1500 @ 1ohm Amp Comparison

[tinmanchris217 10+ year member]

I read everything in the archives that I could find, and here are my top 3 choices for budget (though quality) amps capable of 1500 w RMS @ 1 ohm or more.

I'll be competing in the 0-600w RMS @ 4 ohm class of USACi, so I can't go *much* bigger. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

My subs are Pioneer Premier ts-w2501d4's. 1600 w RMS @ 1 ohm, and 5000 w max (claimed). Link for those interested.

Electrical system is sufficient, but not stellar. 80 amp alt, yellowtop, and big 3. 1/0 run to the back.

The amps I'm eyeing:

1) Powerbass ASA-1500.1D

375 @ 4

750 @ 2

1500 @ 1

Powerbass ASA-1500.1d

2) Audiopipe AP-15001d

600 @ 4

950 @ 2

1500 @ 1

Audiopipe AP-15001d

3) Hifonics Brutus bxi1610

550 @ 4

1100 @ 2

1600 @ 1

(would buy from fleabay)

Each has their merits.

Hifonics will re-sell the easiest, but is over-rated slightly.

Powerbass will be the most reliable and under-rated.

Audiopipe will handle 1/2 ohm, for future system expansion.

I'm hoping to get some honest opinions on customer service, reliability, and build quality from the forum gurus.

Thanks,

Chris

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[bunkerking09 10+ year member]

From the choices, i vote audiopipe, but i would look into the AQ 1200D

if you want a monster amp for 0-600 then look in to the DD M3 or the IA 20.1

 

[Shinju 10+ year member]

I have not used the Ebonix or the Audiopipe but I have used the Powerbass, Those ASA amplifiers from the 1000.1d up are pretty solid.

Unsure about Audiopipes CS

Powerbass is alright if you have the Sales slip and it is from an Authorized dealer you are pretty much golden on warranty repair.

I cannot really comment on Maxxosonix CS

 

[BushJ311 5,000+ posts]

sundown 1500 is my vote. Not sure on pricing though. See if Db-r has any refurbs.

 

[tinmanchris217 10+ year member]

I love the Sundowns, excellent power, customer service, and resale... but it's just a little out of my league. "Bangin' on a Budget" is in order //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/cool.gif.3bcaf8f141236c00f8044d07150e34f7.gif

 

[tinmanchris217 10+ year member]

BunkerKing,

I appreciate the quick response, and recommendations. The Audioque is based off the same board as the Hifonics bxi1608, just with slightly higher voltage components and better build quality, so you can go 16 V without trouble. They are out of stock, currently, and the new Hifonics, claims to be less bling, and better tuned than the 08 model.

 

[l7runner 10+ year member]

i got a sundown 1500 if you can squeeze out $325

link in my sig

 

[tinmanchris217 10+ year member]

You've bumped that amp 45 times in the last 2 weeks... wow... The reason no one is willing to pay that much is because a refurb costs about the same as your used amp.

Don't take it personal, but I've seen your offer and politely decline.

 

[alvitae 10+ year member]

From the choices, i vote audiopipe, but i would look into the AQ 1200D
if you want a monster amp for 0-600 then look in to the DD M3 or the IA 20.1

Get what you can afford of course but start saving up for the DD M3 for Usaci. I hear of people with good electrical doing those amps at 1/8th of an ohm for burps. I think they go for about 600-700 used.

Edit: Check to see if they are still legal. Snivelers where crying cheat with them awhile back. Not sure what became of it though.

 

[roarzorz 10+ year member]

If you want to be serious about competing then there are much better choices.

 

[IMOVeCHICKENS! 10+ year member]

sundown 1500 is my vote. Not sure on pricing though. See if Db-r has any refurbs.

this

 

[tinmanchris217 10+ year member]

It seems I'm ruffling feathers here, unintentionally. I'll clarify the intent here.

I'm NOT looking to win the world finals, or even the state of Texas. Big Bang Twins, Wesley Sawyer, and Emanuel Cavazos have the Houston area locked down (for now).

I AM looking to have a competitive system, that will teach me to be a better builder, allow for testing different alignments, tweaking the frequencies, and help me understand WHY each change does what it does.

Some guys say "go big or go home!" (like Alvitae) but I believe you have to know what you're doing before you even try to go big. I'm not there yet, and the learning process is WAY more fun than winning, in my opinion.

I've built about 10 boxes in my life, and only 3 of em have been slammin'. 10's, 12's, 15's, and a 21 (long story)... ported, sealed, bandpass, and even transmission line. But I have alot to learn before I'm a big dog.

All that being said, I think a refurb Sundown or the Powerbass will be rock solid performers for that purpose. I can beat up both amps without worrying about their reliability. The Sundown is probably worth 50% more, but I'm gonna sleep on it.

The difference between a $500 system and a $5000 system is only a couple dBs, if you are a good box builder. When I can say "I've got this!" then the DD and IA will be more than over-due.

Chris

 

[soundstreamer 10+ year member]

The difference between a $500 system and a $5000 system is only a couple dBs, if you are a good box builder.
Chris

It's quite often more than a couple dbs. Even then, a couple of dbs could be the difference between 1st pace and 5th place.

When you're deciding whether running an amp that you can get a thousand watts out of, vs an amp that'll give you a few thousand watts for a couple hundred dollars extra...there shouldn't be a question. You will see huge gains by tripling your power...and for less than double the cost if you shop around.

There are a couple of incredibly low priced DD M3s for sale in Texas right now. I saw a Cactus pf600.1 go for $600 this week. You should get the better equip any time you are given a chance.

If you think you are saving money by buying something cheap now, selling it, and buying what you need to be competitive later...you should save the time, money, and trouble. You will probably find yourself wanting a Treo 4.1 or an RD D5 soon. Save up and get them now.

 

[alvitae 10+ year member]

Some guys say "go big or go home!" (like Alvitae) but I believe you have to know what you're doing before you even try to go big. I'm not there yet, and the learning process is WAY more fun than winning, in my opinion.

Good point, When I won our regional usaci last year all I used was my kenwood 850 watt amp and 2 $45 powerbass subs. (First amp I ever bought.)

 

[ChargerBoy23 10+ year member]

Can't speak on the other amps. But I have a 2010 brutus 1610 and have nothing but goods things to say. I just bought 2 CVR's in a ported box (temporary, easy resell) wired down to 4 ohm so I won't bust them and its doing really well. Got them knocking pretty good. Can't wait to get my L5's or 2 more CVR's to see what this thing can really do @ 1 Ohm.