posted
Is it worth approximately 50 bucks to upgrade a head unit's power with a really cheap amp? I am meaning between a normal (not top of the line) brand name head unit and like a Profile 75X4 (RMS, supposedly) amp. I can get one new for around $50-60, and is it worth it to get more sound?? I know that head unit amplifiers are not that great, but where do you draw the line??
------------------ Overcoming by out-thinking
"Forget about subsonic, I'm trying for supersonic, and I don't mean a high note."
posted
it depends exactly what amp your getting. with profile, the jump in quality fron the lower line to the top is amazing. the baja line, well i can't say ANYTHING good about it, the California line seems to perfrom pretty well for the money, and the Jam line is excellent, except for it's nasty look.
------------------ The loudest Probe in PA (which isn't saying much!)
Posts: 1930 | From: state college, pa | Registered: Sep 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have done two systems with low quality amps, Both Legacy, a 300 watt and a 4oo watt amp. I was very surprised with there performance for only costing 50 dollars
posted
You'll get more power, but will it be clean?
I did a Jensen amp on 2 ancient RF Series 1 12s. It bumped, but it did not hammer the way I expected 2 12s to do.
I'd go and look at Crossfire and Audiobahn, even Earthquake if the cost is keeping you out of the game. Kenwood is another very good, low $ option. RF has severly knocked down their prices.
These options can't beat your $50 Profile in cost, but quality of sound and reliability may be worth the extra 100 bucks.
posted
My dad bought a little 70 watt RMS California amp to go with a little Pioneer 8 I had laying around the house. It was definitely worth it. Only like 30 bucks brand new and it added plenty of bass for his purposes.
------------------ Engineers make the world go -(-(BOOM)-)-
Posts: 245 | From: College Station, TX | Registered: May 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I say, if it's an amp that uses a regulated supply and MosFet outputs, it'll probably be worth the investment. Just remember how much it costs when listening to it, it'll probably run out of gas pretty quick on loud music. Currently, I'm running a Nak cd45z, which to my understanding uses a mosfet based amplifier to 4 Nak coaxes, and it really sounds pretty good, even on the high volume side!
------------------ STILL waiting to hear a GOOD pair of HLCD's!!
If it dont fit, force it... if it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway...
posted
I installed a Profile California 50x4 amp in my friends car. I was really worried it would not have enough power. I was wrong. It powers his front 5 1/4" and the two back channels are powering 1 10" sub. It sounds clean, loud, and best of all, better than his buddy's 2000 dollar system (punch amp, 2 12"s, components...poorly installed)!!