Looking for a quality amp that won't break the bank.

[Gene3x 10+ year member]

I have a Kicker 850.4 and it seems to fizzle out at a decent volume. i just need 2 channels to run some image dynamic speakers wired to 2 ohm. They can handle ~350 watts rms. Since I am running 215 watts at 2 ohms and wanted to go up what would be a good replacement?

I was looking at the SOUNDSTREAM XTA880.2 What is the catch with these amps? why so cheap?

Click to read more...

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

SS makes some nice higher priced amps, but if you open up an "X-treme" you'll see a board very similar to the Profiles/Lanzar Vibes etc. It's really nothing more than a decent amp on the budget side in quality. Certainly no Kicker.

 

[Gene3x 10+ year member]

Cool Man. it looks like you are a wakeboarder also. I am running the Defcon IV's in my boat. What decent priced amp would you suggest? I am looking at a Tarantula TR-700/2 also, or should I go with an old school amp like an Orion SX2150?

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

I am running the Defcon IV's in my boat. What decent priced amp would you suggest?

Gotta link?

 

[Gene3x 10+ year member]

This one I am lookijng at on Ebay is about to end:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBI%3AIT&viewitem=&item=170049943397&rd=1&rd=1

This one also:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBI%3AIT&viewitem=&item=290050959496&rd=1&rd=1

Considering this one also:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=290050854742&ssPageName=STRK:MEBI:IT&ih=019

What is the most you would pay for the Tarantula at the top?

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

looks like a helluva amp.

according to woofersetc $300 would be a great deal

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

and there ya have it...hope it does the trick for you. Ought to be pretty impressive.

 

[Gene3x 10+ year member]

I just got it for $250 plus $30 shipping. So I will now sell my Kicker 850.4, but is adding a third amp going to cause me problems?

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif Thanks

Also since the INPUT SENSITIVITY is 0.15 - 12.0V . That should help correct?

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

how's the total power going to change?

 

[Gene3x 10+ year member]

Total power able to draw at once? Total RMS?

Now: Kicker 850.4 is 215X4 at 2 ohms= 860 RMS & PPI 1500

New setup: Tarantula is 350X2 at 2 ohms= 700RMS, & JBL 75X4 at 4 ohms=300RMS, & PPI 1500

(I probably would not turn the gain all the way up on the Tarantula)

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

ppi's at 2 ohms? low gain on that too? The w3's only good for 500w or so isn't it?

 

[Gene3x 10+ year member]

Yea (2 ohms also) it is over kill but I got the amp for cheap so I keep the gain down there also. It is good to have more power than you need so things can run without being under alot of strain right?

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

It is good to have more power than you need so things can run without being under alot of strain right?

Definitely.

I don't think you're going to notice a significant difference going from the big kicker to the SS and JBL.

To make a rough estimate on your current draw...~500w for the SS, and ~500w for the ppi, plus another 300 for the jbl.

1300 at 60% efficient (give or take) = ~2100w

2100/13 = ~160A

Factoring a ~30% current demand for music vs. tones gives you around 50A rms when you've got it cranked.

I would guess the problem - specifically - is those 100A+ peaks are dropping a good volt or 2 and the amp(s) doesn't/don't like it.

I would say unless your alt's 80A+ that's probably what's happening. Once we know what voltage you're getting it should help nail down exactly what the problem is.

 

[Gene3x 10+ year member]

If I don't notice a big difference between either setup? Then what can account for the distortion? The speakers? It just gets a little fuzzy when cranked. Real fuzzy with certain songs. I will go check the voltages tommorrow.

I also need to address the whine through the speakers with nothing but the amp trned on. Sounds like it may be a fan because it changes pitch when you turn on the blower or lights ect.... Thanks again Bro.

 

[Gene3x 10+ year member]

It is a 90 amp alternater. Indmar says it is running at 40amps when the boat is at idle and 90 on the top end. That should be plenty huh?