Hi all,
Just wanted to say first that this site is great, I have learned a great deal from bouncing around these forums. I am finally building a system for my car, and I would like a bit of input from some of you with more experience than myself (this is only my second system, and my first consisted of a hand-me-down PPI amp and a bad head unit).
For a bit of background; I have the Pioneer DEH-5800 head unit, which will be running only the rear speakers. I plan to get a set of near high-end components, around 75-100W rms (Infinity Ref, JBL GTO, Polk DB6500, MB Quart, etc.) and a decent 10" subwoofer around 250-300W rms (Kicker CompVR, JBL GTO, etc.). I am looking for a 4-Channel amp to run the components and the subwoofer (comps on the 2 front ch. and sub on bridged rear ch.)
Right now I am looking at the JBL GTO 75.4, Rockford Fosgate P450.4, and PPI DCX 600.4. As you may be able to see, cost is somewhat of an issue here, and these amps are all in the same price range (www.sonicelectrnix.com). Looks are somewhat important too, the amp will be showing and anything BLACK/ silver/red will go with what I'm doing.
I know the RF amps are often more powerful than rated so I think the P450.4 may have enough power (listed at 60W rms x 4). I am a bit worried about power consumption of the JBL, I've heard it requires a lot of power and my car's electrical system isn't exactly heavy duty. I haven't heard much about the PPI but I know they used to make good amps in the past.
Anybody have experience with these amps? Any input you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Life without knowledge is death in disguise...
Of the amps you listed I'd rank them in the order you list them: JBL, RF, PPI. I cannot recommend the on-line vendor you list as I do not believe they are an authorized seller. Look for a local authorized dealer in your area. Often they will meet or get very close to Internet prices if they can, and then you get factory warranties and local support.
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Support the12volt.comA good system needs a solid foundation, and the groundwork has to be laid first. The electrical work should be done and you can get complete information in the sticky above re: the Big 3. In addition to that, the car's body itself needs some help against the resonance that will occur when you put the big sound into the vehicle. Plan on the damping needs and buy enough to cover all the critical areas. Take your time with these foundation basics.
As for amplifiers, bear in mind that the class D mono amps consume quite a bit less power than the stereo amps and are perfectly suited for sub bass use. You may want to look into buying a two channel amp for the front mains and a mono amp for the sub. There are also some fine 5 channel amps that will power all the 4 speakers and have a 5th mono amp for the sub.
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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.