Recommend me an amplifier

[polishka]

Hi guys,

I am running a 10" MTX Thunder subwoofer with the standard MY07 Liberty Head Unit (non-McIntosh) and stock speakers.

Need advice on an amp that will be suitable for this setup? My knowledge is limited, so either some advice as to a specific brand/model would but great, otherwise key specifications I should be aiming for will help.

Look to spend under $200, so understand I will not get anything really great.

Cheers.

[garbo41610]

You won't want something too powerful, as it would overpower the speakers more than it would be now. I would suggest a 4 channel amp bridging the two rear channels to run the sub and when you can, upgrading the front speakers to run off channels 1 and 2 on the amp. As for brand suggestions, $200 will not get you anywhere near a decent 4 channel amp, only something very entry level by mainstream brands. However, you can pick up some pretty decent second hand amps for around that money on car audio specific forums like mobile electronics australia.

Perhaps take a little longer to plan out what you want from your stereo and save a bit longer, you will benefit more by upgrading your front stage, there is no point having a boomy sub (MTX subs are pretty inaccurate, they are loud, but do not sound good) drowning out some very ordinary speakers. The way I would suggest going would be:

Sell the MTX sub = +$50
Upgrade front speakers with an entry to mid level set of splits = $200 to $500
Replace headunit = $350 to $600
Install a decent 4 channel amp = $300 to $500
Dynamat the front doors = $250
Install a decent 10" or 12" sub = $250 to $600
Misc cables, fuses etc = $100

This will give you a pretty decent sounding stereo without going too far overboard.

[andy85]

Phil... always first to these sorta posts ey? heheheh

[garbo41610]

It's just how I roll brah! LOL... Car audio has always been a passion of mine and like to give people as much advice as I can so they can make their own informed choices. I just hate to see someone disappointed with the sound of their car because they listened to some douche at JB or Strathies about how hektik their Sony, Kenwood, Kicker stereo is. (I have to start laying off Kicker lol, the splits I have put into the Sherpa aren't all that bad).

[Nalnoc]

Upgrade front speakers with an entry to mid level set of splits = $200 to $500

I have a nice set of Response 6.5" splits, brand new in box, that I would be willing to let go for less than $200

Also cannot recommend enough the Response 2x150 amps I used to run in my commodore (I'm sure their 4x100 amp would be good too). I had one powering an Eclipse 12" Sub in a custom sealed box, tight responsive bass and not lacking in volume either! I still miss the audio in my commodore, although it is the only part of the car I do miss

[garbo41610]

Response gear is pretty good bang for your buck. Don't expect to win any SQ comps but they do the job admirably, as long as the amp isn't DOA lol. The 4 x 100wRMS amps do go pretty hard.

[Nalnoc]

Response gear is pretty good bang for your buck. Don't expect to win any SQ comps but they do the job admirably, as long as the amp isn't DOA lol. The 4 x 100wRMS amps do go pretty hard.

Exactly right, best bang for buck gear out there IMO. I had a set of 6.5" Response coaxials in the rear (run straight off an Alpine H/U), and 6.5" Focal Polyglass splits up front running off another 2x150 Response amp (got both for a fair bit less than a 4x100, incase you were wondering)