Questions about my system

audiobliss

Now that I have a job, I'm seriously thinking I could actually end-up with an amp. That is, if I can convince Mom to actually let me spend what I make.

Anyhoo, in case you've forgotten, I'm running Boston Acoustic RC-520 5.25" components in the front. Right now I'm just running the mids full-range off my Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP.

The last time I was really looking at an amp, I had basically decided on a 4-channel Memphis rated at about 75x4 at 4ohms. I was thinking of running the components off the front two channels and bridging the rear two channels for a sub. How does that kind of a set-up look? Would that be enough power?

About a sub: Last time I looked at subs, one store had a JL 10w1 in a box all ready to go for $250 (might have been $150; but we'll just say it was $250). Is the w1 the new sub? The one thats not as deep? If so, that's the one he had. If not, then I'm wrong and w/e that one is is the one he has. What do you know about that sub? Pretty good for quality bass? Doesn't have to be loud.


Any advice, comments, suggestions, insults, questions, criticisms, ridiculing, and general input is greatly appreciated! lol

Thanks!

swerve

EDIT: yea that was harsch.. i'm sorry!

audiobliss

Edit: Changed accordingly.

MacLeod

All JL subs are exceptional SQ subs. Theyll have good output but its not their strong point.

The W1 is their new entry level sub.

As for running a 4 channel in 3 channel mode, this will work fine. The catch is you have to buy a very stout amp thatll put out a lot of power.

For example you would want something like the Orion 8004 which would be 100x2 at the front and 400x1 at the rear. Not all amps increase their power substantially at 4 ohms mono so youll need to invest in a higher end amp like the Orion or Crossfire.

audiobliss

All JL subs are exceptional SQ subs.

Awesome.

The catch is you have to buy a very stout amp thatll put out a lot of power.

Bummer.


I'll just have to go look at actual amps instead of just sit here and think about it.

Still, keep throwing ideas my way!!

MacLeod

How much you wanna spend on an amp?

audiobliss

I would love to stay under $300. But $400 is the absolute limit.

MacLeod

MTX Thunder564 $200. 70x2 and 300x1.

JBL GTO 75.4II $300 100x2 and 280x1.

Kicker KX550.3 $450 70x2 and 420x1. This one is $50 over your budget but would be the best choice. Its a 3 channel amp that utilizes a Class D design for the rear sub channel and AB for the front 2. It will make a ton of power.

audiobliss

Well unfortunately, cardomain.com will not work on my computer right now. Besides, even if it did, I can't buy online.


What's the consensus about Memphis? In all reality, that's probably what I'll end up with.

MacLeod

Why can you buy online?

Youre online now arent you?

audiobliss

It's not a problem with transacting online (though I am having some difficulties with my connection; for instance, google, cardomain, sounddomain, and a few other sites won't come up at all), it's a problem with online transactions. The parents. My word, have you forgotten this?! It's just out of the question. Be it for better (yeah, right!) or for worse (sigh), I'm buying at a store.


So, what do y'all think about Memphis? I mean, buying a Memphis amp can't make me any more of an outcast than did buying my Boston Acoustic components, right?

Thanks!

exalted512

i dont like memphis...at all.
-Cody

swerve

sorry for my comment. don't buy memphis.

MacLeod

Memphis is ok stuff. Id put it on par with RF's Punch line.

They used to be called Fultron which I always considered kinda flea martket stuff but since theyve re-invented themselves they have put out better stuff.

Ive heard a couple of their speakers and they sounded a little thin to me.

Their subs pack a whallop and have decent SQ.

Their amps make their rated power cleanly which is all you can ask of an amp I guess.

Bottom line, Memphis doesnt suck but Id look for something a little better.

What are some of the other brands your local shops carry?

audiobliss

Originally posted by swerve
sorry for my comment.

No problem.




I'm thinking that Memphis, unfortunately, is probably what I'll end up with because it is decent, not overly expensive, and is about the only thing small enough to under my seat. However, the shop also carries Alpine, MTX, Sony, Pioneer, Boston Acoustics, and a few others I'm forgetting. Maybe I'll get to go there Saturday and take a look around.

Thanks.

MacLeod

Dont you have more than one shop near ya?

You should go to some of the webiste of manufacturers you like and use their dealer locator. Most have one and maybe there are some shops near you that you dont know about.

audiobliss

Shops near me I don't know about?! LOL

Well, actually, since I started at my job last Thursday, I have found one I didn't know about. And there's also a Tweeter near-by. The reason I'm leaning towards this one shop is because he's my dad's customer and (has and) will cut me a deal. However, I'm not sure how much of a deal.

MacLeod

Well, do whatcha gotta do but I strongly advise you to look around first. Dont buy the first thing you run up on cause you will likely regret it.

audiobliss

Well, after work today I stopped by that audio store I discovered last week. They carry Eclipse, Diamond Audio, and Kicker. First time I've ever seen any of those brands - and I'm excited!!

Kicker - What would you recommend from their line-up and what would you expect for a decent in-store price for that amp?

Diamond Audio - If I'm not mistaken, this stuff is just awesome. Is their D3 series cheap enough for me to consider? Or should I just not even bother? Also, I told him I was thinking about a 10W1 (and that I wasn't going for perfection this time around, but a balanced system), and he said a Diamond sub would be far superior; whaddya think?

Oh, and I don't know the prices 'cause I just had about 3 minutes to pop in and look around 'fore I had to go.

I can't wait to look at the Eclipse HUs!


Thanks.


EDIT: Oooh, and though I don't remember which Diamond Audio sub he recommended, he did say it'd work in an extremely small sealed enclosure - about .9ft^3. Does that tell you which one he's talking about?

exalted512

Try to get your hands on a CM3 from diamond(Sub). Pretty inexpensive and will kick the **** out of any comparitive JL crap. Kicker has the SX series of amps which are very good.
-Cody

audiobliss

Yeah, but aren't the SX series pretty expensive? They said they're about a dollar a watt.

audiobliss

ALso, I looked up 'CM3' on Diamond Audio's web site and didn't get anything. Is it discontinued?

MacLeod

Yes. It was nixed last year.

Kicker SX line is very expensive as it isnt only an amp. It also has a digital signal processor built in that allows you to manipulate the signal in about as many ways as imaginable.

If you can afford it, go with Diamond. They are the best out of all the brands youre looking at. Their strongest part is their speakers, they are exceptional.

I got to listen to a local shops demo vehicle last year with my trusty Dream Theater CD and it had all Diamond speakers with Eclipse amp and it sounded awesome!

audiobliss

You're telling me their speakers are amazing? I already have my speakers! I know they're stinkin' bright Bostons, but I already have 'em!

I found out that retail for the D3 series 4-channel amp (w/e it's called) is $360. So if the store is a little lower than that, it might be a possibility.

MacLeod

Jesus. I type in English. It sure looks like English. It reads like English.

I just cant figure out where I said, "you have to buy the Diamond speakers".

Ok, forget the speakers. Diamond makes great amps. They make other great things like sp*****s and subs as well. In other words, they are a great manufactuerer and anything you buy from them will be most excellent.

audiobliss

sorry; I'm just really in a bad mood right now

my bad

swerve

Originally posted by audiobliss
sorry; I'm just really in a bad mood right now

my bad

go buy pyle... it sounds like you deserve it.

mwuahaha

exalted512

if you want some Diamond speakers i have some for sale, NIB:D
-Cody

audiobliss

And would you be looking to make a profit or actually cut me a deal?

exalted512

This would be an online transaction...
But you already have Bostons!!
-Cody

AustinKP

Originally posted by exalted512
if you want some Diamond speakers i have some for sale, NIB:D
-Cody

you have a pic of those? and how much do you want? which model were they again? the hex series?