Best amp for pair of components, under $200?

install is everything...
Wow guys thanks for all the helpful info. I just registered today and I'm glad I did.

You mean in dampening the doors, etc.? I've done some amp, HU, and speaker installs for friends and myself, but oddly none of them have been in doors. I've been discouraged from investing in sound deadening for the doors as it seems very expensive- are there lower-priced alternatives? recommendations? (I once did a Civic's door with craft foam sheets from Michaels-sounded significantly better and much less road noise. I didn't know anything back then though :p)

The external EQ would be nice-I'm a bit of a nerd and love being able to fine-tune frequencies. I actually looked into it a little cuz my deck's EQ is a bit lacking... but didn't seriously consider it before because I was unsure if I'd be externally amping the speakers at that time. It's not a big priority. But if I were to consider one (under $100, like SicAudio says), recommendations?

sorry quote fail :p
 
I go way overboard with sound deadener...and I use some of the most expensive stuff out there (Dynamat Xtreme). I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives that work fine, but I've been loyal to the dynamat brand for a LONG time.

This stuff gets recommended pretty often: Sound Deadener Showdown - Your Source for Sound Deadening Products and Information

I've had good luck with second skin materials too, but I've only used it once (in a friend's vehicle): Sound Deadening Materials for Noise Reduction from Second Skin

The luxury liner pro is excellent. It's worth the money...if you're going to go overboard.

 
I read about something called Ice Guard on carstereo.com - it's used for roofing and has rubberized asphalt and glass mat with adhesive backing. anyone ever heard of/used this?
do not use it... the asphalt based stuff is horrible and the smell will never go away lol

Like misfit said also deaden the doors even if all you do is use a 1/4" mdf ring to mount the speaker it will make a huge difference

sorry Misfit.. never went to the link for the amps... did not realize they were so inexpensive... a steal by any means..

 
My Zed amplifier is brand new in the box, just like anything you'd buy from a retailer or online. The difference is you won't find an amplifier that can touch it performance-wise for under $300.
It's a nice amp.

Those FD's I linked are nice too, and two of them for $200 is ridiculous. Dual mono, bi-amp, whatever. I'm going to buy several of them myself at some point.

 
do not use it... the asphalt based stuff is horrible and the smell will never go away lol
Like misfit said also deaden the doors even if all you do is use a 1/4" mdf ring to mount the speaker it will make a huge difference

sorry Misfit.. never went to the link for the amps... did not realize they were so inexpensive... a steal by any means..
A matching pair of bnib, good looking, Zeff designed 2-channel amps for $200 is tough to beat.

 
Lol thanks glad I asked--don't want an asphalt-scented car.

I'm going to mount the woofers to a 3/4" custom-made spacer, which will mount to the OEM speaker basket, with non-hardening clay between the speaker and spacer and spacer and basket. Depending on if it will stay, I'm guessing it should also go between basket and metal door?

Also, what do you guys think about speaker baffles, i.e. the foam cuplike things Metra and Scosche sell to protect the speakers from water and improve bass, mids, etc.? I don't hear too much about them.

Thanks

 
Haha I figured they didnt do much- no one seems to ever use them, although they appear to be a good idea for moisture.

Thanks so much for all your help guys. It looks like serious sound deadening material is locked out of the budget for now; would those foam sheets be an okay short-term substitute or just not bother?

 
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