Wow what a scare!

[brent338 0]

So I was looking to built a nice comp/sq. system in my Jeep cherokee couple of FI-audio 18Q/15Q. So far I've got the alarm, yellow top optima, and two sets of MB Quart qsd-216's. However I have seemed to blow my older mid amp; A mtx 4320 thunder, you know the red & black ones. can't figure out how it happened, but need either to get it fixed or just consider getting a new one.

Hence my problem, my bud had originally planned to go with soundstream PCA2000D, bu the found and oldschool US amps DE1000, on ebay.... I bought it, then researched the model. I found an older topic on this forum concerning this very seller, "Chassis" and promply responed as to how I'm not interested, which he seems to be willing to cooperate with the refund....

So if I get my $ back what kinda amps should I look at? Soundstream, Hifonics...heard the "SS1" blew the oldschool US amps away, who makes them?

Need on to run the two sets of QSD 6.5's, and another sub amp to run a couple of Fi-audio Q's.

[CBFryman 2]

Hifonics, though great amps for the money, are not the best for SQ. If you are not planning on pushing the amp to its full power potential distortion will stay tame. However I will reccomend you look elsewhere.

[brent338 0]

Didn't think they were any good, any recommendations?

Will definately be pushed, but for the most part daily driver.

Seems that once a company goes corperate, quality goes down the tubes.

how are the soundstream pca's? they used to make quality stuff...

[CBFryman 2]

As far as I know soundstream is good stuff. However I have not used any soundstream amps. Hifonics makes great budget amps....and then overpriced competition quality amps. If you want SQ and a lot of power look into our very own sundown. I have their SAZ-1500D and IMO it is superior to the USamps MD2D in every way. It is one of the highest quality amps I've used.

[brent338 0]

Yeah that Sundown SAZ-1500D, definately caught my eye. Saw some bench test stats, very impressive... .3 ohm test?

How about the massive audio P3000.1, a bit cheaper than the SAZ-1500 and 2x the "rated" power.

There subs seem to be making waves too, 145.6 with 1-12" on the term lab! 147.? with a 15"

anyone else have some opinions?

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

I think there have been some mediocre reviews on the Massive amps.

[CBFryman 2]

From what I hear they are a lot of power and nothing else worth having. I personally would steer clear of them for daily use just because of the reviews they have had.

[brent338 0]

Still can't decide.

my bud tells me just get SS or hifonics, that hes spent the $ on top names before and its not really worth it. And to be honest, the system will be mostly a daily driver, and see 1/2 to 2/3 power most of the time.

Sooo.....?

Hifonics brutus bxi-2006D-- 2000w rms @ 1 ohm. ~ $330.

Soundstream PCA-2000D-- ^same ~ same

could step up into the XX Colossus($640) & PCA-3500D($500), But I have read that the Colossus is an under performer @ the 12V setup, and no one seems to be using SS, or at least there being very quite about it...

[brent338 0]

I guess the Kicker kx2500.1 and Orion 2500 would be in that range as well, would those be better?

[CBFryman 2]

I personally will forever steer clear of the KX2500's due to their sensetivity and excess protection circuts. Orions are loved by all who have used them. I am installing a BX2000 right now and for the money, it is an awsome amp. IMO Hifonics XX lines are overpriced for what you get.

IMO you should be looking at the BX2000, the Orion 2500, and the SAZ-1500.

The BX and the SAZ-1500 are probably going to be doing about the same power. The BX has no built in fuse which is less than optimal if you are not doing a stand alone fused run for it. The BX might edge out the SAZ power wise but nothing largely noticeable for daily listening. Also remember the SAZ can run at 0.5ohm warrantied. The SAZ is likely going to be the winner in the distortion levels at high output. Hifoncs tests show you need 10% + THD for them to do tested maximum power. That is getting into the noticeable range depending on the set up. The Orion is a deffanite power winner and is good, clean power as far as I know. It also comes with a little higher price tag.

Soundstream just isnt appealing to me personally but if you do research and find it strikes your fancy then throw that in the mix as well.

[brent338 0]

I guess i'll get the Hifonics BXI2006D, and maybe the Zues ZI6406 for the MB quarts.

the brutus looks very well built 4 the $, and if its remotely close to 2,000 rms that will be plenty of power for two Q's.

Thanks 4 the help.

[t money 0]

i'd look into the kicker zx1500.1. 24db crossover and efficient. I have one hooked up to two Mag 15's and all i can say is wow. Been told by a very reliable source that you can run them down to 0.7 with a good electrical and expect close to 3000 watts, two strapped at 0.7/1 ohm put out close to 6000 watts. Would not run any hifonics unless its the xx series. hth

[CBFryman 2]

If the ZX1500 is any bit as tempermental as the 2500 I personally wouldnt bother with it.

Personally, since Hifonics revamped the lower lines I think they competetive with more mid level amps.

[///M5 2,833]

I will never own a hifonics amp ever, all the variation gives me that uneasy feeling. I don't care if they change everything and build a better amp, I just don't want anything to do with them.

[brent338 0]

Thats kinda why i'm lerry of getting them...

Is there any forum or page that I can check out amp bench results....?

I supose i could just wait and save longer and get the sundown saz-1500d, and their 4 channel...

or look forever for an Orion 2500d, how are the Rockford fosgate T series?

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Thats kinda why i'm lerry of getting them...

Is there any forum or page that I can check out amp bench results....?

I supose i could just wait and save longer and get the sundown saz-1500d, and their 4 channel...

or look forever for an Orion 2500d, how are the Rockford fosgate T series?

If you were to go with the Sundowns, we could do a package deal for you. But I can also attest to the Orion, its just a big strong amp, thats fairly efficent under normal operating, and can push out some serious power when called upon. I want a second one for testing.

[brent338 0]

So lets say I found an 05' orion 2500d for $400, that's a good deal right?

how low ohm rating can they be run?

i've always liked orion, and this one would put out more power than the sundown for less $...

not that i'd use it all, but its aways better to have more. putting less stress on the amp, by not running it at full tilt 24/7.

while were at it, done 2 of the Big 3... what kinda Amp alternator would that monster orion need?

I found a 205A, probably not enough?

[brent338 0]

I did some more searching, and read that the orions dont like high volts threw the rca's.

Im running a Alpine 9855 comp. deck with 4V pre-outs i believe...will that be a problem?

[CBFryman 2]

If the amp cant handle 4v I dont know if I would want to run it. Besides, you dont have to use your headunit's full potential.

IMO Sundown is your best bet here. I've never regretted saving to buy the higher quality product.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

I did some more searching, and read that the orions dont like high volts threw the rca's.

Im running a Alpine 9855 comp. deck with 4V pre-outs i believe...will that be a problem?

When installed in my truck, (as it is currently) my 2500D has an Eclipse 5v deck + an Audio Control Overdrive feeding it signal. The overdrive is set down pretty far, but I have my eclipse sub out near full signal. So I think its a thing of not like 8 or 10+ volts, you will be fine on 4v, not to mention it will be very short bursts that your deck would be sending out that level of signal, so you will be fine in that respect. My only mark against, and its not really a negative thing, is that the gains seem to be very touchy on the 2500D. Nick, has had the same issue, but just be smart with it and that amp will do you right. I have run it as low as .5 and at the moment it is running at 8ohms and doing great.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

IMO Sundown is your best bet here. I've never regretted saving to buy the higher quality product.

Now if more people thought that way....

[brent338 0]

IMO Sundown is your best bet here. I've never regretted saving to buy the higher quality product.

Now if more people thought that way....

I agree, Sundwon has put together a very fine piece of equipment.

However, for the price of 1 SAZ-1500D, I got a Orion 2500D & a 8004.

Had I more $, I woulda got the sundowns...but I think i'll be ok with the orions...

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Like it says on the shop for sundowns, email for best pricing.

[CBFryman 2]

You could even pick up one of Jacob's used or damaged ones with full warranty.