Diamond D3 400.4 questions

[89montero 10+ year member]

I'm building a stereo system for my 89 montero. So far I have:

Clarion DXZ 765mp head unit

4 alpine SPS 17c2 coaxial,

2 12 jl12w0 sealed in a JL power-wedge powered by fosgate power 360a2

I'm looking for a 4 channel amp to power the alpines, they are rated at 50rms so I want an amp that can do about 60rms X4 at 4ohm. I need something crisp and clean.

Does anyone know anything about the diamond 400.4 amp? I can get one on eBay for about $140 which is right at my budget. Or any other recommendations? This is my first attempt at an audio system.

Also will an amp make a noticeable difference in quality? Even at low volumes I'm not 100% satisfied with the alpines even compared to the 17 yr old stockers. When I turn it up I can definitely notice lower quality. Will an amp make a difference or are these speakers just no good? Before I found this site everyone told me that alpine was one of the best and all the reviews said these were some of the cleanest speakers out there.

Thanks,

Colin

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[chucku 10+ year member]

They definatley need amp power. I would suggest an alpine to match. Cheap amps sound cheap. I love my alpine amp, almost better than my Jl/ series.

 

[89montero 10+ year member]

can you recommend models? I was told that Diamond was much clearer than Alpine. I also have heard complaints about alpine.

Thanks!

 

[JoeHemi57 10+ year member]

Diamond D3 amps were designed by Robert Zeff, run a search on the name and it should give you all the info you need.

 

[89montero 10+ year member]

I tried searching for him and couldn't really find too much info. It seems like he does design for other companies like arc and JL, does that mean the Diamond D3 are good?

 

[JoeHemi57 10+ year member]

i've got a D3 400.2 here and an 800.1 will be on its way soon. they make rated power(and then some), have a small footprint, look nice, good reliability, and a good price.

 

[tEh koRnDog 5,000+ posts]

They definatley need amp power. I would suggest an alpine to match. Cheap amps sound cheap. I love my alpine amp, almost better than my Jl/ series.

um, diamond amps arent cheap, their good.

they sound great. so unless you ever had experience with diamond amps, i wouldnt say to much, a d3 400.4 would sound very good with his speakers.

 

[tEh koRnDog 5,000+ posts]

I tried searching for him and couldn't really find too much info. It seems like he does design for other companies like arc and JL, does that mean the Diamond D3 are good?

yes, d3's are good, their prices are good, their reliability is good, they look nice, and like someone said up top^^, they provide rated power and then some.

 

[BRZguy 10+ year member]

get the diamond you. you'll be happy with it.