I'm in the process of putting together a system for my 2002 TL-S, but have a few questions. I have an Alpine 9853 that will be going in this weekend - it will drive the stock 4 door speakers for now. I have a SS Angina jumped off the stock sub (signal only) pushing a SS SPL10 in a ported box since I bought the car.

I plan on ditching the SS amp (and maybe the SS woofer too) and getting a 4 channel amp to run the front speakers (components - haven't decided which ones yet) and bridge the rear 2 channels to run a 10" sub.

The problem is deciding on an amp - I want superior sound quality, power is not of primary consideration with me. I narrowed it down to the JL 300/4, Alpine F345, Memphis, Zapco, and Soundstream. All have their merits in terms of power and flexibility, but I'm looking at the SQ and not to break the bank (budget $400-$500).

Anyone have any insight they would like to share to make my choice easier?

 

Hey.
Hope I can help here.

I went from a Kicker amp. I won't mention the model # because I am too embarrased that I even purchased a Kicker product.

But, now I have a Eclipse EA3422 running my fours plus my dash tweets.
It has a true 50x4 output and my car has never sounded better.
And @ $199.99 at CarToys (Sale price). It could'nt be beat.
I think the sug price is $250.00. I'm sure they still have it at 199.

There!! My

Yep I checked their website. Still $199.99

 

Of the amps you mention, the JL and the Zapco are my faves. I'd throw in there a DLS too... but I have used the JL in my car, and think well of it.

 

I'm partial to Zapco my self.

 

I have the 300/4 running my mids and highs actively crossed over and can't say anything but good things about it. my only concern is that the amp will only give somewhere between 150 and 200 watts to the sub. If that is enough, great choice in amps. By the way, I am using a 500/1 for my sub. Eld known what he is talking about, so listen closely to his advice.

 

Ok - its now down to JL and Zapco - since JL is available in more places, I won't have a problem demoing them; zapco is another issue - only a few dealers near me carry them. I'm going to have to do a dealer search on DLS - have no idea if anyone carries them in my area.

I think 150 to 200w for the sub will be fine. Eventually I would buy a seperate mono amp and use that for subs, adding coaxes in the rear doors.

Eld, can you suggest good components in the $300 to $400 range and also a good 10" sub that is very accurate and tight.

Thanks

 

I certainly caaan : )

But how far are you from Street Effectz? They have some sweet gear and I know you can hear a lot of it...

As far as the rest of it, as many members know, I am currently running an all-DLS system. It has a Magnesium 10", a set of UP6 6" midrange/1" tweeter, and a 50Wx4 amplifer.

Many customers, on the board and off, have liked the TSX demo system and purchased the same parts - we are still filling backorders (and can't take any more orders in good conscience until late next week when the last kits and components ship!)

But anyway, I am a huge fan of the DLS Magnesium 10 and the UP6 comps. The entire setup in the TSX right now (without install or sub enclosure) is about $900 standard retail.

 

I am very close to Street Effectz - i PM'd him the other day but no response yet.....

$900 is right in my price range - I have a sub box already (1cu ft for a 10"), and I can sell my old SPL10 and SS Angina to make up some of the cost (if I do the DLS route).

Does he carry DLS - the web site doesn't have links to brands or anything....?

 

The best Zapco reference amp is the 750.2. The 750 amp is way underrated & the closest to their flagship series C2K's. Other then that the C2K 6.0 & 9.0, but these amps are to much power for what you want to set up. The DLS Ultimate series amps are nice to.

subs:
DLS
ID MAX
AA Atlas
Arc Audio
Resonent Engineering
Adire Brahma
Treo
Elemental Designs