Picking an amp...

[Casey C]

What are some good rules to follow when picking an amp? I am trying figure the sub part to my system out and don't have a good idea of what I should get for an amp. I think there is a low-passed set of pre-amp outs on my HU so I don't think I will need a special amp with a crossover in it. I don't know what I am getting for subs, but I'm looking at 2 JL 10's (the lower model ones) or a 12 (mtx thunder4000 possibly).

 

[ChuckyD]

first figure out what subs to get (i would go for the JL's) then find out what the rating for the subs are. Then go find an amp that meets the range of the sub (not exceed).

if you get JL 10W3 get a 200 x 2 RMS amp to power it
if you get the W1's get a 100 x 2 RMS amp,
as a rule of thumb, i like having the components match
i would get a JL amp.

Dead Link Removed
that would be good for the W3's alittle under but im sure it would awesome!

 

[Brian's98XLT]

Do not go buy the overrated max power normally listed on the front of the amp. Find out what the RMS rating is and at what voltage. Some manufactures will give a 12 volt or a 14 volt rating. Make sure they are the same voltage to get a accurate comparison. The better amp out there will run about $1 a watt. So a 250 watt amp will usally be about $250.
Do not judge a amp on size alone. Some cheaper amps out there have huge chassis but when you open them up the bottom plate is a thick piece of steel to add weight to make it seem heavy and the board inside is only 1/3 the size the heat sink.

 

[Casey C]

so, If I was to get a sub that has an RMS rating of 100w would I get a 100w amp? (forget channels)

I'm just trying to figure out a ratio for sub's RMS:amp's RMS

[edit]What are some good brands for amps BTW?

 

[ChuckyD]

When you pick it out just worry about the RMS, you dont want it to exceed the max continuous flow of the Sub.

JL
Alpine
AudioBahn

 

[Casey C]

What about lightning audio, jensen, rockford, or pioneer amps? Any good? I'm looking to spend no more than $125 or so for the amp.

 

[Ex95XLT]

if u want i can find u a good amp if u tell me the price-wats-channels u want...PM me if u want me to look.

 

[ChuckyD]

http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/audiobahn_specials.html
scroll down to the A\B amps 200x2 for the W3's


if you get the 10W1's use this amp
GM-X962 100x2-channel Amplifier $134.99
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/Pioneer.html

 

[Casey C]

accually the speakers are the w0's

this is the enclosure I've been looking at. I just hope the guy still has it. Dead Link Removed

Dead Link Removed

 

[ChuckyD]

ok... then the poineer Amp is still good... it shouldn't blow anything up... why dont you ask him if he is selling the amp with the Subs.