First-Time Beginner Build

[CAT MAN 5,000+ posts]

They got pretty bad around O5 as well... I just got a box full of brand new budget amps I'm not sure what to do with lol

pretty much....what budget amps we talkin cause i need about 4k worth of power this summer

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

I picked up that lot of Mean Machines that was on here a couple weeks ago... Gunna try out the mono on my custom 8 when I get a box in and also have a pair of 4 channels and a 2 channel...

 

[DoesDad 10+ year member]

Not a good start for naughtyca. 12 dislikes in 28 posts! Welcome to caraudio.com ya fuqqin' noob....

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Hahaha!

 

[Arythael 10+ year member]

you get what you pay for in the car audio world.the hifonics subs are mainstream low end junk.as far as the components all that you named are very nice for the lower end realm of components also look at these CL-61A.2-25 Pro - CDT Audio Classic 2-Ohm 6.5 2-Way Component Speakers i can do the newer models for 150 shipped

I'm definitely interested in these, but it's hard to find much info about them online. Are they significantly different from the CL 62 PROs? More importantly, Amazon/WoofersEtc says "Power Handling: 150 watt" - is this RMS or peak power? I'm only curious because it'd help with choosing an amp.

There's a lot of options for amps, especially if you're open to buying used (which I highly recommend). If you're looking for a 4 channel, I'd look towards something that does ~75 over each channel, at 4 ohms. Or, you could also look at some 2 channels if you know you only want to amplify your front speakers (which most users here do). You'll learn once you develop a strong front stage, you usually can't even hear the rear speakers, so I just turned mine off. Then I used my 4 channel amp and bridged it just to my front components. So, for versatility, I'd look at a 4 channel amp with 75w per channel @ 4 ohms. Or for simplicity/space sake, a 2 channel amp with 100-150w per channel @ 4 ohms.here's a few budget amps that are safe to buy new:

(links deleted so I can post without moderator approval -.-)

The MB Quart ONX4.80 looks great! Unless I'm missing some other important tech spec, it seems to push a lot of power for a $130 amp. Also, I was thinking the same thing about rear speakers. The stock ones clip terribly at barely 80 dB (guesstimated), I can't imagine how horrendous they'd sound trying to keep up with amplified components.

I have a couple amps that may work well for you as well OP...

Do tell //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif I'd be open to anything in the $100-200 range.

Also, I was wondering if I should look into 5-channel amps? Are they as efficient and cost-effective as buying a 4-channel + mono block amp? Or are they only made for higher-end setups (e.g. do they make cheap, quality ones for about the same price as a 4-channel + mono block? I haven't seen any under $300 or so, but I guess that's reasonable if I'd otherwise be buying two amps for about $150 each)?

 

[TheUnderFighter 10+ year member]

As for the CDT's handling 150w, I'm pretty sure it's their RMS rating, cus that's what I've given mine. But, it's 150w @ 120hz, and most people need their components playing a lot lower than that, like down to 80hz. So mine were bottoming out constantly. I've turned them down to about 100w now.

I think you'd be better off buying separate amps. the 5 or 6 channel amps are good for a clean install, and people that are ok with lower/mid powered sub set-ups, and know they won't be upgrading/changing their amps or subs. Again, having 2 separate amps provides versatility, and allows you to determine how much power you want on your substage, and if you want to upgrade it, it's easy. And as you saw, most of them are pretty expensive. It's hard to find any on a budget really, since usually only quality companies make them.

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

I'm definitely interested in these, but it's hard to find much info about them online. Are they significantly different from the CL 62 PROs? More importantly, Amazon/WoofersEtc says "Power Handling: 150 watt" - is this RMS or peak power? I'm only curious because it'd help with choosing an amp.

The MB Quart ONX4.80 looks great! Unless I'm missing some other important tech spec, it seems to push a lot of power for a $130 amp. Also, I was thinking the same thing about rear speakers. The stock ones clip terribly at barely 80 dB (guesstimated), I can't imagine how horrendous they'd sound trying to keep up with amplified components.

Do tell //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif I'd be open to anything in the $100-200 range.

Also, I was wondering if I should look into 5-channel amps? Are they as efficient and cost-effective as buying a 4-channel + mono block amp? Or are they only made for higher-end setups (e.g. do they make cheap, quality ones for about the same price as a 4-channel + mono block? I haven't seen any under $300 or so, but I guess that's reasonable if I'd otherwise be buying two amps for about $150 each)?

Feel free to PM me or add me as a contact so we can IM later... As was said about the 5 channel thing they are nice but none are extremely powerful... DD just came out with a new one but unfortunately it isn't either which is very disappointing...

 

[Arythael 10+ year member]

Feel free to PM me or add me as a contact so we can IM later...

Done. I'm not sure how IMing (or buying/selling, for that matter) works on this site, but I'd be happy to discuss some amp options!

At this point, I've pretty much decided on the CDT CL-61A.2-25 PRO set (mylows, I added you as a contact too), probably running on an MB Quart ONX4.80 amp.

Looking at subs, I've narrowed it down a lot but I'm having a tough time deciding between the Obsidian 12" or the SSA DCON 12" D4. They're both about the same price, and obviously the 600W Obsidians are twice the power of the DCONs but from what I've read that doesn't necessarily mean twice as loud... so I'm wondering what people think of each? Does one sound noticeably better than the other (I know enclosures matter here too)? The biggest problem I see is that I've been able to find very few mono block amps that can handle 1200W+ for under $200; currently the MB Quart ONX1.1500D is the only one on my list, and that's 1000W @ 2-Ohm, 1500W @ 1-Ohm. If I get two 4-Ohm DVC subs, is it possible to bridge/wire them to run at 1 Ohm? Does the amp need to be able to specifically support this feature, or can any do it?

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Done. I'm not sure how IMing (or buying/selling, for that matter) works on this site, but I'd be happy to discuss some amp options!
At this point, I've pretty much decided on the CDT CL-61A.2-25 PRO set (mylows, I added you as a contact too), probably running on an MB Quart ONX4.80 amp.

Looking at subs, I've narrowed it down a lot but I'm having a tough time deciding between the Obsidian 12" or the SSA DCON 12" D4. They're both about the same price, and obviously the 600W Obsidians are twice the power of the DCONs but from what I've read that doesn't necessarily mean twice as loud... so I'm wondering what people think of each? Does one sound noticeably better than the other (I know enclosures matter here too)? The biggest problem I see is that I've been able to find very few mono block amps that can handle 1200W+ for under $200; currently the MB Quart ONX1.1500D is the only one on my list, and that's 1000W @ 2-Ohm, 1500W @ 1-Ohm. If I get two 4-Ohm DVC subs, is it possible to bridge/wire them to run at 1 Ohm? Does the amp need to be able to specifically support this feature, or can any do it?

I think this amp will work perfect for you then...

 

[TheUnderFighter 10+ year member]

Done. I'm not sure how IMing (or buying/selling, for that matter) works on this site, but I'd be happy to discuss some amp options!
At this point, I've pretty much decided on the CDT CL-61A.2-25 PRO set (mylows, I added you as a contact too), probably running on an MB Quart ONX4.80 amp.

Looking at subs, I've narrowed it down a lot but I'm having a tough time deciding between the Obsidian 12" or the SSA DCON 12" D4. They're both about the same price, and obviously the 600W Obsidians are twice the power of the DCONs but from what I've read that doesn't necessarily mean twice as loud... so I'm wondering what people think of each? Does one sound noticeably better than the other (I know enclosures matter here too)? The biggest problem I see is that I've been able to find very few mono block amps that can handle 1200W+ for under $200; currently the MB Quart ONX1.1500D is the only one on my list, and that's 1000W @ 2-Ohm, 1500W @ 1-Ohm. If I get two 4-Ohm DVC subs, is it possible to bridge/wire them to run at 1 Ohm? Does the amp need to be able to specifically support this feature, or can any do it?

Some amps won't be stable at 1-ohm, but most decent class-d ones are. In this case, the Onyx is. And your wiring options with a paird of DVC 4-ohm subs is 1 ohm, or 4 ohms. So, you've got it matched up pretty well already it looks like!

 

[winkychevelle 10+ year member]

Hifonics subs are garbage, i won't diss their amps though, for the price and they are cea 2006 compliant. which rates their wattage on 4ohms at 14.4 volts. I dont agree on spending all your money on just mids and highs and dont get a sub. i would change at least your front doors for mids and highs and add a sub and amp for your bass.
Not sure why they will advice you not to get a sub for a beginner setup i wont spend more than $70 on pair or ceiling at $100

Like i said before this is just my 2 cent.

for the mids and highs i would recommend RF PBR300x4, these are 75 watts per channel but birthsheet is always a lot higher, when i got mine it was 94watts per channel on 14.4v, you can get these for about $150 and they are very small footprint

id like you to prove this send me a pm of a pic of the birthsheet i work as a rockford dealer and have sold 9 of these so far and the highest rating any of them hadwas 87w. and this may not be the best sub for him as it limits crossover points as well as only being 4ohm stable. in owning 1 of these amps i can also say it get rather hot and cannot just be shoved anywhere like the size would suggest.

and if u ever had a real solid front stage u would know where we are coming from my doors will play down to 60hz with authority and while its not bass i went without bass in my truck for 6 months and never really missed it because my doors would play like a premium bose system with just4 speakers and no sub.

and that amp for 150 thats rather funny i know what dealers pay for them and they wouldnt be making much ifs they sold it that cheap. online u have no warranty through rockford unless they are authorized which is pretty much crutchfield and thats it and their price is 259.99 iirc

 

[naughtyca 10+ year member]

id like you to prove this send me a pm of a pic of the birthsheet i work as a rockford dealer and have sold 9 of these so far and the highest rating any of them hadwas 87w.

and that amp for 150 thats rather funny i know what dealers pay for them and they wouldnt be making much ifs they sold it that cheap. online u have no warranty through rockford unless they are authorized which is pretty much crutchfield and thats it and their price is 259.99 iirc

Ahhh so you are one of those store that will overprice the product and most likley overprice your install price too. I was actually wrong I paid $138 shame on you to sell it for $250 when you only get it for less than $138. and yes he is an authorized Rockford Dealer and this is the reason why he is still in business for a long time, he makes money on install (still fair) but very fair on his products. Your shop is the one i hate to go to OVERPRICING EVERYTHING!!

I will post here the birthsheet when i get home so you can apologize

View attachment 26531338

 

[Arythael 10+ year member]

Some amps won't be stable at 1-ohm, but most decent class-d ones are. In this case, the Onyx is. And your wiring options with a paird of DVC 4-ohm subs is 1 ohm, or 4 ohms. So, you've got it matched up pretty well already it looks like!

Thanks, just wanted to make sure I wasn't being retarded with my electrical math.

Ahhh so you are one of those store that will overprice the product and most likley overprice your install price too. I was actually wrong I paid $138 shame on you to sell it for $250 when you only get it for less than $138. and yes he is an authorized Rockford Dealer and this is the reason why he is still in business for a long time, he makes money on install (still fair) but very fair on his products. Your shop is the one i hate to go to OVERPRICING EVERYTHING!!
I will post here the birthsheet when i get home so you can apologize

View attachment 26531338

You need to work on your reading comprehension, man...

I'm still looking for some advice on Obsidian vs. SSA DCON subs. I found one thread about this, but the only thing I got out of it was "I heard DCONs have nice SQ". I'll probably go with the DCONs unless I get some more info.

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

yea if you want the cdt components ,just send me a pm and i'll give you my paypal info

 

[winkychevelle 10+ year member]

Ahhh so you are one of those store that will overprice the product and most likley overprice your install price too. I was actually wrong I paid $138 shame on you to sell it for $250 when you only get it for less than $138. and yes he is an authorized Rockford Dealer and this is the reason why he is still in business for a long time, he makes money on install (still fair) but very fair on his products. Your shop is the one i hate to go to OVERPRICING EVERYTHING!!
I will post here the birthsheet when i get home so you can apologize

View attachment 26531338

jst saying just cause u paid 138 doesnt mean he made any money. and besides he just upped his install price so he still made about the same. take the difference in out install prices and add it to what you paid per amp and u still paid 180 an amp which is only 5 bucks from our price. and why would it be a shame go price other mini amps in its class. but hey i make money everyday like this. my installs are why im in business not my prices. my customers pay for quality installs with quality equipment and leave happy.