Now looking way, way way ahead into the future (I say that now, but it probably means about 3-4 months knowing how fiscally irresponsible I am ) I have to decide how I can build upon this system. (if you need any specs or details, check http://camry.stazed.com/fhrx)

Now I DO have limits to how far I want to take this system.... but the next step I'm planning won't reach them. In the far distant future, I expect to have a $1000 front stage, and probably an IDMAX or equivalent in the boot. The question that it then comes down to, is amplifiers.

Now at the moment I have a single SRx3 powering the front splits and the sub. I would also like to *ideally* run the front splits active with a bit more power than they have now, which will let me address some of the minor tuning issues raised at the last CAASQ comp. However, what I'm afraid of is incurring large expense in a small space of time - two new amps (a 4-channel and a mono-block), new wiring, all the tuning effort, etc. Ideally I'd like to keep things simple, cheap, and using the Audison SRx series.

Now I was originally wrestling with the problem of what amplifiers... I was considering "chucking a T-Bone" and getting two SRx2S, but unfortunately they're not 2ohm stable, so I would have to run this sub (4ohm DVC) at 8 ohm, which actually means my current sub would get less power. Also, the problem of getting enough power to run the speakers active was in my mind too... the SRx4 was a possibility, but it's only 55w x 4 which is less than my SRx3! So many amps, so little choice, and I really don't want to go LRx, the money is just too much. Also, my current SRx3 is cutting out after about 25 minutes of high volume listening, which is not a problem with the amp just a thermal limitation which needs to be taken into account.

Now just recently, I've had an interesting little thought that's been playing around for a few days now, and I'm considering your opinion on it or other possible options. Basically, rather than have the hassle of trying to sell this amplifier, I would keep the SRx3, and buy another!
This keeps the whole install looking neat, I have no problems with resale value, I can feed 210W RMS to each coil of my sub (70W more than it's getting now), and with the ability for the amps to run at the full 340W RMS @ 2ohm (as it is now), I could feed 680W RMS to a Dual 2ohm subwoofer that I buy in the future. Equally, I can run one set of splits off each amplifier active, doubling the power that the speakers are currently receving, and gaining full tuning control.

So with extra wiring, accessories, and the amplifier, even including tuning, I can step up to great control and more power system wide, with capability for future power needs, for under $1000.

However, I don't want to be setting myself up with a system which is inadequate...However my planned splits (Eton A2's) only require 70W RMS through the x-over anyway, so I don't think front or sub stage power will be a problem.


Apologies for being verbose but don't say I didn't give you enough information...opinions? other thoughts? benefits/losses?

Cheers...

Stazed, you've answered all of your own most important questions! It sounds like a damn fine idea to me, and has few downsides.

hehe yeah that's what I thought...

Just wanting to know if I've missed something in my logic

it's difficult to know what to say, cos we can easily say "yes, that's a great idea and it'll work nicely" and make you feel better.....or, we can say "don't be silly. do it properly and buy a higher quality 4-channel and monobloc".

depends on one's school of thought.

for a pure SQ system - that is, one that doesn't 'need' to go excessively loudly - you could easily make to with 'only' 1x340WRMS for a sub, including the IDMAX. it'll be plenty for daily listening and SQ comps. and in this situation, you probably only need to add an SRx2 for extra channels for the front stage.

cos otherwise, i think if you're gonna go beyond this (eg: a 2nd SRx3), i'd rather encourage you to go the full hog and change amps to something totally different. in which case you could try and buy secondhand if/when something crops up, but focus on particular series of amps that are suitable. personally, if i was looking at mid-spec amps, with a 4-channel + monobloc, i'd look at:
*JL audio 300/4 + 500/1
*phoenix gold xenon X100.4 + X600.1
*digital designs C4 + M1

these are probably the only amps i would personally consider. there are obviously plenty of others, but i have my own shortlist to keep things simple.

so my approach would be to get a dual 4ohm sub rather than dual 2, then first try it off the SRx3. if that seems quite adequate, then add an SRx2. if it's not adequate, change amps completely and get a suitable monobloc + 4-channel. cos for the price of a second SRx3 (ie: $600+), you're a good way towards a very good monobloc. then when you can afford it, buy a matching 4-channel for the monobloc and sell the SRx3.

you obviously don't have to agree!

I've always been concerned about separation of the front stage from the subwoofer in regards to amplifiers, mainly because a dedicated amplifier can perform better than a multipurpose one.
I'll definitely look at those combinations you've thrown up, cheers...

The problem is shiny that no, 340W RMS is not enough, hence why the amp hits thermal

Interesting list you've got (now that I've looked at the specs), I'm also looking at Zapco's too knowing their reputation.

Hmm.... more thinking to do It's all good I won't have the money for some months yet so there is no hurry....

Cheers!

but you're not currently running an IDMAX are you? so you don't know how efficient they are and how easily they make subbass.

340WRMS is a lot of power, and only going to be 4~5dB down on 1000WRMS, which means it'll be going pretty damn hard.

i'd be asking why the amp is going into thermal protection cos it shouldn't do that under proper conditions.

heehee cause i like my subwoofer to go loud!

Not too loud but... pretty loud It takes 30 minutes or so, at very high volume, before it gets too hot, so I'm fairly happy with that. Don't worry, I've had it checked with Fhrx - his learned opinion is that I ask too much of the one amp.

No i don't know how efficient the IDMAX's are (unfortunately!)... but mine has an efficieny of 97db @1w @1m which is pretty damn good.

Now I am all sad again
So you're saying subwoofer first? Interesting, I'd always thought amplifiers were necessary first in my particular circumstance. I'll chat to Marty about it all next time I'm down his way, thanks Shiny.