Have Two Amps - Which to Use

[ChrisCan 10+ year member]

I came across some really cheap JLAudio amps (A-series) at a store going out of business. I bought 2, figured I would decide what to do with them later (they were like 75% off or something)

The first one is single channel A1400 (class D) with specs:

320 W RMS x 1 @ 4 ohm

500 W RMS x 1 @ 2 ohm

The other one is four channel A4300 (class AB) with specs:

70 W RMS x 4 @ 4 ohm

110 W RMS x 4 @ 2 ohm

OR if I bridge

140 W RMS x 2 @ 8 ohm

220 W RMS x 2 @ 4 ohm

I want to use one of the amps to drive either 1 large (e.g. 12") or 2 smaller (maybe 2 8"s or 10s") subs. I assume the A1400 would be better if I want to drive one large sub, and the A4300 better for two smaller subs? Both amps are pretty flexible in terms of crossovers, remote bass control, etc...

What combination would you pick? I don't need it to be very loud (e.g., I have been running 2 8" subs in my old car for years and that is plenty loud, with just like 80 or so RMS watts into each channel). But my new car is sealed pretty good, so I probably need more power to hear subs in the trunk.

I plan to get JLAudio subs (or something else?)...if that helps...

Thanks!

Click to read more...

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

Run the A1400 on subs and the A4300 on a good set of quality componets up front active....Do away with any rear speakers...or maybe just keep them on deck power for a presence...It should sound good //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[Pl8er 5,000+ posts]

well dang, nothing else to say here X2 with what he said ^

 

[ChrisCan 10+ year member]

I only plan to use one of the amps; my question was which amp is better to run subs, and in what config: e.g., one big sub (and what size/load) with the 1400 or two smaller ones (what size/load) with the 3400 in bridged mode. In terms of highs/mids I am good. Yeah, I know these are really basic questions...

I will use the leftover amp for a different project somewhere down the line...

Thanks-

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

run the A1400 to whatever sub setup you decide on.

What is the new car? That'll make a difference in what sub setup to go with. Maybe 2 smaller 8's tucked out of the way or a good 12 in the corner...it's tough to know w/o knowing the vehicle.

 

[ChrisCan 10+ year member]

It is a 2002 BMW coupe....I keep hearing "it is sealed so you will need a fair amount of power to hear it up front"...don't know what "fair amount" means....

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

It is a 2002 BMW coupe....I keep hearing "it is sealed so you will need a fair amount of power to hear it up front"...don't know what "fair amount" means....

you doing it DIY? I've just been through the ringer with a Mercedes... hidden amps, etc. NOT fun.

 

[ChrisCan 10+ year member]

Yes, it's a DIY...I am just tapping wires from an existing amp for my sub amp; I managed to find the wiring diagram and info on amp location, so it should be fine and fairly easy.

The car has an OEM 10 channel amp (I think) for the main cabin and a 2 channel amp for some little subs mounted to the trunk lid. I am not gonna mess with those amps for now, that 10 channel deal looks like it would take a long weekend to replace (I'd get new component speakers so I'd be taking a lot of my ride apart etc...maybe one day though).