Hey, I am looking fr a 5 Chanel amp and I was wondering if anyone has one or knows of a good one.

I was planing on going with a Alpine PDX 5.

 

Best is subjective to your needs.
it all depends on your needs, what are you pairing it up with,etc.
I'm sure you've already googled it and looked at the reviews, right?


your post is vague, and we need details in order to help you.

 

this


not knowing anything else about your system I am yet to see a better one than the JL HD900/5.

 

a 5 channel amp is never a good idea if you want a premium sounds with all the speakers getting perfect amount of juice...unless this 5 channel amp is only for interior speakers.... no sub...

other wise 4 channel plus a 2/mono for sub. Just my 2cents...

 

my master plan is to conect the amp to the MS8 and drive all four corners with it. also, i am going to put a sub to the last chanel.

 

Im gonna have to disagree..

I run a Soundstream Reference 705 (5 channel amp) with plenty of power for all channels individually driving Boston Acoustics Pro Series speakers all around. 2 10" BA Pro 2ohm subs wired in parallel = 1ohm and this system sounds beautiful The amp has more then enough and going for an additional mono block amp just for the subs is a bit over kill when your going for quality IMO.

Ive been thinking about getting the JL HD 900/5 for my TL just to try something different and let the center channel continue to run off the stock amp, which sounds perfect if other vehicles i have with center channels.

Buuuut if your looking for alot of bass some people may want to run more wiring to another amp.

Good Luck Mr.Skytech

 

zapco has a nice 5 channel

Stereo, 4 ohms: 6x50 Watts
Stereo, 2 ohms: 6x104 Watts
Bridged, 2 ohms: 4x90 Watts, Front and Rear
Bridged, 1 ohm: 2 Sub x 175 Watts
Bridged, 2 ohms: 1 sub x 325 Watts

 

An if you have $ to burn and SQ is important to you ~~

Note this is a 6 channels amp, not 5: http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/881.asp

 

I was thinking about that JL HD amp but its crazy expensive.

I am opting for the Alpine PDX5.

 

Check out the cadence FXA 5100, its going to be cleaner than the alpine, but its bigger and not class D(can be good or bad, depending on you POV). If you are interested, i have one for sale on DIYMA

 

Yeah )))))))

 

depending on power needs i just used a jl xd 600/6 amp with good results so far ( only been in a week)

best hole system amp i have seen is an old school PG ti 900.7
it was great to use for a 5.1 setup and plenty of power 50x5 and the last two bridged at 2 ohms was 400

Memphis also makes the Memphis belle and the baby belle both decent from my experiance

 

What is it with you guys and 5.1 systems?

99% of music is 2 channel.

 

correct but say you have a larger suv and what to watch movies in surround. They still decode the 5.1 sound. not to mention do you want a two speaker system in your car? just saying 5 ch = four fronts and a sub. you could do a three channel and parallel the left and right side front speakers but then have no control over fading to get the stage right or better(easily)

 

My 2 cents:

I tend to shy away from combo amps that can power an entire system. The consumer level amps (I.E. the one we can afford) tend to be compromises. They try to be a "jack of all trades" and end up becoming "a master of none". The added internal sub amp just means more heat to generate internally which may lead to more distortion and an early death. Should that happen then the entire amp will need to be replaced instead of just the sub amp or the speaker amp. This could cost more in the long run.

I have an Alpine PDX.4-100. It’s a class D amp (small and efficient) but it does generate heat. Don't let the marketing/advertising stuff fool you, it generates heat. It also generates higher distortion levels than A or AB class amps. I also have the PDX.1-600 for my sub and that generates heat too. The JL HD amps are also class D. The JL Slash amps are better IMO. I want to switch to the slash amps.

Don't get me wrong there are places where a combo amp should be used: space issues where there is no room for multi amps is one.

My advice would be to get a high quality separate 4 channel and a high quality separate 1 channel.

Time for a Rant:

As far as 5.1 movies in a car. Are you (the driver) watching movies while driving? I can’t understand why or how your passengers watch a movie in car during a twenty minute drive to the grocery store. How many times will your passengers have the time to watch a 1.5+ hour movie in a car or SUV? Your passengers are watching the movie and you are driving down the highway listening to a movie sound track instead of music. I would rather spend the money on good Home Theatre equipment to watch movies in my home and not in my car. I guess it’s more of an “I want to impress my friends and neighbors with my cool stuff” kinda of thing. Maybe I’ve just outgrown that stuff.

 

I agree just stating a use for them. and to play devils advocate. ROAD TRIPS.

 

when i say 2 channel, i mean left and right.

no need for a center channel or rears in an audio system.

Esp when the majority of you guys are listening to 128kb mp3's

 

I got the JL 6 channel amp before I knew any better. It ended up ok because now I have two channels bridged for the fronts (I think it's around 155watts/ch) and the others powering the rears unbridged which I usually run only as a barely noticable fill except for the rare time I want it really loud.

I tried using this amp for the subs just to see what it would do and it was a joke.

Subs are powered by a very old Infinity Beta Digital 300 class D amp. Got it new in the box from a friend that bought it in highschool and never opened it. I probably have the oldest amp on Azine.

So in short, a separate amp for the highs and subs. I could see using just one amp if you had a single small sub that was just a slight upgrade over stock.

 

About the JL HD 900/5 which in my .$.02 is one of the best. I'm about to install one in my 05 TL with the below list other stuff if you want more details or want to check my past post for more info. Can or how can I stack/add another 500watt amp for another sub if I want one/want my ears to bleed faster? FYI rummer has it the guy that made the 10" custom sub trunk en closers may make a another one for the other side of the trunk.


Joe’s 2005 TL Audio

1) JL HD900/5 amp
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_amps.php?amp_id=537

2) JL 10W6v2 Sub Woofer
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_subs.php?series_id=6

3) JL XD-PCS2-2B Power Connection Kit (which when used extends your warranty by one year)
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...l.php?cat_id=9

4) JL HD-RLC Remote Volume Control
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_a...hp?page_id=253

5) JL XB-BLUAIC2-18 RCA wires
http://www.shopatron.com/products/pr...r=91628/1451.0

6) JL XB-BLUAIC4-18 RCA wires
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...LUAIC4-18.aspx

7) JL SGR-10W6V2 sub grill
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zUM4ZQG...GR-10W6v2.html


8) JL CleanSweep CL441dsp
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...hp?page_id=211

9) JL CleanSweep CL-SSI
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...hp?prod_id=387

10) JL XD-CLRAIC2-SW (x’s 2) RCA to Speaker Wire Plugs
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...l.php?cat_id=5


11) After install my upgrade the front speakers then rear if needed depending on how the OEM's perform that are known to work nice over powered.

 

Just found this info.
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/pdfs/HD_Configurations.pdf

 

50 dollars for 18 feet of rca LOLOLOLOL

 

VERY VERY expensive setup! lol

If you want to add another sub and amp....its simple add it in. Additional wiring of course will be needed GL!

 

Yes very expensive.

$1,000.00 for that HD?

Dude, I hope you're not paying retail for this stuff

 

If your looking four an awesome amp to keep the 5channel audio and add a sub amp look at this. This is an awesome amp and will be great for a crossover setup and could be used acticve, but if your looking to stay awway from tuning this is a great amp.


http://cgi.ebay.com/BUTLER-BLUE-TUBE...item4150dd3b79

 

i like the system specs there Joe Foe, similar to my own in fact but i'm using 2 jl 900/5 amps and 2 10w6v2 subs. I'm running at all on an audison bitone.1 as an active system. it's in the works right now as i type this (can you say longest install ever). i'd be interested in how you're gonna be laying the install out (i'm in buffalo too).

BTW eggy, i've got about $400 in JL RCA's in my install. yeah they're expensive as hell on the jl website, but they can be had for a fraction of that on ebay and the web. they are awesome rca's, and personally, i like the quality. better than any other high end rca's ive ever owned (ie. monster m1000 series, xln401 series, stinger, orion. i've had them all).

 

LOL I never pay retail. I just used the links for easy info on what I have going on. Eh nuttcase21, I'm planing on doing the install myself. Have some info on how JL did it on the same model with pretty much the same stuff... I can email you if you want send me a pm. Your system has got to be to the point ya can't sit in the car with out going deaf. We could even meet up and compair....but my install may take longer then yours....LOL cause I'm in no hurry and not looking forward to doing it.
I'm thinking I may want more bass in my set up with me use to two 12" subs in a sealed box and 900watts to them in my last car.

 

email me whatever you have, send it to nuttcase21@aol.com, thanx. my car is completely gutted right now with all sorts of wires and shit going on. system, video integration, iphone integration, compustar drone remote start, it'll be nice if it ever gets done. here's a list of the goodies i'm using:

2 jl hd900/5
orion 220gt (bridged for center channel)
audison bitone.1
mb quart 6.5" Q comps in the front
ADS 356cs comps in the rear
mb uqart 4" premium comp for the center channel
2 jl 10w6v2's in a bandpass
jl rca's and video cables throughout
doms nav2go video integration
apple iphone cable for video/audio
jl power/speaker wire throughout

you should see the mess i've got...haha

 

I would Look at Zapco if you are into good quality stuff.

 

WoW Nutcase21! Your Way out of my league. LOL I would go deaf in one day in your car...but with a big smile on my face. I may end up with the same front speakers though.

 

Another of the rare bandpass users.

 

OP, the alpine 5 channel amps are great, so are the jl's for that matter. everyone is partial to a specific brand so it's hard to get advice from any one person. i'm sure you'll be happy if you buy the alpine. just be sure to take some pics of the install cuz we all love to see that shit. good luck.

 

hey IHC, did you ever dig up those pics/schetches of "the box"? i have mine built already but i'd like to compare.

 

OK great so i can get that 5 chanel amp. i had a Alpine years ago and it was great, but not that much power.

One question though....

I really want to take out my stock amp.

So can i use the 5 chanel amp in between the MS8 and my headunit?

So it would like this. Headunit to the five chanel amp and then the MS8 to the speakers.

So can i run it this way?

 

no. the ms8 is a sound processor and is used to manipulate the signal that goes to your amplifier(s). so the component path should be: head unit --> ms8 --> amplifier --> speakers.

 

FYI about the MS8
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/jbl-ms-8-review-781456/

For my needs I went with the Clean Sweep that does almost as good job at a fraction of the price of the MS8. If money wasn't a concern and I had money to spend over other things I may have may have went with a MS8.

 

Excellent post... I'm in the same boat as I just fried my Diamond D31000.1 Amp. I too am thinking about going with the PDX 5. People seem to be pushing the PDX's quite a bit.

When you reference that consumer amps are a "master of none", how much of a difference are we REALLY talking about? How would I know if it would be "enough" or fit my needs?

For instance, I'm running an Audiobahn AWP310T powered (or used to be atleast) by a Diamond D31000.1 mono block amp and just factory speakers / amp inside the cabin. I'm fully aware that this is probably the most lopsided set up known to mankind so I was looking to either run two amps (replace the mono and get a 4 channel) or just go with a 5 channel and go with another sub.

One of the hardest things is to align perspectives with others when it comes to opinions on sound and I was hoping you could provide an example to help conceptualize the difference.

How would you compare the two set-up options?

 

I would suggest you listen to some high quality systems with high end equipment. Maybe try going to car audio competitions. You can use these set-ups as a reference point.

I know I'm pretty picky about my sound quality. I think it's an endless quest and I'll never be satisfied.

 

Let me share some of my experience. Hopefully some of you may find useful.

Everybody has different perceptions towards sound. It is hard to compare which amp is better than which if we are not sure what type of music the person listens to, how the system is tuned.

It is why one has to decide whether the sound system is for SPL or SQ before building it.

I remember my first audio mod was a 2x12" single voice coil (SVC) driven by a 400Watt Mobile Authority amp ($400CAD, what a rip off ) purchased at the Future Shop, with stock HU and speakers. Constantly pumping the hair shaking bass driving around town. I thought I had the best sub, amp/system in the world!!!

Then bought my first Orion SX250 amp and 12" Orion NT sub. OMG, made the old setup sound like crap.

Finally learned that my sound system did not sound good with only CRAZY sub/amp combo. Added MBQ mids, Alphine HU and an Orion HCCA 250 Digital Reference amp. WOW, what an improvement.



Sold the HCCA SX250 and got another HCCA 250 crossover amp and replaced the MBQ mids with 2 sets of Orion HCCA 6s. Also replaced the NT SVC sub with a HCCA 12" DVC. Another OMG!!! I had an extremely loud and crisp sound system with some extremely tight bass. You could hear the bass from 3 blocks away. Again, I thought I had the loudest SPL setup in the world.

But then I encountered this fellow:


The guy worked at the shop showed me how the system sound with this SQ amp. Another OMG!!!!!! I was blown away by the clarity of the system. I can write pages to describe how nice the amp sounds.

Bought the amp and replaced the Orion HCCA 250 crossover amp with it. IT WAS THE BEST MOMENT I'VE EVER HAD. The originally loud and crisp music became LIVE!!!! Though I could not crank up the system to as high volumn with this SQL amp compared to the HCCA.

I then added sound deadening, capacitor and replaced all the stock speaker cables with THX cables. I was skeptical but the moment I turned on the system, I was speechless. I thought I bought new albums as I got to hear sounds which I could not hear before! The rest of it was alot of fine tuning.

Most people would agree that good sound costs $. You cannot compare a $400 Mobile Authority amp to a $3500 U-Dimension Forte. You get what you pay for. It does not mean that one has to pay thousands of dollars to buy the best components to get good sound.

Everything single thing in the system counts. It is not about buying the most powerful monoblock amp to drive the largest most powerful sub. It is not about buying the most expensive SQL amp to drive the most expensive mids.

To me, it is all about balance. Ask yourself what type of music you listen to. Decide whether the system is for SQ or SQL. For SQ, I would add a nice 5 channels SQL amp to drive the mids and center channel with stock amp driving the stock sub. Add a small sealed box sub/amp combo later if needed. For SQL, go for subs which work better in ported box; and high power amps is pretty much a must.

Honestly, I found that sound deadening and better cables are almost a must if you are spending enough on speaker/amp components, which is what most people try to save the time, effort and $$ from.

Buidling the best system is a never ending venture because there is no such thing called BEST SOUND SYSTEM. It is all about the spirit of building what you think sounds the best to yourself, until one day you hear how your buddie's system sounds.....


cheers,

 

I know this is old but instead of starting a new thread.....

I have to eat my words posted previously in this post. I've obviously changed a lot from last year and my subwoofer power requirements have gone down significantly.

ID CTX65 2-ways to Dyn 342s.

Two 12W6s bandpassed to two IB15s infinite baffle. 500 watts should be more than enough.

No processor to an MS8.

Center only used for navi to a 5" center amped.


Right now I'm using the MS8 and the Dyn 3-ways. Every channel is used on my JL 6450 6 channel and my mono sub amp just on the single sub and fronts. Getting ready to add the center and rears so I need more channels. I know I can run the tweeters and mids through a passive crossover and save a couple channels but I will still be one channel short. So basically I have to get another amp..

I don't want 3 amps, just not enough space and I really don't want to kill the stock charging system. The JL HD 900/5 seems to be the perfect fit. I can eliminate my current sub amp and gain 4 more channels. That would give me 11 channels and I only need 8. For some reason I hate having extra channels. I'll probably bridge the HD just for the heck of it on the midbass or bridge the 6450 on the midbass and use the better SQ HD (I'm assuming here) on the mids and highs.

Can anyone come up with a better solution? I need 8 channels. It's a lot of money to pay for the two extra channels but it solves a couple problems with running 3 amps. And last, where can you buy this amp for under retail? I've been to the usual places and they're all around $900 out the door.

 

I am running the JL HD900/5 amp also, so far i am very pleased with it, however I am not running the sub channel yet.

I am waiting on the SI BM MKIVs to be availalbe then will run 2 off the sub channel and will report my observations then.

also, got my 900/5 for $650 from auth dealer with warranty.