Channel separation and other amp. parameters

[buggsson 0]

What about channel separation, is it important when shopping for a car amp? If so, minimum value? What am I supposed to look for when choosing among the different makes and models? Which parameters, par price is most important? I would like to get suggested minimum and maximum values where appropriate. Values are for me like a walking stick, I doubt my progress without it/them. Not as face value, but more as a guidance. This is just for the gross sorting phase, to keep the numbers of prospects as low as possible. I am looking for a 4 channel amp, with at least 4 x 100W @ 4 ohm to drive my front system. The amount of information on some home pages are appallingly sparse, I think it's remarkable that they sell any units at all, and then there are some that seem to have it all, how hard can it be? I guess the power supply is of importance, but I've only seen specs once, for me, thats odd.

[johnecon2001 82]

Specs can be fabricated. You can't really look to them for guidance unless you're comparing two trusted brands.

What's your budget like for this 4 channel amp?

[buggsson 0]

Specs can be fabricated. You can't really look to them for guidance unless you're comparing two trusted brands.

What's your budget like for this 4 channel amp?

Well, I've heard of fabricated data, and what I have been trying to do, is go for brands that I've heard could be trusted, but I do not really know if I've picked the correct ones. I was using numbers because that way I could scan many more products than any other way I could think of, because I like to do some looking by myself to start with and then ask for advice, but I might be better or doing the reverse in the future?

Anyway, my budget in total, including eventual shipping etc, is around 700 US. I have compiled a smallish list with 4 ch. amps that I think I can afford, or squeze into my budget if I have to. I would really like to get a cheaper amp and put more money on my front speakers (that I don't know which yet). Any thoughts about any of them, pros and cons? (I have only looked for amps that are said to be able to deliver 4x100W into 4 ohm, with the Celestra as an exception, I think I can get to listen to it in a supposedly very nice install.) I might have forgotten to tell, but the amps are for a smallish SQ install.

The amps are as follow:

Alpine PDX-4.150

DigitalDesigns DDC-C4a

Celestra FA475

DLS RA40

Helix P400 Precision

Mac Audio ZX 4500

Mac Audio Fearless 4000 (14,4V)

Massive Audio Pro P800.4

SPL Dynamics S-6004

Sundown Audio SAX-100.4

US Amps. Merlin 43

US Amps. XT-1600.4

VIBE BlackBox Stereo 4

VIBE Slick A4

If I also could get someone to explain the differences between the pairs from the same manufacturer, I would be highly pleased!

PS. Why I initially posted this subject was that I had a Carpower amp in mind very much, and then I saw it only had something like 45 dB in channel separation, and to me, that sounds like nothing, please, do correct me if I was wrong!

[///M5 2,833]

You are way over analyzing details that aren't measured to any standard. Many of the amps you listed would be fine. Either way, I hope you are spending as much time analyzing your install as you are your gear. That is where the difference will be made.

[helotaxi 46]

The amp is honestly one of the least important pieces in a SQ install. Speakers are most important as far as equipment goes, but the install itself is infinitely more important than any piece of gear in the car. I'd give the speakers about 6% of the final outcome with the install getting about 93%. The processing about 2.75%. The last 0.25% is divided between the HU, amps and wiring and weighted in that order.

[buggsson 0]

You are way over analyzing details that aren't measured to any standard. Many of the amps you listed would be fine. Either way, I hope you are spending as much time analyzing your install as you are your gear. That is where the difference will be made.

That is my problem, being inexperienced, I really do not know how to go about selecting equipment, as you have noticed, but I have a lot of fun during my forays on the internet. That's why I appreciate forums, where more experienced folks can steer me in a more proper direction when needed. And yes, I am very thourough when I do anything, so lots of research will go into the install when I finally get going. Even though, I will not strive to perfection on this one, my first, as I only see it as a primer for my next project, that will be when we get a new car.

Which part of an install, would you deem to be the most difficult?

[buggsson 0]

The amp is honestly one of the least important pieces in a SQ install. Speakers are most important as far as equipment goes, but the install itself is infinitely more important than any piece of gear in the car. I'd give the speakers about 6% of the final outcome with the install getting about 93%. The processing about 2.75%. The last 0.25% is divided between the HU, amps and wiring and weighted in that order.

I haven't realized that the install would be that important, but I do have realized that speakers are much more important than the amps. Then I can relaxe, about the amp. business, I think I have more than enough to choose from, and do some finetuning in the speaker department instead.