Upgrade Expectations??

[speedracerx 10+ year member]

Forgive me if I elaborate excessively on my question/ situation, but I really want some quality and educated feedback to a post that could easily turn into a flamefest...That said, I'm questioning my level of content with my "BOSS" PD 4000 amp. A year and a half ago I saw it posted on ebay and was just getting back into this scene after ten years off. I did spend probably six hours research at different sights and forums (this one is now the only one I use and is easily the most critical). My conclusion was that Boss as a brand was terrible, but their two big amps were always reviewed as "too good to be true for the price" from people who ACTUALLY HAD OWNED OR LISTENED to these particular models. Not having much of a reference standard I ended up with the same conclusion. I built a bulletproof enclosure for two Adire Brahmas I later ordered at this forums guidance, and after realizing it would be months before receiving them I purchased a $100 Audiobahn Alum 12 "sacrificial sub" to play with in my new box while I waited for the real things. I have to admit that for $300, 3 of these would have kept me happy for some time but the Brahmas I ended up paying way to much for are from a quality and not value (which I don't really care about) standpoint way better. Now I have built several enclosures for other people driving several different low and mid priced subs. I always make them wait a week after they are done so I can play with and compare them to others and with other amps powering them. My main question is... If I have plenty of power and headroom, and the driver hits quick and HARD, is there something wrong with me that I cant hear possible distortion differences at "sub levels" ? I would be willing to drop a grand on an amp with the same power, but what would stand out as UPGRADED when I compare? Another reason I ask is because some of the "average" subs in perfect enclosures often seem to sound as good as higher quality stuff so maybe this amp is truly holding back the good stuff. Ignorance is bliss, but not if you have already spent real money on real quality. I would really like to hear from someone who has experience with this amp and will give me their honest feedback....I'll mention that I'm stupid, now maybe it wont be as much fun for you if thats all you are compelled to tell me. Thanks for making it through this book.

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[speedracerx 10+ year member]

Simple question... If you have/are driving Brahmas and have used different amps, what were they and how did they compare? If not then just what are you driving them with now and your opinion.

 

[speedracerx 10+ year member]

Only meant to filter the flames, don't leave a SQ person content with BOSS driving ADIRE.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

I'm not surprised at all by what you've discovered using your boss amp.

As you're well aware - Subs need 2 things -

power - a dime a watt or a dollar a watt doesn't matter as long as the power's there.

and

A good enclosure -

Everything else is icing on the cake.

The real issue - IMO - is that some people need a lot more icing than others to be satisfied.