Clarion vs Kenwood

[Gr4mp4]

Hello to all. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

A friend of mine is looking for a decent cheap amp to run a couple of subs with a total of about 400-500RMS. I've done quite a bit of online searching and these are the two I have narrowed it down to.

Clarion APX1301 - http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2009/audio/amplifiers/APX1301/us-en-product-pf_1172408778506.html

OR

Kenwood KAC-8104D - http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/Amplifiers/KAC-8104D

Now keep in mind that my friend and I live in Australia so our choices are a little bit limited as to what brands are easily available here.

I'm inclined to think that the Clarion is of slightly higher quality. But the Kenwood supposedly puts out a bit more power and has a few extra features.

Anyway my question is, out of those two amps, which one would do the job better?

Any feedback would be very much appreciated //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif Thanks.

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[Cbass 10+ year member]

I would go with Clarion... I never liked kenwood amps.

 

[bigaudiofanati2 10+ year member]

I do not car for either but if I had to choose kenwood would be it clarion's are just ugly to me.

 

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

Kenwood amps are usually ****.

 

[gunz4me2 10+ year member]

I would pick Clarion over Kenwood any day of the week but I am a little biased since I currently own a DPX1851.

 

[cleansoundzz 10+ year member]

I would pick Clarion over Kenwood any day of the week but I am a little biased since I currently own a DPX1851.

x2

 

[Ferendon 10+ year member]

Clarion

400W x 1 into 2 Ohms, @

Kenwood

500W (1.0% THD+N) (2Ohm/1Ch)

1% is a LOT more than .1%

The Kenwood is rated for more power, but it's dirty power. The Clarion will give you more CLEAN power. Clean power means a lot more than just power.

 

[Gr4mp4]

Thanks all for such quick replies! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Seems the Clarion would be the better choice.

I had noticed the THD % between the two and figured it might make quite a difference. Thanks for clearing that up Ferendon.

Thanks again all who replied //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif Much appreciated.