What to look for when buying a used amp

[Fi 4 life 0]

Well if that's all you want to know then make sure the amp works.

[jcarter1885 995]

Just because an owner of a shop talks bad about a product has nothing to do with the performance, obviously he knows nothing about it or just wanted to make a buck. Again stop letting people make a decision for you and make one for yourself.

[Impious 1,476]

You're right. I'm overthinking all this.

More like confusing reality. Everything you read that you based this thread on is misinformation and pointless. The ONLY answer is to buy something reputable and don't look back. All "scientific" reasons you are using to make yourself feel better are wrong. Stop reading wherever you are getting that garbage information and think instead about what matters.

I ran across a thread with clamped numbers for several of the amps I was looking at. Seeing the numbers on what I had originally planned on fall short of others, I began thinking maybe I should be looking for a higher priced used amp to get the most power for my money. That's all this was originally about. Everything in this thread has gone over my head and beyond what I expected. I know I've heard people say plenty of times that clamp tests are meaningless, and should not be a concern. But last weekend I went to a local shop to check out some Hertz and Focal speakers for the front and the owner did nothing but rag on Soundqubed. So I was questioning my decision. I've run across some pretty good deals locally on some amps that should be better than the SQ for less $ (IA20.1, etc) and was just wondering what to look for when buying a used amp as I know plenty of people have been burned in the process.

If you can find a comparable quality amplifier that is similar to your power requirements for less money, then that is a viable solution. Not so much for performance reasons, but more money in your pocket is good and buying used you don't take as much of a hit in the resale value compared to new...as long as you are comfortable with no warranty. If you can test it and it works okay you are pretty safe for the most part. Aside from bulging caps or previous shoddy repair work it's pretty much impossible for foretell future issues with an electronic device.

FYI majority of shops talk crap about brands they don't sell so they can talk you into buying one from them. Especially if they sell hertz/Focal as those are pretty snoody brands in general.

[EddieC 17]

Well if that's all you want to know then make sure the amp works.

 So is it reasonable to ask someone to let me hook their amp up to my electrical? I know it's up to par, but I can see someone not wanting to risk blowing their equipment by doing so. I'd just be happy to see it power up and play (hopefully in their ride) to ease my mind.

 

Just because an owner of a shop talks bad about a product has nothing to do with the performance, obviously he knows nothing about it or just wanted to make a buck. Again stop letting people make a decision for you and make one for yourself.

 This guy wanted to do nothing but promote Audison, as that's what he had in the store. I knew when I walked in that was what I'd be in for. I had originally decided on the q2200 because the price fit my budget, that was all. Just wondering now if I should put my money into something nicer used that would be better suited for my needs.

 

You're right. I'm overthinking all this.

More like confusing reality. Everything you read that you based this thread on is misinformation and pointless. The ONLY answer is to buy something reputable and don't look back. All "scientific" reasons you are using to make yourself feel better are wrong. Stop reading wherever you are getting that garbage information and think instead about what matters.

I ran across a thread with clamped numbers for several of the amps I was looking at. Seeing the numbers on what I had originally planned on fall short of others, I began thinking maybe I should be looking for a higher priced used amp to get the most power for my money. That's all this was originally about. Everything in this thread has gone over my head and beyond what I expected. I know I've heard people say plenty of times that clamp tests are meaningless, and should not be a concern. But last weekend I went to a local shop to check out some Hertz and Focal speakers for the front and the owner did nothing but rag on Soundqubed. So I was questioning my decision. I've run across some pretty good deals locally on some amps that should be better than the SQ for less $ (IA20.1, etc) and was just wondering what to look for when buying a used amp as I know plenty of people have been burned in the process.

If you can find a comparable quality amplifier that is similar to your power requirements for less money, then that is a viable solution. Not so much for performance reasons, but more money in your pocket is good and buying used you don't take as much of a hit in the resale value compared to new...as long as you are comfortable with no warranty. If you can test it and it works okay you are pretty safe for the most part. Aside from bulging caps or previous shoddy repair work it's pretty much impossible for foretell future issues with an electronic device.

FYI majority of shops talk crap about brands they don't sell so they can talk you into buying one from them. Especially if they sell hertz/Focal as those are pretty snoody brands in general.

That's what I was thinking. I can get more power for over $100 less. A $750 amp for $300 is a bargain in my book, so long as it works. That's why I was wondering if there are some tell tell signs of problems to look for, as I've never purchased a used amp.

[Notorious97200 339]

I like my IA 20.1. I can't say if it puts out rated power, close to rated power, or more or less !!! But it has a small footprint, it's a reputable brand, and I have no problem with it so far. I bought it on sale.

You can't be disappointed with it.

 

SQ seems to be loved in this car audio market. Good reputation.

Buy what you like and what you can afford. There is no need to break the bank for an amplifier !

[Fi 4 life 0]

Ask the seller if he/she can hook it up or if it's all right with them if you hook it up

[EddieC 17]

I like my IA 20.1. I can't say if it puts out rated power, close to rated power, or more or less !!! But it has a small footprint, it's a reputable brand, and I have no problem with it so far. I bought it on sale.

You can't be disappointed with it.

 

SQ seems to be loved in this car audio market. Good reputation.

Buy what you like and what you can afford. There is no need to break the bank for an amplifier !

 I've heard nothing but good things of this amp. If I can get it for $300 in good working condition I think that'd be a nice upgrade.

 

Ask the seller if he/she can hook it up or if it's all right with them if you hook it up

And how long would you play it to see that there are no issues of cutting out? 5-10 minutes?

[pmureika 31]

 

I like my IA 20.1. I can't say if it puts out rated power, close to rated power, or more or less !!! But it has a small footprint, it's a reputable brand, and I have no problem with it so far. I bought it on sale.

You can't be disappointed with it.

 

SQ seems to be loved in this car audio market. Good reputation.

Buy what you like and what you can afford. There is no need to break the bank for an amplifier !

 I've heard nothing but good things of this amp. If I can get it for $300 in good working condition I think that'd be a nice upgrade.

 

Ask the seller if he/she can hook it up or if it's all right with them if you hook it up

And how long would you play it to see that there are no issues of cutting out? 5-10 minutes?

 

See if they will open it up if it's from a dealer and look inside of it.

[NB50 206]

Have the seller hook it up, don't hook it up yourself. Play the amp until it warms up and even after to make sure it doesn't overheat.

[EddieC 17]

I like my IA 20.1. I can't say if it puts out rated power, close to rated power, or more or less !!! But it has a small footprint, it's a reputable brand, and I have no problem with it so far. I bought it on sale.

You can't be disappointed with it.

 

SQ seems to be loved in this car audio market. Good reputation.

Buy what you like and what you can afford. There is no need to break the bank for an amplifier !

 I've heard nothing but good things of this amp. If I can get it for $300 in good working condition I think that'd be a nice upgrade.

 

Ask the seller if he/she can hook it up or if it's all right with them if you hook it up

And how long would you play it to see that there are no issues of cutting out? 5-10 minutes?

See if they will open it up if it's from a dealer and look inside of it.

It's an individual. Pics show it still installed in his vehicle, but doesn't say so. I'll definitely take a look to see if the screws look like they've been removed several times, as well as smell for any burnt smell. Hopefully he'll let me check it out good first. Well, he will if he wants to sell it to me... I'm not just taking anyone's word for it.

[EddieC 17]

Have the seller hook it up, don't hook it up yourself. Play the amp until it warms up and even after to make sure it doesn't overheat.

I'll try to do that. If he really wants the $ I don't see why he wouldn't. (Unless it's bad to begin with.)

[nigel 148]

Last amp I sold I had unhooked sitting in the garage. I told the buyer to ensure he had all of his wiring in place to hook up/test it when he came for pick up. Which he did. We hooked it up in his vehicle and had it running for 5 minutes or better before he left so we were both satisfied.

Kid is still bumping it. And a couple months layer he called me up to buy the other amp I had sitting in the garage.

[Impious 1,476]

Play the amp until it warms up and even after to make sure it doesn't overheat.

This. Play it long/hard enough to heat it up to make sure it doesn't shut down due to thermal protection.

[///M5 2,833]

SQ seems to be loved in this car audio market. Good reputation.

Ok fine. I despise them. How's that for love.

Doesn't mean they can't be a good buy for someone else. And unlike the shop owner it isn't because of it working like an amp that I don't like them. He is emotionally charged to lie to get a sale, I have an emotional distaste due to other designs the company makes and promotes.

[EddieC 17]

After seeing that the Ethos motors won't be arriving till late November I think I may hold off for the Black Friday sales unless I run across a deal too good to pass up. I see the Q2200.1D was 20% off last year on Cyber Monday. Not to mention the IA deals here on SSA. Think I can hold out till then. I'm sure there will be one suited for my needs at a good price. Plus having a warranty is always nice to know.

[mikel7829 90]

You cant go wrong with sounquebed! The Q2200.1 is a steal at regular price trust me! for $429.00 you will not find more efficient power worth every penny!

 

It's in the SSA store snatch it up!

Edited November 2, 2014 by mikel7829

[Quentin Jarrell 671]

After seeing that the Ethos motors won't be arriving till late November I think I may hold off for the Black Friday sales unless I run across a deal too good to pass up. I see the Q2200.1D was 20% off last year on Cyber Monday. Not to mention the IA deals here on SSA. Think I can hold out till then. I'm sure there will be one suited for my needs at a good price. Plus having a warranty is always nice to know.

Call IA and talk to Tricia. Tell her I told you to call and ask about any B stock available. It normally cones with full warranty.

[EddieC 17]

After seeing that the Ethos motors won't be arriving till late November I think I may hold off for the Black Friday sales unless I run across a deal too good to pass up. I see the Q2200.1D was 20% off last year on Cyber Monday. Not to mention the IA deals here on SSA. Think I can hold out till then. I'm sure there will be one suited for my needs at a good price. Plus having a warranty is always nice to know.

Call IA and talk to Tricia. Tell her I told you to call and ask about any B stock available. It normally cones with full warranty.

Will do. Thanks for the heads up! I've had my eye on that 20.1 for some time now.

[EddieC 17]

After seeing that the Ethos motors won't be arriving till late November I think I may hold off for the Black Friday sales unless I run across a deal too good to pass up. I see the Q2200.1D was 20% off last year on Cyber Monday. Not to mention the IA deals here on SSA. Think I can hold out till then. I'm sure there will be one suited for my needs at a good price. Plus having a warranty is always nice to know.

Call IA and talk to Tricia. Tell her I told you to call and ask about any B stock available. It normally cones with full warranty.

Called today..... no luck. She said to call back in a few weeks and check as they do get them occasionally. I have run across a 20.1v2 at a pretty good price, but I see that the specs for that version were only 1800@1 instead of 2400. Did the v2s produce more than rated, or are those numbers real?