budget 4 channel vs higher end, is there a sound difference?

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

ok maybe ill get it this time, third time lol. real world, how reliable are the specs put out by the manufacturer? I've heard a lot of these numbers are inaccurate or made up...
further, how important is it when purchasing an amplifier? is it something I should look for and that i would likely notice in SQ

if you know of any useful references i could read, i'd like to learn more.

specs are legit. they are measured. there will be variations, based on the tolerance of the components. 1% vs 5% vs 10%. higher tolerances are cheaper, a lot cheaper.

channel separation isn't a spec to compare amplifiers against each other. however, it's one of the reasons you see "dual mono" amplifiers. having separate power supply sections for each channel also helps dynamics. channel separation is measured in decibels. typically 60-80dB.

simply put, you get what you pay for. people complain about things being "overpriced" but the only brand that is "overpriced" is Bose. all others are making similar profit margins. if it costs more to build it, it sells at a higher price.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

I almost went with one, didn't want to have the remote exposed. It would have been a sore thumb

the controller is not required for running it, just for tuning. you can use a laptop instead. the smaller controllers for the MS-8 or BitOne are cute, but way less useful. the remote on the MS-8 is maddening. having a 1 Din controller just means you get graphics along with control in a useful package.

i typically put my controllers in my sunglasses holder when i want to keep them useful. i tune often and while driving, so having it at a comfortable reach is important to me.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

the controller is not required for running it, just for tuning. you can use a laptop instead. the smaller controllers for the MS-8 or BitOne are cute, but way less useful. the remote on the MS-8 is maddening. having a 1 Din controller just means you get graphics along with control in a useful package.
i typically put my controllers in my sunglasses holder when i want to keep them useful. i tune often and while driving, so having it at a comfortable reach is important to me.

I kept reading if you do not have a Alpine compatible HU the controller must stay hooked up.

Mine just sits in the center console. I don't mess with it anymore.

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

Yea blazian87 on here has a h800 and uses his tablet to adjust it, he does have an alpine double din though. Im going to be running it with my 149bt and most likely a tablet aswell

 

[Haunz 10+ year member]

Last I checked Richard Clark's $10,000 ABX amplifier challenge remained unclaimed.

 

[fly_marlin]

im thinking of pairing one those said setups with a hertz hsk 165xl set, how much did you pay for yours?

You still got your setup running? I saw you were selling your tantric? We should meet up, would be cool to hear your whip 1 or whip 2 haha

 

[Maky 10+ year member]

What kind of a deal? Think you can get it new at $850 or so. I'm guessing you're looking for 150x4 into 4 ohms? I will go out on a limb and guarantee that you would not be disappointed with ARC KS series...of course, talking from experience. Here are also cheaper options you may want to look at:
Gladen XL 150c4

Audio System Xion X 165.4

Rainbow Germanium Four

Eton PA 800.4

Thanks for the recommendations.

Marlin, by deal I meant a really well priced second-hand one. Locally the high-end audio market is a real niche market here which leads to extremely high depreciation.

As an example, A Morel Ultimo is listed at 1400$ but 2 three'ish months old barely used one were recently offered to me at 155$ each. Similarly I hope the Mosconi I'm after, which costs around 850$ after recent price reduction, I hope to find at a depreciated rate. If not, I buy brand new after some price negotiation.

I'm in no hurry so I'll take my time with that one hoping one pops up in the local market over next couple of months.

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Last I checked Richard Clark's $10,000 ABX amplifier challenge remained unclaimed.

What was the challenge?

 

[Haunz 10+ year member]

What was the challenge?

If you have to ask............... enough said.

 

[fly_marlin]

Thanks for the recommendations.
Marlin, by deal I meant a really well priced second-hand one. Locally the high-end audio market is a real niche market here which leads to extremely high depreciation.

As an example, A Morel Ultimo is listed at 1400$ but 2 three'ish months old barely used one were recently offered to me at 155$ each. Similarly I hope the Mosconi I'm after, which costs around 850$ after recent price reduction, I hope to find at a depreciated rate. If not, I buy brand new after some price negotiation.

I'm in no hurry so I'll take my time with that one hoping one pops up in the local market over next couple of months.

Ah okay. I'm trying to get Jeff to buy something cool like that haha Love my arc every bit, but really really want that European stuff. For now, running European drivers will have to do.

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

You still got your setup running? I saw you were selling your tantric? We should meet up, would be cool to hear your whip 1 or whip 2 haha

Yea still have everything, not really pushing to sell the trantric its just out there if anyone wants it. Im really unhappy with ny truck and thats my main thing so thats my reason for wanting to sell.

 

[fly_marlin]

Yea still have everything, not really pushing to sell the trantric its just out there if anyone wants it. Im really unhappy with ny truck and thats my main thing so thats my reason for wanting to sell.

Okay, I see. Well, let me know. Jeff and cscstang have pretty cool setups, too.

 

[Maky 10+ year member]

Ah okay. I'm trying to get Jeff to buy something cool like that haha Love my arc every bit, but really really want that European stuff. For now, running European drivers will have to do.

Yes!.

Jeff come over to the Dark s.....SQ side.

 

[Jbake1975]

What was the challenge?

http://www.cnet.com/news/do-all-amplifiers-sound-alike/

http://www.cnet.com/profiles/theaudiophiliac/#articles

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

Okay, I see. Well, let me know. Jeff and cscstang have pretty cool setups, too.

Ive heard stangs but not jeffs new setup, we need a little socal meet, althugh this saturday there is a sql show at angel stadium