Budget Amp Brands

[mudd 10+ year member]

So it's been several years since I was actively into car audio. I'm now looking to upgrade the system in my 08 Accord. I have some older CDT components from a previous vehicle that were great speakers, and IF I replace the rear speakers it will be something basic - some 2 way speaker. I'm probably going to put a basic 10" powered sub in the trunk, or if I find something I like I'll put a dedicated amp and box in back. I'm not looking for anything crazy or loud, just improving on stock. I'm keeping the stock radio as everything is integrated into it (AC, etc) and plan on using a good quality line-out converter to the amp(s).

Question is who makes decent equipment that isn't a fortune? @6 years ago (the last time I built a system) I found a great deal on Cadence amps, and they did fine. I'm staying away from the Crutchfield / Best Buy amps (Kenwood, JL, Kicker, etc). Where's a good place to start for a good 50x4 or so amp, and maybe a 200x1 or so for a woofer?

Physical size is also a bit of a concern, as I'm going to try to get at least one under a seat and don't want to kill my trunk but size isn't a deal breaker if the price is right. Any suggestions?

Click to read more...

 

[sacsking916 5,000+ posts]

Cadence is still an awesome choice. Also some of the soundstream amps are decently priced as well as audiopipe.

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

nice 5 channel to do everything you need

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

PowerBass ASA 1100.5x 2200W Auto Sound 5-Channel Class AB Power Car Amplifier (823871003402) | eBay

powerbass also makes a nice budget 5 channel

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

So it's been several years since I was actively into car audio. I'm now looking to upgrade the system in my 08 Accord. I have some older CDT components from a previous vehicle that were great speakers, and IF I replace the rear speakers it will be something basic - some 2 way speaker. I'm probably going to put a basic 10" powered sub in the trunk, or if I find something I like I'll put a dedicated amp and box in back. I'm not looking for anything crazy or loud, just improving on stock. I'm keeping the stock radio as everything is integrated into it (AC, etc) and plan on using a good quality line-out converter to the amp(s).
Question is who makes decent equipment that isn't a fortune? @6 years ago (the last time I built a system) I found a great deal on Cadence amps, and they did fine. I'm staying away from the Crutchfield / Best Buy amps (Kenwood, JL, Kicker, etc). Where's a good place to start for a good 50x4 or so amp, and maybe a 200x1 or so for a woofer?

Physical size is also a bit of a concern, as I'm going to try to get at least one under a seat and don't want to kill my trunk but size isn't a deal breaker if the price is right. Any suggestions?

There is nothing wrong with those if you go with the top line and get a good price on them. I dont care for the full range JL HD amps but they get a lot of praise. JL's R.I.P.S. is a very good function if you have the electrical to support it

 

[mudd 10+ year member]

I like the looks of that PowerBass. Decent power, great footprint. Never heard of the brand though - any good?

 

[sacsking916 5,000+ posts]

Powerbass are good amps. Can't go wrong with them if the price is right.

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

yes they are decent amps ,i used to run the xta 5000 and they were some of my best sounding and loudest.i would suggest getting new ,as they have a 1 year free replacement warranty.

 

[kramer_212 10+ year member]

i like the mb quart amps 1.5k rms for 170 don't know if you can find cheaper.

 

[RoYALbLUE08 10+ year member]

So it's been several years since I was actively into car audio. I'm now looking to upgrade the system in my 08 Accord. I have some older CDT components from a previous vehicle that were great speakers, and IF I replace the rear speakers it will be something basic - some 2 way speaker. I'm probably going to put a basic 10" powered sub in the trunk, or if I find something I like I'll put a dedicated amp and box in back. I'm not looking for anything crazy or loud, just improving on stock. I'm keeping the stock radio as everything is integrated into it (AC, etc) and plan on using a good quality line-out converter to the amp(s).
Question is who makes decent equipment that isn't a fortune? @6 years ago (the last time I built a system) I found a great deal on Cadence amps, and they did fine. I'm staying away from the Crutchfield / Best Buy amps (Kenwood, JL, Kicker, etc). Where's a good place to start for a good 50x4 or so amp, and maybe a 200x1 or so for a woofer?

Physical size is also a bit of a concern, as I'm going to try to get at least one under a seat and don't want to kill my trunk but size isn't a deal breaker if the price is right. Any suggestions?

buy my amp! ill sell it for cheap i prmose. its a kenwood kac-8405 60x4 at 4 ohms, 200x2 at 4 ohms bridged. if u want u can PM me

i also have a 2008 accord sedan and im almost done with my audio build.

get an audio control LC2i its really good im also using the factory HU for now until i upgrade it later

 

[RoYALbLUE08 10+ year member]

as for budget. i think PPI makes some of the best budget amps.

 

[07denali 10+ year member]

I used an Autotek 800 watt amp to push two JL w3s 10" subs in a prelude when I was I'm high school. Not a bad amp but not great. It was pretty cheap from what I remember. I have an 06 Accord with a 12" Mtx and a kicker 400.1 amp and it sounds pretty good imo.

 

[tat2bass 10+ year member]

Is your Accord a coupe or sedan? If it is a coupe I can tell you that you won't be able to get an amp under the seats. The air ducts for the rear actually come out from under the two front seats in the coupe leaving no room for anything under it. You will want to deaden it pretty well too. You will discover a lot of new rattles in it that weren't there before. But a great car nonetheless to start out with. What I had prior to my car now

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

Soundstream and PPI are actually decent stuff, even if owned by Epsilon

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

Arc Mini......Elf Audio.....

You can get uber small footprints and decent power. If looking for sub amp American Bass PHD-4000D I think it is. Tiny amp that does 2k iirc.