7 replies to this topic

[DeathZone]

Hi Guys,

Just need a bit off input into my amp selection for my Focal Utopia 165w 2 ways. My plan is to bi-amp with a 4 channel amp or possibly two 2 channel amps. My choices so far are.

1: Boston GT42
2: JL 450/4 Slash series

I am really after something USA made for sound quality. Any input would be great and helpful to me.

I am also looking at getting two amps for my four Soundstream USA 10" subs (dual 2ohm voice coil).

Thanks in advance.

Peter

[dasherhalo]

I'm a big fan of multiple amp set-ups myself (my boot makes cops want receipts and explanations), but remember if you're planning to do it properly: don't forget the power delivery!

Multiple amps can suck plenty of juice, requiring properly thought out cabling, possibly an upgraded altenator or a replacement/additional battery.

Incorporate it into your plans now, not later!

[RM Audio]

Quote

I am really after something USA made for sound quality.  

There is absolutely NO guarantee that because something is "made" in the "USA" that it is SQ !

Also remember the 15% rule.
If an amp costs ex factory in Korea $50 and it is then repackaged in the USA costing an aditional $7.50 then it can under US law be called "made in the USA"
In fact is not the USA the home of such great SQ brands as Boss, Kenford, Rockwood etc?

Phil K

[mick007]

To clear up the "Made in" debate. To get anything into the country with a 'made in' sticker on it then the LAST SIGNIFICANT PLACE OF MANAFACTURE can claim to have the skicker. This is leagal and FACT.
As phil said USA amps that state they are made in the U.S.A. only need to have the last sig. place of manafacture.

Mind you though this applies for ALL brands that hang their hat on where their made. U.S.A., Italy, Germany anywhere.

And IMO stereotypes like good SQ come out of the states, are made up of years of these amps proving what they can do.

**Back to topic***
I would run multiple amps, getting a 2 channel for the fronts and then a mono amp for the subs. You will have heaps of different choices for amps, but seeing as you like USA amps give me a P.M. as I know of a company that has Orion XTR amps at less then half retail.

Cheers Mick

[adrianf]

correct me if i am wrong, but i don't think you can get the 450/4 in australia.

[DeathZone]

Thanks for the answers guys. There are a lot of choices on the market currently am using Kicker amps since they are well priced and have a fairly good name to them. The sound quality is good but could be better.

I am aware that it really makes no difference where the amp is made and it is quality control and component quality that count. I am in the computer industry and everything is made in Taiwan includeing all the top brands that I sell, this does not make them bad....

What do you guys think about Kicker and Alpine amps for my system. I currently have a kicker 600.4, I might end up just using Kicker for now since I like the look off the amps. The new models are supposed to be digital and have good THD specs acording to there website.

Peter.

adrianf, It is possible that the 450/4 is not available in Australia.

[DeathZone]

dasherhalo,

My car is a Toyota corolla sportivo 2003, I beleive the alternator is sufficiant. The battery will be upgraded to a Odysey of some type. Currently have two runs of 4G rockford power cable going from front to the back and two stinger one fared caps.

Other cabling used is Stinger dream RCA's and street wires for speakers.

Peter.

[dasherhalo]

*runs and hides in shame*

Sorry bloke, wasn't hacking, just offering tips in case they hadn't already been considered!

Sounds like you've got a good plan: post up which way you decide to go!!