Clueless amateur - help me get my radio back!

[wjr]

I was fortunate to come across this forum, hopefully you guys can lend me some advice. Here's the deal -

I was living in Wilmington, NC last year and I was there during the particularly bad hurricane season. One of the hurricanes did significant damage to my area, and more or less flooded the parking lot of my apartment complex in addition to penetrating straight through my convertible top. As a result, a substantial amount of water got into my car, but more importantly the water drowned my stereo amplifer that was mounted directly underneath the passenger seat.

That being said, the amplifier was broken but I believe everything else was left in working order. When the amplifier is plugged in and the radio is on all I hear is an intermitent fuzz. The amp gets hot though so I know that there is still power running into it. Anyway, for the past year or so, I have had absolutley nothing to listen to while I drive my car and it's time to do something about it.

My first thought was just to replace the amplifier, but I can't seem to find that particular model of amplifier for less than $200-$300 on eBay (which seems outrageous to me). The model amp I have/need is the following: 00-05 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE INFINITY AMPLIFIER MR400692

SO, my question is - would another, less expensive amplifier be compatible with powering my radio and speakers? If so, which one? There are so many different, cheaper amps on eBay and I feel like any number of them would work for me but I've got no way of knowing for sure. Which is why I've turned to you good people - can any of you audio-savvy experts give me some advice?

I appreciate all of the help,

Will

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[Skittles619 10+ year member]

Its either upgrade or replace, no amp will replace the stock one without blowing those speakers. If it were me I'd grab a new head unit (can be done without this piece but easier with it) some new speakers and a 4 channel amp, it all depends on how handy you are and your budget.

 

[wjr]

hmm...so there isn't a cheaper option besides shelling out the $300 or so for an exact replacement amplifier?

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

Don't listen to skittles.

is your radio factory or aftermarket?

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

Don't listen to skittles.

is your radio factory or aftermarket?

 

[memphisguy87 10+ year member]

stfu whinning car audio not cheap.

 

[marcotheclepto 10+ year member]

try calling and finding out the ratings on the amp, could probably find replacement/replacements amps. just be sure not to go too far over the rating for the stock amp.

 

[wjr]

X1le - yes, it is a factory amp. Not to sound too amateurish, but what are amp ratings?

 

[bigaudiofanatic 10+ year member]

What an amp puts out as far as watts

 

[merritt509 10+ year member]

yea man, when you upgrade your amp your def going to blow your stock speakers because most stock speakers can handle ~25 Watts RMS, and most 4 channel amps are above 40 W RMS. Watts RMS is the continuous power your amp will dish out. this is the most important thing to look at when you buy an amp. there are tons of online sites, but i like sonicelectronix.com, you can find a nice 4 channel amp, and 4 speakers for around 250-300$. to find out the size of your cars speakers, just go to crutchfield.com, or look em up online. if you need more help than that ask.