Amp or No Amp
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
Running those speakers from head power practically defeats the purpose of installing them.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 261
Likes: 4
From: CLT NC
I agree w/ everyone above. I'm currently just running the HU as my power source and it is not enough power. Running just the HU is ok, but the system will sound alot cleaner and crisper w/ an amp. Especially with the top off, windows down, & cruising at highway speeds. I'm planning to put a 4-channel in shortly.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 23
From: Pigeon Forge TN
More Amp Questions
Thanks for the input. Will definitely continue with adding amp to the install. Thinking of using Kenwood Exceleron 4 channel 1200 watts. Anyone had good luck with others. This amp is about $250 on the internet - $500 retail. Also any ideas on using a powered tube sub on an 05 vert.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
Thanks for the input. Will definitely continue with adding amp to the install. Thinking of using Kenwood Exceleron 4 channel 1200 watts. Anyone had good luck with others. This amp is about $250 on the internet - $500 retail. Also any ideas on using a powered tube sub on an 05 vert.
. Get a real sub and a separate amp. 
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Def. look into getting a better amp. JLa4300 is another choice in that price range. The ED is also a very solid amp. Bass tube You could get and Image Dynamic ID8 or ID10 for a reasonable price . They work well in small enclosures and would sound soooooooo much better.
You could get and Image Dynamic ID8 or ID10 for a reasonable price . They work well in small enclosures and would sound soooooooo much better.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 23
From: Pigeon Forge TN
Don't mind spending more on an amp if anyone has other suggestions. Just thought the new Kenwood models would make a nice setup with HU. I have even looked at JL. Welcome all feedback as this is a great forum.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 23
From: Pigeon Forge TN
Don't mind spending more on an amp if anyone has other suggestions. Just thought the new Kenwood models would make a nice setup with HU. I have even looked at JL. Welcome all feedback as this is a great forum. How bout 5 channel amps?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
Just got my X604 installed and can't wait to let it loose.
I'll also second the recommendation against tube subs. Ever notice that when they tune a ported enclosure to a frequency that they use a tube? Extend that to what might happen to a sub who's enclosure is entirely a tube....
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
Along with my Elemental Designs recommendation, I also agree with Xtant and Soundstream, but buy new. For another good single-amp solution, you should check out the Helix Dark Blue 5. I'm going to be using that amp in my car as soon as my local supplier gets one in (been waiting for 6 months). 
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 0
From: WayTooCloseToNY Northeast PA
I'll reinforce scott's Xtant recommendation. I have an X604, and there's a reason it's expensive. Other than that, Zapco, old Linear Power (late '80s) and early-to-mid '90s Orion and RF. I've grabbed many a used amp as above and haven't had any significant issues. Buying new only limits your ability to get better quality for your money.
Tube subs are a joke. Stay away.
Sure, but that has no effect on their validity.
Tube subs are a joke. Stay away.
Sure, but that has no effect on their validity.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Just got my X604 installed and can't wait to let it loose.
I'll also second the recommendation against tube subs. Ever notice that when they tune a ported enclosure to a frequency that they use a tube? Extend that to what might happen to a sub who's enclosure is entirely a tube....
I think the reason cylinders are used when porting is simply because it's easy.
mho, tube subs suck because the components suck. A cylinder is naturally very strong, so lighter thinner material can be used.
My coworker temporarily had an IDMAX, (a sub I'm very familiar with) in a damped concrete tube. Sounded damn good and didn't weigh nearly as much as a typical box.
Last edited by Kale; Nov 21, 2007 at 11:14 AM.
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 0
From: WayTooCloseToNY Northeast PA
Apples/Oranges... tubes make better ports than rectangles because they promote more uniform air movement than rectangles. Tubes make bad enclosures because they tend to reinforce one small set of frequencies more than a non-uniform rectilinear enclosure which provide a higher distribution of modes..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13