Really upset...and a little flustered.

PerfectCreature
PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
edited August 2010 in Car Audio & Electronics
So, I went out on an adventure to buy a 4 channel amp and a sub amp. Put tons of research into this and found out that the amp I really wanted required a 4 gauge lead, which I what I bought....
I found the http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136J23204/JL-Audio-J2-320-4.html

JL Audio J2-320.... yeah, but only issue is now I kind of wanted a subwoofer. I am used to ton's of in your face bass...and well, I fear that if I get rid of subs...I won't be able to come close....
I have 6x9s for my rear, and 4x6s for my fronts....
The speakers for my fronts say they can handle only 35 RMS...while this pumped out 60 RMS....my back, I know they can handle the power...most 6x9s can....
Anyway, question is...should I ditch this amp and go with the Kicker 08ZX200.4
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_2068ZX2004/Kicker-08ZX200-4.html?tp=35782

Just to get that little added boost and get the mono amp I was going to get with 2 rockford prime 12 inch subs....that way I do have an improvement....

Or would I be able to get the bass I am looking for out of that 4 channel amp?

Thanks.


Or should I go another route....
I am a little confused....
Anyway, my setup cannot exceed 500 watts RMS, and a combined need of a 4 gauge power wire....

Anyone have any different amps to suggest?

I am just scared to blow my speakers...my fronts mainly...and I do not want to invest to buy better speakers since this car, as most of you know is not destined to last to much longer...a year tops...thats all...

Would I just be okay, to buy like a kenwood HU and run some subs....I know the Kenwoods HU have 22RMS to each speaker....
Thanks.
Receiver
Harman Kardon HK 3490
Speakers
Polk Audio Monitor 50s
Subwoofer
Klipsch KSW-100
Cables
AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

Alienware X51 R2
PS4
Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
Post edited by PerfectCreature on
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Comments

  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited July 2010
    You don't have to have a amp for your 6x9 or 4x6's. It will help and make them sound better but you do not have to have it.
    It's just like home audio. Your receiver can push your speakers but if you added a amp it would make them sound better.
    The head unit will only push so much power and in general is not the best power in the world but you can push speakers all day long with them. The amp would make a nice improvement but it is not a MUST HAVE.
    Also i would not worry about having too much power and blowing your speakers. Again kinda like home audio the more power the more headroom and overall better sound your going to get.
    In the end it's up to you and your wallet.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited July 2010
    Yeah, all right. My wallet can handle it. I won some money from a scratch ticket...about $125 or so after taxes and such....so I mean, I can afford to buy a 4 channel....it was just that I like subwoofers as well...and still wanted to keep them, but also wouldn't have minded amping my fronts and backs either....
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • SivaNevets
    SivaNevets Posts: 303
    edited July 2010
    check out mb quart dsc 450 from sonicelectronix, only $90, u can bridge channel 3/4 as 200 rms and use ur hu for rears. it seem have very good review.
    i just bought mb quart ony.x 4.60 (a replacement for dsc series) because i like the look better. they just arrive and the built qulaity is great
    Front: Martinlogan ESL
    Center: Martinlogan Stage
    Rear: Martinlogan Motion 4
    Sub: Martinlogan Grotto-I
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC 1523K

    PC 2 Channel: Polk LSI7
    Headset: Grado RS2 + Grado RA1 amp
    Mic: Neumann KMS605

    Car Audio
    2002 MB C240 Sedan
    MM6501 components
    MM840 sub
    MB Quart Onyx 4.60 (1/2 to components, 3/4 bridged to sub)
    Pioneer 8200BT HU
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  • Installer4life
    Installer4life Posts: 256
    edited July 2010
    Your front speakers are rated at 35 watts rms but that is a full range signal. If you run a 4 channel amp with a crossover point of about 200hz or so your front speakers will be just fine. Between the Kicker and that JL amp I would go with the Kicker. JL's HD, Slash and XD amps are superior to Kicker but that one you were looking at is not. You can run a 4 channel amp to both the front and rear speakers and a subwoofer. Go with one 12 and bridge the rear two channels and run the front and rear speakers parallel off the front two channels. You will not have fade control or level control over the mids but it will still sound better doing it this way than without the subwoofer..
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited July 2010
    So, would I be using the JL amp or the kicker amp to be doing all of this?

    So then it would go like this....

    Front portion of the 4 channel amp....bridge the left side of the car then the right side of the car....that would make a 2 ohm load...and almost double the power....
    Then use the other rear channel for like a Rockford Punch 2 or something like that? SInce I would have about only 150 or so watts left....?
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited July 2010
    Researched that method. Way to much work for the results I would get.
    After further investigation....my fronts can only handle 20 watts RMS....so I am better off just leaving them powered off the head unit....which gives around 14 RMS....
    Anyway, so I have narrowed this down to two amps.
    The JL Audio J2 320.4 and the Rockford Fosgate Punch P400-4
    Question is which would be the better? I have heard of people buying the Rockfords expecting 50 RMS...and getting well above that so maybe that would be the better choice.

    My wiring kit is the Kicker 05PK4. The subwoofer I will be getting would be the Rockford Fosgate Punch Stage 2 10 inch subwoofer.

    I guess what I will do is just power the rears, and run the sub off the other channel.... That appears to will achieve the best results.
    What do you guys think?
    Rockford or JL?
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited July 2010
    I would personally run a dedicated amp for my sub(s).
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited July 2010
    I know its better that way, but my car doesn't have that great of an alternator and it is not worth upgrading since my engine has problems. So, I am buying a 4 channel instead so that when I get my new car I can power my fronts and backs, then purchase a separate amp for my sub(s).
    I may buy another amp a little down the road...
    But for now, which would be the best? Rockford or JL....I was leaning more toward Rockford.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited July 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Researched that method. Way to much work for the results I would get.
    After further investigation....my fronts can only handle 20 watts RMS....so I am better off just leaving them powered off the head unit....which gives around 14 RMS....
    Anyway, so I have narrowed this down to two amps.
    The JL Audio J2 320.4 and the Rockford Fosgate Punch P400-4
    Question is which would be the better? I have heard of people buying the Rockfords expecting 50 RMS...and getting well above that so maybe that would be the better choice.

    My wiring kit is the Kicker 05PK4. The subwoofer I will be getting would be the Rockford Fosgate Punch Stage 2 10 inch subwoofer.

    I guess what I will do is just power the rears, and run the sub off the other channel.... That appears to will achieve the best results.
    What do you guys think?
    Rockford or JL?


    It's not the power. It's the quality. I've pushed 100 watts to speakers only rated at 20w rms. If the quality of the power is good, you're all good.

    As for Rockford or JL, i'd lean towards JL. The Rockford of today is not the Rockford of old.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited July 2010
    Yeah, I think I am going to go with the JL one...
    It is the cheaper of the two and has almost the same specs as the Rockford...
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited July 2010
    That said, i run an old Punch 160 in my Escort, and it sounds fantastic. ;)

    But of course, key word being "old."
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited July 2010
    Yeah, I am sure if I go up the line and get into the Punch series and spend the better money a Rockford could turn out to be the best option...but for now it should suffice for the application....I can also buy a mono when i get my new car and amp my fronts and backs...
    I guess I'll have to find out.
    Oh well.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • Installer4life
    Installer4life Posts: 256
    edited July 2010
    The amp in your headunit is a chip amplifier. It does not have the sonic characteristics of a regular amplifier. If you use this make sure and crossover the front speakers somewhere around 400HZ or so with some type of passive crossover. Personally I think the Punch amplifier is a better amplifier than the JL in this instant. The JL amp is entry level and the Punch is a step up. Both will give you good performance but for my money I would go Rockford. I do not know what you are paying for these but the JL XD400/4 is close to these in price and the 600/6 is only $100.00 more. Neither of these will cause any issue with your electrical system...I just installed a 400/4 on a Jl Audio
    10w1 and a pair of Focal components and it sounded wonderful..
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited July 2010
    I have a budget of about 300...amazon was having a sale on the rockford amp but is out of stock...
    It depends on how much money I can scramble up by the time my bud buys my amp and old subs...
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited July 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Yeah, I am sure if I go up the line and get into the Punch series and spend the better money a Rockford could turn out to be the best option...but for now it should suffice for the application....I can also buy a mono when i get my new car and amp my fronts and backs...
    I guess I'll have to find out.
    Oh well.

    New Punch sucks. The one i'm using is like from.... 1992 or something. It looks like a George Foreman grill.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • catch22atplay
    catch22atplay Posts: 130
    edited July 2010
    I'll take the Rockford Class A/B amp over the JLAudio Class B amp any day of the week. Sonically the Rockford would be superior.
    Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 2007
    Pioneer DEX-P99RS, IPOD Touch 64gb, Rockford Fosgate T1000-4, T600-2 & T1500-1bd CP
    Polk Audio SR speakers, 6.5's, 5.25's, SR tweets and 2 SR124-DVC subs in 1.57cu ft sealed enclosures
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited July 2010
    Well, I am sure you would not notice much of a difference between the two unless you really spent money on fronts and backs...so the sonic issue? Kind of solved....
    My fronts and backs are just entry level...
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited July 2010
    OP tell you what contact me threw yahoo or aim and lets talk. I guarantee we can get you on the right track.
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited July 2010
    Got my kicker amp kit in today....its is really nice...
    It was far more flexible than I thought....looks to be nice quality, the fuse holder is heavy as well, lots of metal... ha.
    going to install tomorrow, make it look nice this time...my last install involved lots of guerrilla tape....hah.
    Anyway, I have decided on the JL amp....unless I can get the money to catch amazons sale on Rockford stuff....
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    Decided to go with the kicker amp. It kind of suits my needs a little better and got it scratch and dent from crutchfield for about $70. That is not all that bad...
    I picked up some wire at my local store and plan to wire tomorrow.
    I am supposed to get the amp on Thursday and will update on weather I am returning the amp or keeping it.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • dudeinaroom
    dudeinaroom Posts: 3,609
    edited August 2010
    SoundStream!!!! old school though.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited August 2010
    So I installed the speaker wires today....man was that a ****. Took like 3 hours to run the cables through my door grommet...ran into plates, and airbag wires, and all sorts of stuff...
    Alas, the hardest part is done...I hope. Next I just get the amp attach the wires, and tune it all up...
    Then, I will have to finish buying my subs and mono amp....
    Hopefully inspection this month will not crush my wallet without mercy....
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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