Finally - I have chosen eight (8) finalists to drive my Polk Audio 6.5" - Which One?

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

Okay Bug, I am turning up the volume on ya here! I decided to do a little more searching before making a choice. The below list is THE final list. I know there are many good amps, but I think I have widdled it down to what I think I'd be happy with. So, if you or other 'verteran amp enthusiasts' could give me your 2 or 3 final recommendations based on these final choices, I am ready to be done with this. I will also post up my choice.
$219 Alpine PDX-2.150 (4 ohms 150w x 2 RMS) (Class D)

$180 Arc Audio FD2200 (100w x 2 RMS) Class AB

$131 Diamond Audio 300.2 (4 ohms 100w x 2 RMS) (Class A/B) (Refurb)

$125 Zapco i-force 2100 Car Amplifier (4 ohms 100w x 2 RMS) (Class AB)

$125 Phoenix Gold Xenon 100.2 (4 ohms 100w x 2 RMS) (Class AB)

$120 Phoenix Gold Ryval V1502 (4 ohms 150w x x RMS) (Class A/B)

Remember, my speakers are rated at 100w RMS - 200w Max. Would the v1502 at 150w per channel be to much? I am thinking best to stay in the area of 100w - 125w RMS. Or, to closely match the RMS of the speakers, right?

Now youve hit a whole new realm. Zapco > all others listed. A close tie would be the Xenon and Arc.

 

[bugflipper 10+ year member]

No offense, but arc holds it's own with zapco. With these particular 2 the arc has less thd than the zapco. They are pretty well interchangeable with equal lines. The arc is usually only recommended more because of space issues. Both are very good brands, out of these two though imho the arc is better. My preference would be the xenon next then the zapco.

Or you could buy my planet audio p200.2 100x2 for $185 shipped to lower 48. No more headaches or frustration. Old School USA made sq goodness that will beat any you have linked so far. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif Actually it will compete with the top of the line models currently out from zapco and arc in clean rated power. The specs themselves make new sq amps look like mid level normal amps. Get into the guts and it's a whole different ball game. They don't make em like this anymore.

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[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

No offense, but arc holds it's own with zapco. With these particular 2 the arc has less thd than the zapco. They are pretty well interchangeable with equal lines. The arc is usually only recommended more because of space issues. Both are very good brands, out of these two though imho the arc is better. My preference would be the xenon next then the zapco.
Or you could buy my planet audio p200.2 100x2 for $185 shipped to lower 48. No more headaches or frustration. Old School USA made sq goodness that will beat any you have linked so far. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif Actually it will compete with the top of the line models currently out from zapco and arc in clean rated power. The specs themselves make new sq amps look like mid level normal amps. Get into the guts and it's a whole different ball game. They don't make em like this anymore.

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The high end Arc does sure. Not the low end series of the Arc's that hes looking at. However even the low end of Arc and Zapco are still better than most anything produced today.

 

[SmokinBarrel 10+ year member]

Gentleman,

I'd like to thank you for you guidance, and responses. I have made my choice and purchased my first ever amplifier! There is no turning back now! So, with that said, on a scale of 1 - 10 (1 = poor, 5 = good, 10 = excellent) how would you rate my final choice (value, performance, and SQ)? I purchased the Phoenix Gold Xenon. Now, I just hope it performs/works once I receive it. Based on the feedback, my guess would be rating of '6'?

Bug,

On a side note, if the Xenon doesn't work, and I have my first ever bad experience purchasing from eBay (knock on wood), I will be contacting you regarding a possible purchase of the Planet Audio amp, but at $165 shipped! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[gunz4me2 10+ year member]

The PG Xenon is a good amplifier. My only issue with them is I found them rather HUGE for the amount of power they produced.

 

[SmokinBarrel 10+ year member]

A very good point! My first choice was for smaller amps because of limited space inside the boat. But, it seems most smaller amps didn't quick have the quality or were to expensive.

The reason I almost thru up my hands and went with Audiopipe. A fairly small foot print. Oh well, let's hope I find room. How much clearance do u think I need around, onto the amp for adequate heat dissipation?