.

badtazboy wrote:

kfr01 worte:
The component system the I originally was looking at was Polk db6750. They are rated at 100rms/300max @ 4ohms. The Lanzar Vibe430 150rms/250max that I currently have would suffice for them. If I was to spend more on speakers then I could use the 4 channel that I currently have.

Do it. While you'll eventually want to replace the Lanzar, you'll be far happier in the long run if you invest in the best speakers and installation you can afford.

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

kfr01, would you have any suggestions for a sub?
I will have about 6” to 61/2” mounting depth in my spare well. I was looking at the Infinity to just keep with branding but now I guess I’m open to anything.
But then I go back to my original question would be amp. I would be buying the sub and the amp at the same time because I will be building the box with the sub and amp together.
I may have a limited income to work with but I can always collect components and install.

If I were you, I would go ahead and do the front stage first, subwoofer second, and the rear stage last. Buy a high quality 5 channel amp to start with the front stage speakers, and then add the sub and rear stage next as you get the cash. Both amps forbidden recomended are great choices.

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There are 3 kinds of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't

badtazboy wrote:

kfr01, would you have any suggestions for a sub?
I will have about 6” to 61/2” mounting depth in my spare well. I was looking at the Infinity to just keep with branding but now I guess I’m open to anything.
But then I go back to my original question would be amp. I would be buying the sub and the amp at the same time because I will be building the box with the sub and amp together.
I may have a limited income to work with but I can always collect components and install.

That's pretty shallow. If I were buying a subwoofer right now, it would surely be from Adire's brand new line. A single 10" Koda or Brahma.

https://www.adireaudio.com/Mobile/KodaSeries.htm or

https://www.adireaudio.com/Mobile/BrahmaSeries.htm

The Koda is more shallow, I would find some way to squeeze it in. Retail is ~$220 on the Koda.

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

With a five channel amp how much flexibility do I have with woofer and power? As looking and as forbidden suggested to get a shallow mount sub (because of my limited space) a five channel amps don’t put out much power.
And looking at different five channels they are putting out low four channel power.
Then there’s the mounting. Five channels all seem too long for where I want to install.

kfr01 wrote:
That's pretty shallow. If I were buying a subwoofer right now, it would surely be from Adire's brand new line. A single 10" Koda or Brahma.

https://www.adireaudio.com/Mobile/KodaSeries.htm or

https://www.adireaudio.com/Mobile/BrahmaSeries.htm

The Koda is more shallow, I would find some way to squeeze it in. Retail is ~$220 on the Koda.

What are your thoughts in Rockford? Coming in March they have a shallow mount.

badtazboy wrote:

With a five channel amp how much flexibility do I have with woofer and power? As looking and as forbidden suggested to get a shallow mount sub (because of my limited space) a five channel amps don’t put out much power.
And looking at different five channels they are putting out low four channel power.
Then there’s the mounting. Five channels all seem too long for where I want to install.

First, if you're going for an SQ vehicle you don't need much power. Second, remember that every doubling of power only get you 3db more spl, max. Third, most single 10" subs can't really handle that much power, especially shallow mount ones.

So. Don't worry about not having much power. 150w for an SQ sub, without eq being used, should be sufficient.

You have pointed out the two negatives to a five-channel single amp system. Lack of flexibility and difficulty finding a single large mounting space for it.

I find a way to get the Koda in your car. That's my recommendation. Try this amp:

https://www.eclipse-web.com/amp/xa5000.html

Find a way to mount it.

You'd have the base of a killer SQ setup.

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

What are thoughts on Phoenix Gold and Hifonics?
They seem to be reasonability priced, around $300, for what I need.

hifonics before pg...

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

kfr01, which Koda would you suggest, 10D4, 10D8, 12D4 or 12D8?
I have a line on an Eclipse PA5532 amp. Heavily considering it, kind of high but seems to have the most power out there for a 5 channel.

Lost out on the Eclipse posted_image

. Back to square one on the amp.
Thoughts on Alphasonik?

badtazboy, Alphasonik amps are really low-end, I wouldn't own one. The new Koda subwoofers are fantastic performers, real bargains for the price especially for an SQ setup. When you say you "lost out on the Eclipse," does this mean you are buying from eBay? You might want to check with your local dealers and see what kind of amps are available locally. These will come with a warranty!

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I was watching an Eclipse PA5532 on eBay.
Listing ended without meeting reserve.
They were will to sell for $325+ship.
It was clamed to be new.
I know things on eBay don’t come with a warranty but things always have a way of dieing after the warranty expires, and most of the time things on eBay are ½ to ¾ cheaper than in a store.
(picked up a Clarion VRX935VD off eBay for $600 new (retailed for $2600 at the time) and now just after 2 years (warranty for retail install) the cd doesn’t work and screen won’t open, where’s the 2 year/$2600 value there?)

DYohn, would you have any suggestions on a 5 channel? People have suggested Eclipse and Crossfire.
I have seen Hifonics at decent prices.
Currently I am using a Lanzar that is about 8 yrs old (never a problem just looking to upgrade to better/cleaner)

My favorite 5-channel amp is and always has been the Memphis Belle. I haven't heard the Eclipse, but assuming it is up to their normal high standards it sound be pretty nice.

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Memphis is too far out for what I’m looking to spend. And too long. I have 20” to mount an amp.
I originally started with 1000 to up grade.
Spent 250 on front and rears, still need sub (around 250 for Koda), amp and new wires.

Hmm. A decent quality 5-channel amp for under $300? Not gonna happen unless it's used, I'm afraid. The PG Octane 5-channel is decent, as is the PPI DCX800.5. I don't know anything about the Hifonics 5-channel that was mentioned before, but they generally make decent gear. JL Audio used to make a 5-channel, but in that price range you'd be better off with a Memphis. By the way, there is a smaller version of the Belle, the "Baby Belle" 16-MCH600 that will just fit into a 20" space. But again, finding any of these new for under $300 will be a challenge.

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Kfr01’s input was Hifonics before Phoenix Gold.

I know everyone has there own opinion and I am taking everyone’s input and figuring out the best/max with a budget.

I know the warranty risk but eBay is always cheaper.
Phoenix Gold – Octane-R 9.0:5 (125x4, 400x1) $269
Hifonics – Zeus-ZXi 8006 (110X4, 300X1) $260

Have heard of PG never Hifonics until reading through Car Audio.

Just to kind of reiterate what I have and what I’m doing:
Have a Saturn SL1 ... looking at keeping things hidden, need trunk.
Own a Clarion VRX935VD (going in for repair)
Lanzar Vibe430 ... looking to replace
Just ordered 2 sets Polk db6750 (100/300)
Will be ordering Koda 12D4 ... to install in a spare tire well
And the big question I started was an amp to be mounted up under the rear deck.

badtazboy wrote:

Kfr01’s input was Hifonics before Phoenix Gold.

Like I said, Hifonics generally makes decent gear but I do not know this particular amp. Buy whichever one you like the most and can afford.

badtazboy wrote:

And the big question I started was an amp to be mounted up under the rear deck.

Under the rear deck? You mean under the parcel shelf? Just don't mount it upside down.

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Why shouldn't I mount it upside down?

badtazboy wrote:

Why shouldn't I mount it upside down?

Because all the electricity will fall out. Just kidding. posted_image The truth is that amps will not cool properly and can burn up (indeed, can start fires) or at the very least have early failure due to overheating if mounted upside down. Almost any owner's manual will tell you this, and it is important.

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Ha Ha
Manual? What man reads a manual?
So best bet would to mount it right side up with support rods.
Currently I have my Lanzar mounted upside down to the deck ... nicely hidden, can’t see anything unless your actually in the trunk.

badtazboy wrote:

Manual? What man reads a manual?

Only the smartest ones do. posted_image

badtazboy wrote:

So best bet would to mount it right side up with support rods.

Yes, or build a shelf below the rear deck to mount it to. You may want to add a fan for any high-power amp.

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Choosing Amps?