Looking for Compact 5 Channel amp?

pawnshopmike
10+ year member

Junior Member
I'm thinking about putting a simple system in my Honda Fit. Maybe one 10" 0r 12" sub and a set of front and rear components. I was first thinking I would pick up a 100 watt competition amp or maybe two 50 watt competition amps, something .5 ohm stable. But I've been out of this for a long time and it seems those are a thing of the past? No more 100 watt class in IASCA? My world has been turned upside down in the coarse of a few years.

So now I'm thinking maybe a 5 channel amp seems like the way to go. Space is a concern so I'm probably not looking for a Memphis Belle. And I really don't need huge amounts of power. But quality power is a must. In years past I would have bought a PPI or an Orion HCCA. But as I've said, I've been out of this for a long time so I need some help picking an amp.

Any and all suggestions are very welcome. Thanks

 
Soundstream Reference 405. This is an old school amp, not a new one. It was made in USA by the original company. 4 channels plus a sub woofer channel.

I own two of them, had one in a sports car and the other one is in my 4x4 Chevy truck, under the driver seat. One is running an 8 inch Kicker Solo Baric sub, the other was running a 10 inch, same sub. The amp fits under the driver seat of my truck. I had it in a carved out area under the rear mat in my 300ZX.

Excellent sound quality and very pure sound. You can go onto Soundstream's web site and download or view the PDF owner manual for this amplifier and get the specifications. I have a full McIntosh component home audio system and Altec 604-8G Superduplex studio monitors, so I know good clean audio. The original Soundstream Reference amplifiers are some of the cleanest and most durable amps out there.

 
Soundstream Reference 405. This is an old school amp, not a new one. It was made in USA by the original company. 4 channels plus a sub woofer channel.
I own two of them, had one in a sports car and the other one is in my 4x4 Chevy truck, under the driver seat. One is running an 8 inch Kicker Solo Baric sub, the other was running a 10 inch, same sub. The amp fits under the driver seat of my truck. I had it in a carved out area under the rear mat in my 300ZX.

Excellent sound quality and very pure sound. You can go onto Soundstream's web site and download or view the PDF owner manual for this amplifier and get the specifications. I have a full McIntosh component home audio system and Altec 604-8G Superduplex studio monitors, so I know good clean audio. The original Soundstream Reference amplifiers are some of the cleanest and most durable amps out there.
Holy triple post, Batman!

 
Sorry, I hit the button and nothing happened, stopped it, tried two more times, just got an hourglass. Went to shut something off, came back and there were three posts. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/eek.gif.771b7a90cf45cabdc554ff1121c21c4a.gif

 
I just checked my manual and the sub channel is 1/2 ohm stable, and puts out 240 watts at that resistance. Do you really need 1/2 ohm operability if it is a simple system? Seems like 2 ohms would work fine. This amp is 200 watts rms at the sub channel at 2 ohms.

 
I just checked my manual and the sub channel is 1/2 ohm stable, and puts out 240 watts at that resistance. Do you really need 1/2 ohm operability if it is a simple system? Seems like 2 ohms would work fine. This amp is 200 watts rms at the sub channel at 2 ohms.
Thanks for the info Fuster. No I wouldn't need 1/2 ohm ability if I go the 5 channel route. So does Soundstream still make this amp or one similar?

Does anyone else know of any newer amps that would fit the bill?

 
Hello, Pawnshopmike: this amplifer is no longer made. However, as of yesterday there were three for sale on eBay. They sell, in good condition, in the $200 range. I personally only buy the old school amplifiers because the construction and parts are far superior and they are made in USA, not overseas.

They made the Reference 405 and the 405s. I have a guy who services all my Soundstream amps, who worked for Soundstream before they were sold, and he told me the only difference between these two models (I own one of each) is that the "s" model has the Airbass feature. He told me the chassis design is exactly the same on both.

 
Alpine PDX 5.....do it.

ALPINE-PDX-5.jpg


 
OK so I've got it narrowed down to the Alpine and the Soundstream. I like the price and specs on the Soundstream, but I really love the size on the Alpine. Plus the Alpine would be new with a warranty. Decisions decisions.

 
Sell you my Elemental Designs Nine.5

100x4 @ 4 ohms

600 @ 1 ohm

both rms rated @ 12v

if you have an active headunit, you can run your components active!! discontinued amp, but my warranty is still valid for another 3 1/2 years from ED. let me know if your interested

 
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pawnshopmike

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