Recommendations for Amps (c5)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
Recommendations for Amps (c5)
Well I have my components for the fronts picked out (dynaudio 7" 3.5" tweet set) and now I am trying to figure out how I will amplify them. System will be in a FRC of 99 - 01 variety. I need to maintain as much of the space in the car as possible and plan to run a single DVC 12 in the premade box that sits lower than flush with the floor in order to cover it. (subthump I think ... ) I am looking in to running a 5 channel amp ( was thinking 7" on 2 channels mid/tweet share the other set) mainly to save space but I am worried about the watts to the channels, especially the bass.
Back when I was really into this JL was stamped steel crap and no one with any sense ran it
Apparently this has all changed. I am looking for recommendations on amp brands with CLEAN power .... SQ is very important. My current system runs two Xtant amps but the bass is a bit underpowered at 300 watts. I know that a seperate bass amp is always preferred but like I said I really need to maxamize space. I also plan on having a divider in the car. I am a golf pro by trade so I need room for the sticks 
Thanks in advance
Fej
Back when I was really into this JL was stamped steel crap and no one with any sense ran it
Apparently this has all changed. I am looking for recommendations on amp brands with CLEAN power .... SQ is very important. My current system runs two Xtant amps but the bass is a bit underpowered at 300 watts. I know that a seperate bass amp is always preferred but like I said I really need to maxamize space. I also plan on having a divider in the car. I am a golf pro by trade so I need room for the sticks Thanks in advance
Fej
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
you are the second person i heard say that the xtants are underpowered in the bass dept. I am really happy with mine (it's a 3 chan amp with dedicated sub channel) you could maybe look into the phoenix gold ti line, i had that amp last and was happy with that. i've never heard the jl amps so no comment on those but plenty of people seem to like them on the forum
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Diamond Audio makes a VERY nice (D7 series) SQ 6-channel amp, but it does cost about $1000. They sound amazing. I have 2 of their amps in my vette. A 4 channel and a mono amp. Each one is hand built in the US.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
Likes: 37
From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
I would also stick with either a Phoenix Gold or Diamond Audio amp. They are definately my top two choices along with the Kove ZX series.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
I am VERY happy with my Phoenix Gold amps. The 5.0.1 Octane with a dual voice coil Octane ZR12" sub rattle my fillings and the Octane 8.0.4 running the rest of my speakers gives me nice crisp highs and nice mid notes too.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
Thanks for the replies. I am also looking for any ideas for installs. I was thinking of running some sort of amp shelf that uses the left side of the small cubby in the trunk (not the sub spot). Also thinking of using the back wall of the trunk which I have seen done. Feel free to post pics 
Thanks
Fej
Thanks
Fej
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
I just posted pictures of the system I finished installing in my Z06. Here is the link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...66&forum_id=20
Hope you are not on dial up. Lots of pictures.
Hope you are not on dial up. Lots of pictures.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,010
Likes: 508
From: Hilton NY
I bought a black Helix 5 channel HXA500QMK2 that measures 17" x 8" x 1.25". To mount it in a convertable a flat 1/4" aluminum plate 24" x 13" will be attached to the rear trunk wall using 3-4 10-32 SS flathead allen screws at the sides due to the curvature of the trunk wall. The trunk latch now attaches to the car using a wide sheet steel part to spread the load on the fiberglass wall; it can be replaced with a smaller solid aluminum part that screws to the 1/4" plate. The extra room created allows the amp to fit under the latch and mount to the 1/4" plate which also sinks more heat from the amp. Large holes will be drilled in the plate to lighten it after everything is mounted. For an FRC is there room behind the rear window so that the amp could be mounted under the panel ahead of the trunk lid using a tilt panel for access?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,752
Likes: 3
From: Bethlehem PA
I am also part of the old school that HAS to have sound quality and power.
I've used Xtant, McIntosh, PPI (before sell out), HiFonics (before sell out) and decided to replace my old PPI, she's gettin' tired and my buddy used her for 2 yrs in a wet trunk!
I helped another Forum member do an install on his AE Vert and he used the JL 300/4 and 500/1.
I was quite impressed with the power they made and drove his Diamond components very cleanly.
I went out the next day and bought the 300/4 (~$450 at Tweeter) to put on my Focal Utopias and it sounds very good.
I've heard cleaner amps, but for well over twice the price. The difference is negligible to me.
For a picky audio curmudgeon, I'm real happy with the JL's.
This amp is also very efficient and flexible for multifple applications.
They put out claimed power with voltage as low as 11 volts!
THD at Rated Power < .03% @ 4 ohm/channel (20Hz - 20 kHz)
Signal to Noise >108dB !
Damping Factor >200 @4ohm/channel (not spectacular, but respectable)
I'm not a rep for these cats, just impressed to see something decent come out amidst all the crappy, garbage that caters to the mindless boombox generation that has no concept of true reproduction.
Scott
I've used Xtant, McIntosh, PPI (before sell out), HiFonics (before sell out) and decided to replace my old PPI, she's gettin' tired and my buddy used her for 2 yrs in a wet trunk!
I helped another Forum member do an install on his AE Vert and he used the JL 300/4 and 500/1.
I was quite impressed with the power they made and drove his Diamond components very cleanly.
I went out the next day and bought the 300/4 (~$450 at Tweeter) to put on my Focal Utopias and it sounds very good.
I've heard cleaner amps, but for well over twice the price. The difference is negligible to me.
For a picky audio curmudgeon, I'm real happy with the JL's.
This amp is also very efficient and flexible for multifple applications.
They put out claimed power with voltage as low as 11 volts!
THD at Rated Power < .03% @ 4 ohm/channel (20Hz - 20 kHz)
Signal to Noise >108dB !
Damping Factor >200 @4ohm/channel (not spectacular, but respectable)
I'm not a rep for these cats, just impressed to see something decent come out amidst all the crappy, garbage that caters to the mindless boombox generation that has no concept of true reproduction.
Scott
Last edited by simpleman68; Oct 18, 2005 at 12:50 PM. Reason: typo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
Thanks I have been looking at the specs on the JL stuff and they seem to be pretty impressive and better than most everything else out there for the price. I think I may go the same route as your friend thanks again
Fej
Fej
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: McAllen Texas
Look at MacIntosh, Brax, Zapco and maybe A/D/S
Good choice on the speakers. I have heard nothing but great things about Dyn Audio.
I'm running 2 Xtants on Focals and an Earthquake sub and am happy with the set up.
Good choice on the speakers. I have heard nothing but great things about Dyn Audio.
I'm running 2 Xtants on Focals and an Earthquake sub and am happy with the set up.