My (latest) Scenario:

Need the best amp for running 3 way splits (rated at 80w rms) and a single vc sub (rated at 300w rms).

Basically I don't want to buy a separate monoblock and I don't want to spend over AUD$1000. Going to go with the cheaper 4 channel option (bridge the last two channels for the sub).

Several considerations have been:
Phoenix Gold Ti 500.4 (4x75)
Audison LRX 4.300 (4x65)
Zapco Reference 360 (4x50)

More suggestions??!!

What would really help is if you mentioned which one you'd get for yourself if you were in my situation and also mention why you made that choice. Thank you for your help guys.

Zapco has Symbilink balanced line transmitter included so that is an advantage. And it has all the x-over features you'd need.

I'd also recommend the Tru Tech T4.65 (with the current sale your price will be under your budget).

Regards,
Mo.

difficult choice coz all the amps are excellent. on paper the PG Ti and zapco probably have it on the audison, but the audison may sound a little smoother and rounded; the others a little more upfront and dynamic.

the splits you have would help influence my choice.

How bout an audison 4 ch!!

My splits are 3 way Focal Polyglass 165V3E

If you can find one, a U-dimension uPro 10.4X (or the newer uPro X420.4, both 105w x 4) would suit your application perfectly... Sublime SQ amps from U-dimension, pretty hard to source though.

I have access to a new uPro 3.4X (35w x 4, or 35w x 2 + 105w x 1) which a friend was going to buy from me, prob a little underpowered for what you want...

:oops: :hehe:

i'd go for the PG, people seem to be using them for years and years and years and never let up

oh and the fact that audisons just seem to be to ubiquitos (sp?) nowadays

but on a side note: i've never owned any of them, and have only heard pg ti's and the lrx, never a zapco (anyone wanna let me listen )

edit: in relation to the u-dimension idea, he's in victoria and im pretty sure that freeway car audio sell u-dimension?

I'd definately recommend the PG Ti over the LRx. Definately an awesome sounding amp, with plenty of punch...and the pretty blue lights to match!

u-dimension would be worth considering for sure. only cos they are tried and trued matched combo. focal have utilised u-dimension in many demo cars for good reason...they bring out the best in their speakers!

not to say the othes aren't as good, possibly better, and that the u-focal arrangement wasn't a business agreement! :wink: *end cynicism*

polyglass splits are very good without being the most revealing around. which also means they're not as 'fussy' as some other stuff which can emphasis any weaknesses in relatively poor components.

as such, the audible difference between any of these amp with your splits would be negligible IMO. of course i have never done the auditioning to claim this as totally valid, but it's just my hunch.

therefore, going the cheapest would not necessarily be a lesser option. and for street cred, future benefit (if you upgrade splits), and possibly better performance, go with the likes of the PG or zapco.

I also recommend the Tru Tech T-4.65. It is underated and provides clean power all day long in the most extreme of circumstances!

An excellent amp.

...James

How much is that Tru Tech amp? One of the reasons I am opting for the PG Ti amp is because I can get it for under AUD$650 shipped from the USA.

However, if there are options that don't cost much more and does not require me to ship from the USA, I would be more than open to it.

Thank you very much for all your detailed responses, and to you shiny for a very clear perspective on what you think and why. As a result of this thread, I am likely to buy the PG amp but if a Zapco or Tru Tech come along with a special price, I might not turn it down.

One last mini question is, if the Zapco is $100 cheaper than the PG, which would you choose?

The Tru Tech has a retail of $1019 but can be picked up for much less if you email us.

for details view www.advanceae.com.au

remember, if you are importing something, you may not have any warrenty of that item in Australia.

...James

I've e-mailed.

I found this spec on the Tru Tech website.

Input Sensitivity: 0.16mV ~ 4 Volts

Please remember that I am a newb if this question is stupid...

My Eclipse deck dishes out 8v unbalanced pre-amp... will this be a problem? Or am I looking at something totally different?

It won't output 8v in real life car circumstances, it will output 8v but only on a bench when you play with it...

Try a Rockford Fosgate Power series 551x. It is rated at 70w x 4 but will more likely produce 90-95w x 4 RMS. Or in your case 90-95w x2 + 350w x1 for the sub. The amp comes with a remote bass control for ch 3/4 bridged and has steep fully adj. 24 dB crossover slopes. It retails fo $1099.

Dont believe the rubbish about RF not being for SQ. They still win more SQ events in the world than every other amp brand combined!!!!

*edit*

BATTA BING BATTABOOM! Hehehe...

Why not the audison SRx3?

2x75wrms to the fronts and the sub channel puts out up to 315wrms to the sub.

I'd seriously consider it, saves a fair bit of money yet it will give u a tad bit more power.

I am considering the SRX3 now that you guys mentioned it... however, I couldn't help but wonder about the tube driver blue... I was talking to a friend who convinced me that if I was spending 3.5K on a sound system... whats another 500... so I was wondering if anyone could tell me how a tube driver blue compared with all the mentioned amps... and if you can do the 4 channel speaker sub thing with it... and of course I think I need to find a crossover that doesnt wreck its sq without costing more than the amp itself...

I wouldn't recommend using a Tube/Hybrid Tube for subs.

The butler is quite a nice amp for the front stage. Last time i checked the Butlers were around $1800 ?

If you are willing to increase you initial budget as you said by another $500, then why not consider a Tru T4.100V2?

At 4 ohms, it will do 100 x 2 and a mono 300w to your sub. Its got a 50% more power supply than the T series amps(T2.100 and T4.65). And a few more upgrades - its *almost* the same as the Tru T03 series amps!

Or you could even fit a Zapco Ref 350 and a Ref 500M within your budget! That would be the best combo IMO. Talk to Marty (FHRX here), he's got these 2 amps.

All the best

Regards,
Mo