Amp Q's

[Frankensuby 10+ year member]

I'm in the market of getting another 4 channel amplifier and giving my old one away, and I need some help. I'd prefer to be educated this time around.

Outgoing amp is an Audiobahn A6004T.

Incoming is whatever has:

Class D

4 channel

70 -75 RMS @4 ohms

My questions are basic.

What is signal-to-noise ration mean?

What is better, 93 dB or 102db for example?

And naturally, what are some higher end names that are best bang for buck? Phoenix Gold, Audio Planet. MTX, etc...?

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[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

S/N ratio is highly overrated...I wouldn't choose one amp over the other because of it.

Doubtful you're going to find a Class D amp that fits those specs, why won't an A/B work?

 

[Frankensuby 10+ year member]

I figured Class D is more efficient, so wouldn't that reduce dimming lights? I could be wrong, I'm admittedly unfamiliar with physics of amps.

If I went A/B, I was looking at Phoenix Gold Titanium 500.4, Planet Audio VX 300.4, I've heard they were great. Any other suggestions?

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

I figured Class D is more efficient, so wouldn't that reduce dimming lights? I could be wrong, I'm admittedly unfamiliar with physics of amps.

You are right...the Class D will be more efficient.

But, at the low power levels you are dealing with for a front stage amp, the difference in amperage draw will literally be less than 10A. Not worth worrying about in most circumstances.

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Not to mention that I don't know of a ful range on that is anything approaching cheap. In fact the only full range Class D I can think of currently in production is the Xtant 1001 and it is a mono amp. You would need four of them and 2 wouldmore than break your budget.

 

[Frankensuby 10+ year member]

Alrighty I guess A/B stuff is what I'll be after. So good names to look into are Phoenix Gold, MTX, Planet Audio, Alpine, etc...?

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Out of the ones you mentioned, I'd snap up the Titanium in a heartbeat if it was in good condition //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[Frankensuby 10+ year member]

Just in case, the others are good alternatives.. such as the Planet Audio VX300.4?