4-Channel Amp Power Game

[DJWaffles 10+ year member]

See this is where I start running into some indecision. I know Output RMS isn't the end of the story.

For instance looking at Damping Factors

ARC FD 4150 >1600

JL Audio 450/4v2 >200

Is it fair to say that the high damping factor of the ARC FD 4150 makes up for the 70W difference between the amps?

S/N ratios between the JL and the ARC are pretty much the same.

THD is

Does anyone know a good way of how to take into consideration lower power but higher damping factor?

 

[dave_damage 10+ year member]

This is what I have in my Mustang http://www.millionbuy.com/souega4220rb.html 110x4@ 4 -ohms Sounds beautiful. Not 1 issue out of it. Dont even get warm. I payed $149.99 for it so this is a real nice deal. I am sure you would be happy with it and be hard pressed to find a better deal for the power.

 

[joshualittle]

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=19458. And then there's this one. Solid amp at a solid price. Another option for you to consider, lol, like you don't have enough already. Personally I like the arc's out of the ones you have mentioned. But it's your money. However you might as well do it right this time, replacing a high quality zapco like you had before isn't easy. Just lucky for you, you had insurance.

 

[DJWaffles 10+ year member]

I think I've narrowed it down to either the ARC FD 4150 or the JL 450/4v2.

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_amps.php?amp_id=438

http://www.arcaudio.com/productdescription_pages/amplifiers/fd-series/fd4150.asp

This is a tough call. The specs on the ARC are hands down better. However the JL has an 70W per channel advantage. Prices I'm hoping will be similar.

My biggest concern is that people have run 200W+ to their Utopias and I'm concerned that the 80W that the ARC puts out isn't going to cut it even with the impressive specs.

Can anyone offer me any insight here?

 

[dye4metal 10+ year member]

i would say the arc or sundown. personally im running a old school hifonics xi olympus at 125x4 @4 ohms and i love it. bridged down this things a beast and they put out way over the rated power.

 

[mcsoul 10+ year member]

You could not blind A/B select .05% THDvs .007% THD

or damping factor of 200 vs 600. No way.

You may well be able to blind A/B 75 clean watts vs 150.