need a new sub amp, requesting input

[gadget73]

I need a new amp for my sub. What I have now is a 300 watt class D Pioneer 2 channel bridged to 1 channel, and running a single 12" Pioneer sub. The amp just isn't enough. If I set it all the way up, and set the sub level output on my stereo as high as it goes, it sounds good but the amp pops out on overload whenever I get the stereo over maybe half way. I need more power, but I have no idea who even makes decent equipment anymore.

What I need:
300+ watts
under 200 bucks
able to be bridged or be mono to run a single 4 ohm speaker
not blow up in an unreasonably short amount of time

[BerniniCaCO3]

I still hear good things about kenwood.
Haven't really been in the audio market though; bought one good one 9 years ago and it hasn't died.

As far as budgeting though: electronics depreciation is so ferocious, and amps shouldn't burn out with any frequency (again, mine's 9 yrs old and still gives juice to the sub),
that you can stretch the $200 much further going used?

[87gtVIC]

I have no suggestions but what is happening with the one you are removing?

[tjc78]

I haven't done an aftermarket stereo in a while, but always had my best luck with Alpine amps.

Crutchfield has this http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPM....html?tp=35834 it should be pretty robust and since its stable to 2 ohms, I don't think it should shut down running a 4 ohm load. Not bad for $199

[Piece-it pete]

This looks interesting, might go for less than 200 all in (disclaimer, not mine, no knowledge of seller, etc):

http://cgi.ebay.com/old-school-lanzar-optidrive-2500-/120727283173?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item1c1be825e5

Factory refurb w/ warrenty, the kappa speakers I had were really good:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Infinity-800-Watt-Class-D-Mono-Subwoofer-Amplifier-/390316497081?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item5ae0ad18b9

R/F used to be good?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ROCKFORD-FOSGATE-R500-1-500w-RMS-MONO-CAR-AMPLIFIER-AMP-/220789675194?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item33681714ba

There's tons, but most look like cheap crap. Even the old 'good' names have been whored to death. For some reason I like the Infinity, and it seems there's a few of them.

Pete

[85crownHPP]

Would you be willing to go used??? Ive seen 500W RMS Alpine mono amps for under 100 bucks on ebay... I got my 200W older ones for about 50 each, they sound like pure ear sex, Scottfesters can verify, lol.

[Piece-it pete]

I've had great luck with this companies speakers, very good quality, but never heard their amps:

http://cgi.ebay.com/CLIF-DESIGN-1000-WATT-1-CHANNEL-MONOBLOCK-CAR-AMPLIFIER-/320687351441?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item4aaa74a691

Pete

[sly]

I got my pioneer stereo amp (bridgeable) at wally world... 760watt for about $130.

[85crownHPP]

Max or RMS watts?? If it's RMS, that's real good... Pioneer at least used to be decent stuff.

[P72Ford]

Would the amps that were in my car be of any use or interest to you, Thain?

I know nothing about car audio.

[marquisman]

pioneer would prolly be the best bet. they are a decent amp at a good price. that or go MTX or rockford.

[zoomie]

i have an infinity 611a and a 15 inch fosgate punch stage 3 ill sell ya 180 bucks if your interested.

[sly]

Max or RMS watts?? If it's RMS, that's real good... Pioneer at least used to be decent stuff.

max... rms is 135W per channel stereo... don't remember the bridged value... probably somewhere around 250W. But then again... the next model up is now on sale at walmart here and is only $80 IIRC for the same 760W setup. Different housing is all it's got.

[gadget73]

I have no suggestions but what is happening with the one you are removing?

I'm driving it too hard, so it shuts off on overload. Its what you'd expect for driving a small amp balls to the wall constantly. Its functional, but its just inadequate for this situation. It would be fine in my truck where the sub is behind the seat in the cab, but not in the Lincoln where its back there in the trunk.



P72Ford: remind me whats in there? I honestly don't recall.


Used is not a problem, but either way i have no idea what I'm shopping for these days. The main amp in the car is a 10+ year old Kenwood 600 that I've had since I was in high school. I bought it used then. Modern power ratings just suck. Big numbers that mean nothing. RMS I understand, I don't get these new ratings.

[sly]

I wish more suppliers would give RMS ratings on their stuff as well. This is why I got the pioneer amp and subs. 130W rms subs and 135watts per channel amp... matches up pretty good.