Class A/B high power amps for subs

[fly_marlin]

Hi all,

I know there's been much discussion about class A/B vs class D for subs and in the next month, I will be looking to switch out my SQ q-1200D for a high power class a/b amp. It just isn't pushing the subs enough. I am running 2 B2 audio ref12 subs, wired down to 1 ohm. 600wrms on paper. I would like some overhead. My first choice is the crescendo concerto c1600.2, but it has been discontinued - no place to get it still? Another amp suggested to me was ID 1200.1, but not sure that's giving me any overhead, though I know it's a super nice amp. My other choice is to get a newer version of the amp I parted with - audiobahn A2300HCJ. I bought mine for $375 shipped off ebay 8yrs ago, now I can't find them for under $600. I prefer to be under $600, but possibly even under $500. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I am looking for 1600W rms or above class a/b amp. Or does anyone know where I can get tha crescendo - only thing is that I will have to run the subs in stereo, is that okay?

All help is appreciated.

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[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Why do you think Class AB is the answer? If these subwoofers truly need more power to get the loudness you want you need to consider what to realistically expect. Doubling your power is, in theory, good for about 3 dB on an SPL meter if nothing else changes. Can your vehicle support ~2,400W? Can your subwoofers handle that?

 

[fly_marlin]

The answer to both of your questions is "no," though I'm not looking for 2400W. I didn't really know much when I got that amp, I just bought it because the price was pretty good. I also turned the gain way down, so it was okay on my electrical. So going from higher powered class a/b amp to a lower powered class D amp is absolutely noticeable, though in theory, this should be enough. I'm not sure whether the lacking is due to insufficient power or due to it being class D. Maybe I was too quick to say I'm set on class A/B, but I know it worked for me in the past. I think power not only adds loudness/output, but musicality - adding 300W of power to a sub may hardly be noticeable in output, but I think it is noticeable in woofer's ability to be responsive. Thoughts?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

So you have no idea if you are even using all the power your amplifier can make. How can you say it's insufficient power? Why not turn the gain up?

 

[fly_marlin]

I've turned up the gain. It sounds awful past a certain point. I've set it at a good point now where it sounds pretty good. I was able to test with my previous setup as well. 2 TC-1000s ran off the audiobahn for many years. As soon as I switched to the SQ amp, noticeable difference in how the subs play/hit. I've had my shop set the amp settings and I've also tweaked them, but was unable to get it to match the previous amp. The shop that works on my car said they definitely notice a difference between class a/b and D, so my observation wasn't new. I also don't want to sound like a snob and say I can tell the slightest change in sound, but this is really noticeable.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

So you don't like your amplifier. Not a big deal, but you don't need to use a Class AB amplifier on subwoofers unless there is absolutely no other way you will be satisfied. I've compared two amplifiers that have similar specs on the same subwoofers and I definitely prefer one over the other. They're both Class D.

 

[fly_marlin]

Yea, I really want to go the class D route because it's easier on the electrical and on the wallet, but I also don't want to put money into something that won't make me happy because I've already spent a good chunk on getting good equipment. This amp is really the last piece of the puzzle for me as far as equipment goes. If you think it's a matter of me not liking the amp, what amp might I like better? I really do want more power - I can always turn the gain down and this will also let me keep the amp should I upgrade the electrical in the future and go with a more powerful setup.

 

[Slobalt]

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/amplifier-classifieds/604825-fs-sundown-2500d-v2.html

 

[Slobalt]

or if you wanna go with a little less

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/amplifier-classifieds/605378-fs-ft-ct-sounds-at1400-1-ppi-s2000-1-a.html

 

[csu87 10+ year member]

yeah if it was me, id buy that ct 1400 from that guy... o wait //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

but for real, id look for something that will put out ~1500 @ 1ohm so when your impedance rises, you can still get some good power to your subs.

and just an fyi, that CT 1400 I have for sale does 1400watts @ 1ohm @ 12.8 volts vs your SQ1200 that does 1200watts at 1 ohm at 14.4v. not to mention it looks so much better

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

The new Audiobaun amps are garbage.

 

[fly_marlin]

The new Audiobaun amps are garbage.

I have never opened one up or tested, I judge by ear. My old one was awesome in every way, except power hunger. I burned down the ground terminal and it still works. Sounds great and provides good power. Unless they are just so much less quality now, I'd think it's a pretty good option. On the outside, they look pretty much the same.

On a different note, this Thursday I'm installing the PS8, which I'm hoping will do wonders not only for the front stage, but also for the bass. I will play around with it for a while and see if I can get it the way I like. If not, I will investigate the above options. The CT was one of the amps I already considered to replace the SQ, but I realize you may sell it before then. Best case scenario, for me anyway, will be the PS8 just makes it better. Thanks all for the input.

 

[csu87 10+ year member]

you said your audiobahn amp was 8yrs old? yeah, they are not what they used to be.

and you can always just buy the ct now

 

[fly_marlin]

you said your audiobahn amp was 8yrs old? yeah, they are not what they used to be.
and you can always just buy the ct now

LOL I could, or I can wait to see if $900 worth of equipment makes a difference //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif Anyone know what Q-1200D puts out at 12.8V?

 

[csu87 10+ year member]

probably close to 1k.

you should trade me that ps8 for my amp and cash.