Amp Comparison - Arc, ED, PDX

[mattldm 10+ year member]

Which amp for the situation:

DLS UP6i components front (passive) rated for 150 watts RMS //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/eek.gif.771b7a90cf45cabdc554ff1121c21c4a.gif

DLS 257 coaxial rear

(Currently have) ED Nine.4

Looking at a couple of amp options:

Arc Audio KS300.4 (about 100 watts per channel, Used for under $300)

PDX 4.100 - (about 120 watts per channel, used under $300)

PDX 4.150 - (about 160 watts per channel, about $400)

Its going in my 2002 Tacoma extra cab - I recently purchased about $400 worth of sound deadener (SS Luxury Liner Pro, Damplifier, Raamat and Ensolite, even some ED V1se - yeah I know, lol)

So my vehicle should be sufficiently dampened! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crazy.gif.c13912c32de98515d3142759a824dae7.gif

What do you think?

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[ent3rdadragon 10+ year member]

pdx 4.150

 

[denim 5,000+ posts]

Personally I would probably choose the ARC, but that is me and I have read mixed reviews on the clarity of the PDX amps.

 

[mattldm 10+ year member]

I decided to go with the PDX 4.100 -

Yesterday I pulled my ED Nine.4 out and installed the 4.100. I reset the crossovers and gains and the PDX sounds great. I dont notice any of the "so called" downsides of the class D amps. The treble is crisp and clear and not rolled off. It gets LOUD and plays clear at a much higher volume level than the Nine.4 did. My PDX is rated at 131 watts on the birthsheet which seems to be plenty of power!

I am completely happy with the PDX and the size of the amp means that it now fits under the seat in my truck without sticking out behind the seat! No more worrying about setting something on the RCA's or someone stepping on it when getting in the back.

 

[El Ropo 10+ year member]

Hmm, did you ever try bridging the Nine.4 to the front comps? That would of been my choice. Moar powar!

 

[dave_damage 10+ year member]

Selling the Nine.4?

 

[mattldm 10+ year member]

Selling the Nine.4?

Yes, Its listed in the for sale section over at DIYMA and on ICIX

http://diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46239

 

[mattldm 10+ year member]

Hmm, did you ever try bridging the Nine.4 to the front comps? That would of been my choice. Moar powar!

I did bridge the Nine.4 and yes it had plenty of power! (probably too much if thats possible) But I wanted to have a 4 channel so I can run rear fill. With the bridged 9.4 only had two channels.

The 4.100 is PLENTY of power IMO. I know there are some that swear by 100's and 100's of watts but im totally happy with the little PDX's power (131 on the birthsheet)

Plus the overall size of the amp was important, I love how the PDX stays hidden under the seat even when its folded forward. No more amp sticking out on the floor in the extra cab area! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif