14 replies to this topic

[oldtimer]

Hi all, currently working on a front satge ie: DYNAUDIO 242s, Boston Pro 60's etc kind of thing.

Sub will be a 10" IDQ10V3 or similar.

Amps that have been suggested are ARC Audio KS Mini 125.4 / HERTZ HDP4


But i am feeling nostalgic, What i am asking is Old School amps, Like Orion HCAA/XTR/SX, MTX THUNDER when they were first released in Australia, Phoenix Gold ZX series, PPI ART series, SOUNDSTREAM REF, ZAPCO, XTANT, US AMPS etc How do they compare to the new amps that have been suggested like: ARC Audio KS Mini 125.4 / HERTZ HDP4

I based my purchases back in those days on what i read in the local mags by Damon etc.

would they make my speakers sound worse? or not get the best out of them?

What do you think?

Will be going in a MK6 GOLF.

Thanks.

Edited by oldtimer, 26 January 2012 - 11:00 PM.

[iluvmusik]

Hertz HDP 4 - I have it in 2 of my cars ...love hurts ...Hertz

Until I'm ready to splurge on Tru Techs, Mosconi or Brax, these Hertz amps are my most desirable pin up dolls.

[scraverX]

I like my Polk Audio PA1100.5, Hertz would be my next choice (there were numerous brands I didn't know about when I first got mine done). Then of course there's the above - Splurge option.

[shiny_car]

oldtimer, on 22 January 2012 - 12:17 AM, said:

Amps i have in mind/been suggested are ARC Audio KS Mini 125.4 / HERTZ HDP4

or i thought of this: Soundstream REF4.76

They would all be good. But as you say, 'size' is one issue. This relates to their Class (of topology/design) and efficiency. The SS is old skool Class AB, so consumes a fair bit of power and is relatively large; more likely to benefit from upgraded battery, thicker powerwiring, etc. Those Arc and Hertz are more efficient (Class H and D respectively), so can be smaller, consume less power, and can run from thinner (cheaper) powerwiring.

Some enthusiasts will prefer the 'low distortion' Class AB design, but in reality the difference is insignificant from an SQ perspective.

For power, size and efficiency, the Hertz looks the most appealing to me, and I like Italian amplifiers! (No particularly good reason for this of course )

[iluvmusik]

Love Hertz ... damm I can't get it off my mind

[oldtimer]

iluvmusik, i was just researching Splits and came across your thread about what to get.

I am seriously looking at the 7B's, based on what you said.

Cheers.

[scraverX]

One option I'm half considering myself (as I'm looking at 3-way active front stage + sub) is two HDP-4's, one for each side mounted in the back of the Driver and Passenger seat with covers to hide them. Then I'd use a HDP-1 to drive the sub.

[oldtimer]

I think the Hertz is the go.

[iluvmusik]

oldtimer, on 22 January 2012 - 11:51 PM, said:

iluvmusik, i was just researching Splits and came across your thread about what to get. I am seriously looking at the 7B's, based on what you said. Cheers.

Haha I just said in your 'which splits' thread not to go with what others say but I'll make an exception to the Opus 7b - you've got a winner here.

scraverX, on 23 January 2012 - 12:47 AM, said:

One option I'm half considering myself (as I'm looking at 3-way active front stage + sub) is two HDP-4's, one for each side mounted in the back of the Driver and Passenger seat with covers to hide them. Then I'd use a HDP-1 to drive the sub.

Wow scraverX, are you trying to do a 4th of July fireworks 2 HDP 4 plus 1 HDP 1 would have all the oomph to do a realistic 'Tchaikovsky 1812 overture'
Well I'm using a HDP4 + 1 in my current install

Oh I heard it in the grapevine that Crescendo will have a 6 channel soon - Sonata 6.

[oldtimer]

new twist added.

[shiny_car]

I'm a little confused - can you actually post the new questions as the 'last post' rather than edit the first? Otherwise the thread doesn't end up making sense.

[oldtimer]

New Twist:

But i am feeling nostalgic, What i am asking is Old School amps, Like Orion HCAA/XTR/SX, MTX THUNDER when they were first released in Australia, Phoenix Gold ZX series, PPI ART series, SOUNDSTREAM REF, ZAPCO, XTANT, US AMPS etc How do they compare to the new amps that have been suggested like: ARC Audio KS Mini 125.4 / HERTZ HDP4

I based my purchases back in those days on what i read in the local mags by Damon etc.

would they make my speakers sound worse? or not get the best out of them?

What do you think?

[iluvmusik]

Haha nostalgic. The only thing we should feel nostalgic about is music of the 70s 80s and 90s - the golden years. Bands like Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Guns & Roses, Queens still entertains us now even after they are long gone.

If you're buying new, why wouldn't you look at the new offerings. The new ones you mentioned, ARC Audio KS Mini 125.4 / Hertz HDP4 are class H & D amps as pointed out by Shiny. The purists would go for class AB but for most of us starting out, cost is a consideration. Buying a complete package and having it installed professionally cost quite a few quids and unless money is no object, we have to make our choices as dictated by our wallets.

I bet those 'old school' amps that you mentioned are still good and will still rock your speakers. In fact the FS section occasionally has nice offerings and are a bargain.

Can't speak for others but I prefer to pick my professional installer and get the goods from them based on their recommendations. These guys are specialists in their area and can give the best advice. If you have chosen Fhrx, Marty would be the best person to talk to. He has passion for what he does which is rare and the quality of the installs that comes out of the studio is unbelievable.

[justdofit]

If you haven't read them already, you'll find a bunch of good reviews in this section:
http://www.mobileele...com.au/reviews/

Hopefully this thread won't degrade into the all too common boutique vs budget amp argument. Everyone has their own (strong) opinions on the subject of amplifiers. Search for "amplifier" and you'll find a plethora of hearty debate.

Edited by justdofit, 28 January 2012 - 07:02 AM.

[shiny_car]

Yeah, the old skool amps will still have a lot going for them if you find one in top condition. Many might be scratched up, etc. It is possible too, that some of the electronic components have failed or close to; things like the capacitors.

I would personally only choose old skool if you find yourself a great purchase, and you know the amp is in top condition. There's otherwise no real advantage, and definitely more risky given the age of the amp.