Planet Audio, Zed Audio and Memphis audio

[JonJT 10+ year member]

I'm considering these three manufacturers for my car install and I can't seem to decide which make to go for.

I need 7 channels of amplification and quite a bit of power as well

The combination of a Memphis MCA 5004 and a 1300Belle provide me with quite a bit of power into 7 channels while only requiring 2 amps. I don't quite know the validity of Memphis' claims though. I'm not certain if either of these amps can actually drive a 1khz sine wave (let alone pink noise) to its rated RMS power without any clipping. The combination of these two amps will run a little over 1000 US dollars new.

Going planet audio would require me to purchase an RDX1400, BB650.1B and an RX4.400. I don't know how much that would actually cost me, but I'm sure it would be as or more expensive than the Memphis amps. Are these amps under or over rated? Does anyone have an concrete proof?

Lastly there is Zed audio. The least known option out of the three. The products Zed makes are not rated as high as Memphis' or Planets but I have a feeling they will actually make rated power without clipping and just might outdo one of both of the other manufacturers products. Their most power 4 channel amp is the Draconia with one 70wX4. I'll be driving 8 ohm horn loaded compression drivers and a high sensitivity PA driver wtih this amp. Both products are rated for 100 watts continous power handling and ID even recomends 50+ watts for their horns

Their sub amp leaves a lot to be desired as far as power output goes. I don't quite think 600 watts will drive 2 RL-i 10s or a single RL-p 12 to its limits. If I go Zed, I may just have to purchase a sub amp from a seperate company, or purchase 2 Miniliths (which I don't really want to do).

What do you think?

Thanks for the help.

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[2kchevy06civic 5,000+ posts]

I wouldn't under-estimate zed audio.....they had a very nice review in a pretty recent caraudio mag. I'd check out SSA since thats the home to several companies.

 

[JonJT 10+ year member]

I'm not saying they can't do rated power, I'm worried that their lack of rated power in comparison to Memphis' and Planets offerings will be inadequate. If the Memphis and Planet products are over rated, then Zed it is.

Do you have any links to tests?

I'll check out SSA.

 

[2kchevy06civic 5,000+ posts]

I'll see if I can't google the issue.....we were going to upload to SSA but my scanner is broken. I'll see if I can't find it online though, hang on.

 

[phyphoestilic 5,000+ posts]

Zed audio amplifiers are underrated //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

 

[JonJT 10+ year member]

Then I may just buy the Zed audio products. They will be cheaper than going planet or Memphis (Unless I went used of course).

 

[denim 5,000+ posts]

I am a ZED fan for sure. Won't sell my old US Acoustics that they built.

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

Zed please. I don't think the other two brands quite measure up to Zed. And Stephan is a nice guy to deal with also //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[tmoney 10+ year member]

zed is a good choice but i wouldnt sleep on memphis. they do rated power.

 

[JonJT 10+ year member]

zed is a good choice but i wouldnt sleep on memphis. they do rated power.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

just get the zed for comp amp and something bigger for the sub.