Soundstream VGA vs Audiobahn DUB

[marantz1]

Hi guys, I am currently trying to decide between two amps, the Soundstream Van Gogh 320.4 (80W RMS x 4 into 4 ohm with 115db S/N) and the Audiobahn DUB5004 (75W RMS x 4 into 4 ohm with 100db S/N). I require two such amps, one for me and one for my bro. My bro is running two JL dual voice coil subs (2 ohms each coil) and rear 6x9’s. I am running front 3 way Pioneers and Hertz high energy HCX690 6x9’s in the rear. I want an amp that is powerful but that is totally crystal clear in clarity. My hertz are currently off my deck (100db S/N) Sony and they sound amazing and don’t want to lose that clarity and depth of sound. Which of the two would you all recommend? Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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[acousticguitar 10+ year member]

i think the consensus around here is SS

 

[marantz1]

I have also heard that SS has been bought out by Power Acoustiks, however apparently the Van Gogh's and the Tarantula series are still designed by the soundstream engineering team without input from Power Acoustiks. Anyone else here something similar? I am just a bit cautious in getting SS after hearing this.

A final question, the SS VGA 320.4 states that it has balanced RCA inputs .. which is a good thing, however does anyone know if that means that your HU must also have balanced pre-outs? (I am hoping that the amp itself converts from unbalanced to balanced however I am not sure about this). Also, what would be the result of supplying an unbalanced pre-out from the HU into a balanced input into the amp? Would I damage either HU or amp, or possible SQ degradation?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.