My OEM amp is dead.... so, what would you recommend for about $300?

- Phantom Audio's amp (without new tweeters)
- Morel Maximo Ultra 602 for just fronts (2way component passive, plus supplies)
- Any other suggestions?

Since I've put some deadening on all doors, I thought could live with OEM stereo when the car was not running. But in motion, I feel the noises drown out midbass, so I want to focus on improving that. (Extra plush floor mats? lol)

 

Haven't heard the other amp but you would need another amp for new components.... Costs add up. So be prepared to spend more than the 300 going that route.

 

Would I lose that much power by going with 4Ohm speakers? I don't like to listen loud anyway..
I thought I could unplug the tweeter and feed the OEM door speaker lines into the passive xovers since they send full range signal.
With ~90dB @ 2.83V (2W) I think I'm okay with 90dB.. maybe a bit more occasionally. Or do speaker companies lie on their sensitivity spec a lot like they used to with amp output?

 

I'm not sure what kind of power the Phantom upgrade will give you but you will lose approximately half the power when you go to a 4 ohm speaker vs a 2 ohm. Morel is a legit company that I would trust their provided specs but most factory speakers are highly efficient (>90db sensitivity) as well, manufactured to make the most of underperforming OEM amps. From a listening stand point you may not notice a huge difference but what you may notice is clarity and definition from the Morels that the stock speakers fell short on. It could be a beneficial compromise but I would plan on another amp to power those components to bring out their full potential (90 watts RMS).

 

You know it might be worth a try....

In my latest TL I ran my Dayton RS 180-4 (4 Ohm) with the stock equipment and they sounded pretty decent for the time.

By the way, you need a new amp or your old one fixed.

 

There was a guy a while back that was running a three-way set of DLS iridium comps on a phantom amp. Very nice speakers on stock amp power and if I recall he was quite satisfied. I wonder if you Can bridge the phantom amps to run your front stage? Hmmmm...

 

I need a new amp but OEM amp is a lot easier since I don't have to do all the wiring.

Well if the stock amp can drive those speakers... I might give it a try for the time being. I'm hesitant to add a real amp because of all the extra work (and parts) involved and not knowing how much longer I'll be using this car for trips that I feel worthy of investing in better music.

 

Good choice and good luck.