Recommend good NEW two channel automobile power amp?

[scottmandue]

Amendment to my car speaker thread.

It was highly recommended I add a power amp to get better sound out of the new (MB Quart 6.5" coaxil).

I have a pending sale of an old spoon for $100 and I want to use those funds for the new power amp (emphasis on new, not a big fan of buying old electronics, have had bad experiences)

I was targeting this soundstream, recommended by audio guys... however now I get "OH wait, the new soundstreams are no were as good as the old ones!!!"

Amazon.com: Soundstream TX4.440 4 Channel Amplifier: Car Electronics

Really like the look and spec of this JL, the price... not so much (yeah, I'm cheap).

Amazon.com: JX360/4 - JL Audio 4-Channel 360W Class A/B Amplifier: Car Electronics

Pioneer (I know, no where near as esoteric)?

Amazon.com: Pioneer GM-6500F 4-Channel Bridgeable Amplifier: Car Electronics

Keep in mind this is going into a $4000 Miata, as much as I would like a $5000 amp it would not really be practical in this car.

I'm leaning toward the Soundstream even though "it is not as good as the older models"

Thanks!
Scott

[willtel]

If you need two channels why are you looking at 4 channel amps?

When people say the new Soundstreams aren't as good as the old ones they are generally referring to the Soundstream Reference series. The Reference series is back in production and they are nice but out of your price range.

Try here, 2 Channel Amplifiers | Two Channel Car Amps at Sonic Electronix

[RANDY P]

the difference being new SS is Chinese VS Old, USA....

Just do the Soundstream, you'll be fine. They get positive reviews.

[rusnak]

I am running 3 amps. Soundstream Reference series, and Rubicon. Hawkins X-Bass control. The sound is so good, I swear you can almost "see" the music.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by willtel

If you need two channels why are you looking at 4 channel amps?

The amps I posted are four channel that are switchable to bridged two channel operation for more wattage.

Originally Posted by RANDY P

the difference being new SS is Chinese VS Old, USA....

Just do the Soundstream, you'll be fine. They get positive reviews.

This is what I suspect, the negative comments I'm getting about the new SS are "lower current power supply (than the old USA built units), S/N ratio, damping, not as good, blah, blah, blah"

Yes, I'm a HIFI guy, if I were building a home audio system I would pay that extra $$$ for a little better sound.

But lets be realistic, THIS sound system is in a convertible sports car.

If it were a comfy, smooth, quiet, BMW or MB sedan I could see spending a couple thousand on SS... but in this application... not so much.

[RWebb]

Focal is on sale at Crutchfield right now - still about $400

Alpine has a 2 channel booster type amp for about $100

I have no idea re quality but Focal has a very good name (speakers); Alpine used to be a high end car stereo name

[scottmandue]

Still targeting Soundstream because of the recommendations.

On Amazon (and other websites) I see Planet Audio amps in my price range... should I stay away? (Probably get laughed at or even considering?)

I buy my head units at Crutchfield because they include a installation harness/hardware and a 800 number for tech support, unfortunately their prices are too high on speakers and amps.

[rusnak]

In my own opinion, you should select the head unit last. It has the least effect on your sound, apart from having a good user-tunable Eq. I have a 15 or 20 band user tunable Eq, and a "calibration mic" that listens to tuning signals when it's in calibration mode. You place the mic next to your ear, and the unit goes through a 30 second tuning cycle. It's amazing, and in normal operation it adjusts volume to compensate for wind and road noise.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by rusnak

In my own opinion, you should select the head unit last. It has the least effect on your sound, apart from having a good user-tunable Eq. I have a 15 or 20 band user tunable Eq, and a "calibration mic" that listens to tuning signals when it's in calibration mode. You place the mic next to your ear, and the unit goes through a 30 second tuning cycle. It's amazing, and in normal operation it adjusts volume to compensate for wind and road noise.

Very cool, my Pioneer home theater has that auto calibration with the mic feature.

However a bit overkill for a Miata.

Thanks anyway!

[pbs911]

Precision Power makes some good amps and is owned by the same manufacturer as Soundstream (Epsilon). I've been looking into mini amps 2 channel amps for my bike with the mini Soudstream and PP amps finding the new D-class models are almost identical. It may also be better to go with a 2 channel and not a bridged 4 channel. Each amp is different and just because you bridge a 4 channel to run 2, a straight 2 channel may be better. I'm no expert by any means, but my research on some amps have shown heat issues over the same model amps when going from 4 to 2 channels. In a car, it may not make that big of difference, but when placing an amp in a fairing, heat is a big factor.

[RWebb]

Focal Solid 2 ch. amp on Amazon for $200

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by RWebb

Focal Solid 2 ch. amp on Amazon for $200

AFAIK Focal is famous for the speakers, this is the first I have heard of their amps.

The Focal says it is 200 watt but specs out at 75 watt/2ch RMS @ 4ohms

The Soundstream and PlanetAudio are +200 watts/2ch RMS @ 4ohms

[dyusem]

I just had the Soundstream Nano PN4.520D installed in my 2012 Mini Cooper S with the stock audio system as the first step to upgrading the complete system.

Guess what, there is absolutely no reason to continue upgrading because the sound is incredible!

As others have said, start with the amp and it may be the last thing that you do re the audio.

[RWebb]

Are Class D (PWM) amps usually not as good sounding as Class AB?

[rusnak]

I'm not sure that is criteria that I'd be concerned about.

I've mentioned before that IMO, the amp is the heart of the system. If you cut corners anywhere, it should not be in the amp or the speakers. I have a head unit that will correct bad automobile acoustics, so I don't have that problem.

I very much recommend Soundstream Reference series amps. I've made the comparison before, that you will feel like Dr. Faustus flying over the German countryside if you have a super high end system and make good use of it through thoughtful layout and good execution. Again, just my $0.02 but it's worth every single penny when combined with a great car. It's extremely therapeutic.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by RWebb

Are Class D (PWM) amps usually not as good sounding as Class AB?

Yes, long story short Class D maps are more "noisy" than A/B

[porsche4life]

Check the outlet for amps and speakers

2-channel Amplifiers at Crutchfield Outlet

It's not a great selection right now, but usually you can score a closeout for cheap on there.

[derek murray]

While I haven't used these, personally, they get good marks over at diymobileaudio.com. Considering the price (as long as you're ok with buying refurbs), they appear to be a great deal.

GT-24 | Refurbished Products | Boston Acoustics US

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by rusnak

I very much recommend Soundstream Reference series amps. I've made the comparison before, ...

REF4.400 - Soundstream 4 Channel 400 Watt Reference Series Power Amplifier is $260 at Amerzone.com

have you made the comparison of Sounstream to other amps? if so, which ones?

in a store or in your own car? etc. Thx

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by derek murray

While I haven't used these, personally, they get good marks over at diyma.com. Considering the price (as long as you're ok with buying refurbs), they appear to be a great deal.

GT-24 | Refurbished Products | Boston Acoustics US

That is more like what I'm talking about, good specs AND a good price.

Thank you!