What is the difference between the JL Audio "Slash" and the new "e" amps? There is a considerable price difference between the two. I am looking for an amp to push some new componets tha I plan on putting in my ride. Thanks

 

If you go to bcae1.com and scroll down the right-hand list to like 127, there's an explanation of amplifier power supply regulation.

The "slash" amps are stiffly regulated, which means that they give the same OP pwer with anywhere between 11V and 16V on the input. You don't need a cap to keep the voltage up (assuming you think you do the rest of the time: ) and for moderate installations you don't need to worry as much about the alternator.

Also, your amp won't put out more power when you floor the accelerator to pass someone and your alternator's RPMs go up, thus incresing your voltage by a volt or two.

The "slash" amps have all the marks of being heavily influenced by JL's VP (I am forgetting his name, which is too bad, I like him nd he seems cool). The guy was a founder of Precision Power and later of Xtant, both makers of stiffly regulated amps and both all about SQ.

Stiffly regulated amps don't have "headroom". That is, they don't have peak power outputs that is any different from their continuous power.

The "slash" amps have one more feature that is supposed to be pretty rare - the amp adjusts to the spekaer load connected to it each time it is turned on, and sets the power supply rails to put out the rated power (actually, as stated elsewhere, they usually outperform that) into 2,3, 4, or whatever ohms, within the rated range. This actually makes the PS easier and cheaper to build.

The RIPS system sounds to me like the old PowerGuard from Macintosh - some people say it turns the power down when you hit near the ceiling - but I think it works fine.

The "e" series are loosely-regulated, more like a general ALpine V12/Rockford/Kicker/etc. Nothing wrong with them, but not as much cool tech inside as the slash. That's why watt-per-dollar they're cheaper. I think they may be more offshore-made too - not usre about that, seems like all amps are somewhat offshore nowadays.

 

I think you're talking about Jeff Scoon.

 

TY... yeah, that's him.

 

So If I Just Wanted To Get An Amp To Run Front Componets The E Series Would Be Ok?

 

You tried to type in all caps, didn't you?

If you're asking if the "e" series doesn't suck... no, they don't suck. They're Ok. IMO they are kind of just like everyone else's amps, and are more a business tactic to supply big customers with a wider line (thus allowing them to displace Rockford and Kicker more effectively) than they are amps with a reason for being... but I still think they don't suck.

 

yeah work requires that i type in all caps and i am too lazy to to hit caps lock or deal with the shift key. but thanks for the info.

 

So how does the e amps compare to say the Alpine V12? Would it be better to go another route or stay with JL?

 

Personally, I think that "e" and V12 are about the same... but the newer V12 have some signal processing features taht look very useful.

Just had lunch w/a former Phoenix Gold guy who says that JL slash sales are very good, but "e" are poor. I suspect they are good, but not a screaming value.

Remember, electrons don't know what brands you're running : )

 

thats a good one!

 

slash series amps have a few more options on crossover settings and tuning of the setup with "Q" and bass boost. Infrasonic filter so you can control the amount of low signal going to the sub itself. 12db or 24 db crossover selectability for finer tuner. also the slash amps run from 1.5ohm to 4 ohm with the same power rating, but at lower impedences the amp draws slightly higher amperage so the possibility of larger power wire might be needed at time of installation.

Only till recently did the 1800e and the 1400e came with the 24db crossovers, and yes they are less regulated power sources

thats just my .02

 

Those are good points about the xover but I know my 300/4 doesn't have any of that stuff, except for the 24db xover option...

 

I have an e4300 in my Integra. I wanted a decent, cheap four channel amp and I got what I paid for. The front channels are running a really, really old pair of Quart 6.5" coaxes and the rear channels are bridged on a really, really old 4 ohm 10" KEF subwoofer.

It sounds pretty good, it's probably a little more than rated power but not by much. It sounds clean enough for me, but then I mostly listen to MP3s and XM and an Integra GS-R is a really noisy car. If I was listening more critically to a higher quality source and had it in a quieter car I might be able to elaborate further.

Dunno about the internal crossovers, I use the internal x-over and time alignment on a Pioneer 8600 for that stuff.

My GS-R is sort of my beater car, if I was putting a stereo in my primary car I would have used the slash series.