Alpine CDA-7998
Focal 165W
IDQ10 (maybe IDQ12)

So what amp/amps do you recomend? Should I go with a single amp or two?

 

To adequately answer this, we really need to know what you intend to do with the amp, and some specs. One amp may be great for sub duty, and awful to run mids and highs. We would also need to know why you would want two, if you could use one amp alone- for whatever it is you intend to do with it.

 

I would like to run the Focals at 150watts and the IDQ10 at 250 watts

This is why I am asking do I need a single amp for both or two different amps. I would prefer 1 amp, but if that won't sound as good then why do that. I know that Kale recomends Arc Audio amps, but from what everyone says they are not good for subs. 92TB prefers A/D/S/ amps, but again I don't know which one would be good for this setup.

Sorry I am kinda new to this. I think I answered your question? :confused:

I got the wattages from the mfg. recomendations. Are they what I should run the speakers at?

Thanks again


[Modified by MVP, 12:27 PM 12/18/2002]

 

ARC :p:


the Focal 165w can take up to 200watts in power.. at least.. thats what many people run to them. You know I run an ARC 2100, and it matches perfectly.

The reason arc's are bad for subs.. is they cost a lot of money and are really for mid-high's and you're paying for a lot you don't need. They sound great on subs. Just... overkill.

Really. A clean 100-200 watts to the utopias will make them sing. ARc, ADS, PG, Zapco, all good.

I couldnt tell the difference between ~250 watts and ~400 watts on my IDQ10, so no need to go with big power there.


[Modified by Nevermind, 3:59 PM 12/18/2002]

 

http://www.memphiscaraudio.com/P8&9_...io%20Class%20D

I'm going to use the st-300 to power my 165w's and the st-1000d to power an IDMAX. I haven't been able to find these online but I have a friend that's getting these at cost for me. I'm paying $640 for both amps and the pretty bridge piece to put between them and make them look like 1 amp. For an IDQ the st-1000d would be beyond overkill. Not sure what retail on these is.

I can't give them a serious recommendation, but it's what I'm buying because I don't think I can get a better deal on some high quality amps.

Just another option, as if we need more choices when doing this stuff :D

Luke

 

The JL 300/2 will power your 165's with crisp, clean power for $298 and I'd go with the JBL BP1200.1 Amp for your sub or subs. The thing puts out over 1200 clean watts for $275.

 

For good sub duty you'll look at what sort of impedance loads the amp can handle well. MOST amps out there (Class AB), can handle a wide range when wired stereo to subs. Look for something that can handle down to 2 Ohms in stereo configuration, because the load will change on the amp with different frequencies out of your sub, and if you run it for a long time, and things get hot at the voice coil- you'll need to know that the amp won't fry itself or kick in it's thermal protection all the time. Look for a damping factor at 200. Also see if you can get one that has a good match of RMS to your subs' RMS, and Peaks around where your subs do- otherwise you could damage the subs and your amp. Aside from that, if the figure is even available look for something with 2dB or more of "headroom". Remember that THD is a useless figure, and avoid pretty light shows, unless there are specs to back up the product. It's also important to know that money doesn't ALWAYS buy performance, some name brands are pushing total junk- if you learn to understand the specs, you'll be much better off. AND while it IS true that some companies do exaggerate their specs, you should be able to spot those manufacturers pretty easily- if it has a rating of 1500 watts and the chassis of the amp is 8" X 10", you can bet that something's not quite right.

 

I think I will go with the ARC 2100 for the components, which ARC would match up with the sub?
Also is there a multichannel ARC that I can use for both?

Thanks :seeya

 

phoenix gold is the great sub amp, things have crazy power output and drive extremely hard. also some very good deals are on ebay. there zx or ti line is really good on the highs as well. i love the stuff but your making a great choice with arc as well, no one has told me ill of the company ever.

one example for your sub would be a used xs2500 for $150, they have newer monoblock sub amps under the TI line and tantrum line as well.

 

Buying a Class D, X or T digital amp will give you the most bang for the buck for a Sub amplifier. These amps typically have higher distortion that will not be audible in a low frequency only application. They are also more efficient and run cooler than class AB designs.
Just keep this in mind:
Doubling Power will yield a 3dB increase in volume, which is basically the smallest change the human ear can perceive. You will need to increase power 10 X to double the percieved volume.
Hope this helps. :yesnod:

 

I had Phoenix Gold Titanium Series amps... Very clean, brute, pure power...
Changed to ZapcoCompetition amps, sound quality is even more crisp & precise....