so n so chicago 10+ year member
Member
If possible, I want to get a good discussion going that will help me tremendously and others as well. I'll try to be clear in exactly what my query is:
Regarding sound quality (emphasis on sound quality alone), does the amplifier brand matter?
I know some amps have more versitility and give you more control over a variety of parameters, I know that some amps won't last as long as others, I know some (and virtually all amp brands tout) amps are underrated, but I also know that all amps put out watts.
Example: Amp X says 1000watts. Amp Y says 800 watts. Okay, in actuality Amp X puts out 1100watts and Amp Y puts out 1100 watts as well. Cool. Amp Y is a better brand and uses "better parts" to build the amp. However, Amp X isn't junk and is just as durable. Will Amp Y sound better?
I hope that wasn't confusing, but if that could be answered with some sort of explanation, that should clear my confusion.
Yes, I do have a relatively cheap amp that puts out 1500 rms watts that is not a JBL amp. I know JBLs aren't the best, but I did read someone's opinion that if it's cheap and not a JBL it shouldn't even be considered.
I will try to expound on the confusion I still suffer. of course the subs play a major role in SQ and the install argueably plays the most important role, and yes, I've heard that the experts can make anything sound great, but given everything being equal/identical with the exception of the amplifier, and given that the amp does have a LP and HP filter, could buying a "higher quality" amp make a system sound better. In the case of my Hi Fonics that does have a LPF and SS filter, it definitely puts out the power and does not appear to show any signs of failing soon, but the amp was relatively cheap ($260 for 1500watts) and although I am satisfied, for my car audio edification, I can't help but wonder if a "better" amp will translate to noticeably better sound.
Along these same lines, I read a thread about power being power and there was much disagreement there! Also, I have read that class D amps are more efficient (>power vs that wasted to heat), but that somehow class A or A/B amps sound better. I apologize for the length of this post, but I am really trying to understand this.
Again, I know some amps are of bad quality because they will not last long, I know that some amps are of course better because they are more stable at lower impedences and use higher current, etc. But my lack of understanding is probably in the issue of distorted or clipped signals as it relates to the brand or quality of build of an amp.
I hope that my question makes sense and that it can solicit responses beyond whatever sounds best to you.
As always thanks...
Regarding sound quality (emphasis on sound quality alone), does the amplifier brand matter?
I know some amps have more versitility and give you more control over a variety of parameters, I know that some amps won't last as long as others, I know some (and virtually all amp brands tout) amps are underrated, but I also know that all amps put out watts.
Example: Amp X says 1000watts. Amp Y says 800 watts. Okay, in actuality Amp X puts out 1100watts and Amp Y puts out 1100 watts as well. Cool. Amp Y is a better brand and uses "better parts" to build the amp. However, Amp X isn't junk and is just as durable. Will Amp Y sound better?
I hope that wasn't confusing, but if that could be answered with some sort of explanation, that should clear my confusion.
Yes, I do have a relatively cheap amp that puts out 1500 rms watts that is not a JBL amp. I know JBLs aren't the best, but I did read someone's opinion that if it's cheap and not a JBL it shouldn't even be considered.
I will try to expound on the confusion I still suffer. of course the subs play a major role in SQ and the install argueably plays the most important role, and yes, I've heard that the experts can make anything sound great, but given everything being equal/identical with the exception of the amplifier, and given that the amp does have a LP and HP filter, could buying a "higher quality" amp make a system sound better. In the case of my Hi Fonics that does have a LPF and SS filter, it definitely puts out the power and does not appear to show any signs of failing soon, but the amp was relatively cheap ($260 for 1500watts) and although I am satisfied, for my car audio edification, I can't help but wonder if a "better" amp will translate to noticeably better sound.
Along these same lines, I read a thread about power being power and there was much disagreement there! Also, I have read that class D amps are more efficient (>power vs that wasted to heat), but that somehow class A or A/B amps sound better. I apologize for the length of this post, but I am really trying to understand this.
Again, I know some amps are of bad quality because they will not last long, I know that some amps are of course better because they are more stable at lower impedences and use higher current, etc. But my lack of understanding is probably in the issue of distorted or clipped signals as it relates to the brand or quality of build of an amp.
I hope that my question makes sense and that it can solicit responses beyond whatever sounds best to you.
As always thanks...
