Powerful, Small, Affordable 4/3/2ch Amp? Suggestions?

[C o l i n]

Hoping someone can point me in the right direction, although usually I'm looking for something that's just too good to be true, lol.

Here's what needs to be powered:

1) Pair of CDT CL6 (forget the exact model) components located in my front doors, they are old but still in great condition. iirc power handling is 150w rms (I'll need to double check the box when I get home)

2) Image Dynamics IDQ10v2 D2 power handling is 250w rms / 500 peak

I don't want any audio equip in the trunk ('04 Impreza TS Wagon) so the sub is going under the passenger seat in a RAAM Audio box. I need my amp to fit under the driver's seat, so it has to be pretty small. I already have an amp which is capable of powering the components OR the woofer but not both. Currently the components are running off of head unit power (Alpine CDA-9857) so anything will be an upgrade really.

I'd like to keep the cost of the amp under $300, even better if it's under $200, and I don't mind buying used.

The amp that got me started thinking about this is the Alpine PDX-4.100, it seems like it'd do pretty much exactly what I need (although still underpower the components a bit). Also just stumbled across an MA Audio HK598 which has even more power but I haven't seen recommended as often as the Alpine (plus it might be too large, I need to measure under my seat). Anyone have any input on these or other amps that fit within my parameters?

Thanks in advance!

-colin

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[C o l i n]

18 views, no replies? I guess this forum is a lot slower than the ones I'm used to. I did some more searching and came across some more good info here and in some other places. Now I'm just hoping someone can help sway me in one direction or another:

Alpine PDX-4.100

Class D

100x4 @ 4ohm

100x4 @ 2ohm

200x2 @ 4ohm bridged

10.2" x 7.6" x 2.5 (add approx 1+" to width for speaker wiring connectors)

MSRP $550

- All inputs and outputs located on one long side

- Crossovers and gain located on other long side (covered by end cap)

- Heard a lot of good, but now hearing the sound quality is lacking

$150-$200 shipped USED, possibly refurb on ebay

$310-$340 shipped NEW ebay sellers

$200-$260 shipped USED private sellers ebay and elsewhere

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Alpine PDX-4.150

Class D

150x4 @ 4ohm

150x4 @ 2ohm

300x2 bridged @ 4ohm

10.2" x 7.6" x 2.5 (add approx 1+" to width for speaker wiring connectors)

MSRP $750

- All inputs and outputs located on one long side

- Crossovers and gain located on other long side (covered by end cap)

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Kenwood Excelon XR-4S

Class D

120x4 @ 4ohm

150x4 @ 2ohm

300x2 bridged @ 4ohm

9.25" x 7.8" x 2.2"

MSRP $499

- Haven't heard much of anything about these.

- One person mentioned it could be better than the PDX's

- Power seems perfect for what I need, and nice and small

- Possibly overrated, but it sounds like the newer Kenwoods (this one) aren't

- Wire inputs are on one long side

- Audio controls are on the opposite side

- Would need to be mounted so wiring is forward and adjustments are rear-facing - this sounds ideal

$250-$270 shipped NEW on ebay all day

$200 shipped NEW private seller

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Kenwood Excelon KAC-X4R

Class ?

100x4 @ 4ohm

150x4 @ 2ohm

300x2 bridged @ 4ohm

13.4" x 8.8" x 2.2"

MSRP $500

- Some are recommending this over the PDX

- supposedly sounds more like class a/b

- slightly longer than the others, but all connections are on one long side so clearance should be OK

- has 5 band eq people were raving about

- All inputs are on the same long side, and adjustments are on top and viewed from that same orientation. Would need to mount w/ wires pointed to rear if I possibly wanted to push seat forward to make audio adjustments. would be less than ideal to have wiring facing the rear

$220 shipped NEW sonicelectronix.com

$265 shipped NEW onlinecarstereo.com

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Eclipse XA4200

Class D

125x4 @ 4 ohm

200x4 @ 2 ohm

400x2 bridged @ 4 ohm

12.3" x 2.5" x 10.25"

- a bit larger than the others, but heard good things so far

- power/gnd/rmt + speaker wires on one short side

- line in + audio adjustments on other short side

- would need to mount horizontally in car, wires wouldn't be exposed, but seat would need to be removed and amp unbolted to make audio adjustments

$250 shipped NEW on sonicelectronix.com

$430 shipped NEW on ebay

I was also looking at the MA Audio HK598, power is more than I need and I can get one for $150 shipped new. But there's a good chance it's too big to fit under my seat.

So, anyone have any input? So far I can't seem to add any other amps to the list, now I just need to decide which one of the above is best. I'm leaning towards the XR-4S.

 

[lucas569 10+ year member]

best is subjective, u have pm.