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Would buying an amp for my 4 speakers be worth the money, or will I not really notice a difference between it and my deck power? I won't be competing, but I still like an excellent sounding system. And since I usually play my deck at the highest volume, would a higher power amp reduce distortion when played lower? Thnx.
posted
Well depending on how much money you were looking to spend... It all depends on how much the amp costs, but to answer your Q yes an amp will give you a better sound than just a deck will in every way. Some of the ones to look at are McIntosh, Alpine, Phoenix Gold, but like I said it all depends on the price range write back and I will try to help.
------------------ Be Ready the Bass Station Hits Db this Spring powered by RF JL KENWOOD
Posts: 81 | From: Central NY | Registered: Apr 2000
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JL had some excellent hi-end suggestions. I would run any of those three, especially the McIntosh!! But, if that kind of level is out of your price range, there are quite a few other brands to choose from that would not make you grimace at the sound quality nor make your wallet faint from money loss.
RF has come down in price, but kept their reliability and thumpitude. MTX has introduced Road Thunder amps. Kenwood are always a nice solid amp. Blaupunkt can take daily punishment without complaining a bit.
Others to choose from (none of these, nor the ones above are in any particular order):
Crossfire, Audiobahn, USAccoustics, Sony, Pioneer, HiFonics, Orion, JBL, Coustic, DEI, Kicker/Impulse, JL, CV, and Earthquake, etc.
Lanzar Vibe and Profile California amps will do nicely, but if you only drive them within their parameters. In other words, don't ask them (Jensen too) to do anything spectacular. If you're just looking to get some extra umph, then yah, if you're looking to be heard a mile away, um no.
There are countless brands that JL nor I have named that are more than worthy of looking into and living in your car. I would stick with something that you have heard a lot about (positive things) and as always ask here .
I personally like, in the low-to-mid dollar arenas: Audiobahn, Crossfire, Earthquake/Annhilator, RF, MTX RoadThunder, and Orion Cobalt. Most of these amps run from 150 to however much you can afford, but stick between 150 and 4-500 for the most part.
Oh yah, three other kick-butt hi-end amps: PPI, Xtant, and Zapco.
Yes, you will notice a nice improved difference between your deck and a decent amp. Even the best decks cannot beat out a decent/mediocre amp in THD, Dampning, S/N, etc. If you're "just" running coaxials/factory replacements, you'll still notice a nice improved difference .
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