Which 4 channel/monoblock amp from US?

nishantgandhi · 16th July 2009, 15:50

A friend of mine is currently in the US and has kindly agreed to bring back an amplifier for me. My budget is upto $200 and I am open to either a powerful 4 channel (~100w RMS x 4 @ 4 ohms) or a good monoblock (~350w RMS x 1 @ 4 ohms).

I was browsing on Amazon and shortlisted these models. Can the gurus please advise which one is good?

1. Amazon.com: Clarion DPX1851 850 Watts Maximum Mono Amplifier: Electronics

2. Amazon.com: Clarion DPX2251 2/1 Channel 650 Watt Maximum Amplifier: Electronics

3. Amazon.com: Scosche HD4600 1200-Watt 4-Channel EFX Amplifier: Electronics
(4CH 1200 WATT AMP)

4. Amazon.com: Scosche 600c4 100 Watts x 4 Amplifier: Electronics

5. Amazon.com: Clarion APX4361 4/3/2 Channel 640 Watts Maximum Amplifier: Electronics (This one is great but out of my budget)

esteem_lover · 16th July 2009, 16:18

This is what i got for $222.
MRP-F600

panky12345 · 16th July 2009, 16:32

Excellent choice e_l..

Invinsible · 16th July 2009, 16:54

Nishant what are you looking to use them for?

Clarion APX series would be the good choice. The DPX2251 is underrated and does about 200x2 at 4 ohms or 600 at 4ohms bridge. The APX is a class AB amp where as the DPX is Class G/H designed by famous Nikola Engineering.

You can also check out the Sundown Audio or the Cadence Amplifier. They are overbuild for the price, underrated and good SQ amps. Here's where you can buy them from Powermax Electronics - Powermax Electronics

CLarion APX4361 is available at sonicelectronix for 219$. Just go for it I would say.

nishantgandhi · 16th July 2009, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

This is what i got for $222.
MRP-F600

Hmm...
RMS Power (at 14.4V, 20Hz-20kHz)
Per channel into 4 ohms: 100W x 4 (1% THD)
Per channel into 2 ohms: 150W x 4
Brigded 4 ohms: 300W x 2
(Slightly better than the Clarion for the components)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Invinsible

Nishant what are you looking to use them for?

Clarion APX series would be the good choice. The DPX2251 is underrated and does about 200x2 at 4 ohms or 600 at 4ohms bridge. The APX is a class AB amp where as the DPX is Class G/H designed by famous Nikola Engineering.

You can also check out the Sundown Audio or the Cadence Amplifier. They are overbuild for the price, underrated and good SQ amps. Here's where you can buy them from Powermax Electronics - Powermax Electronics

CLarion APX4361 is available at sonicelectronix for 219$. Just go for it I would say.

RMS Power Rating:
4 ohms: 90 watts x 4 chan.
2 ohms: 160 watts x 4 chan.
Bridged, 4 ohms: 320 watts x 2 chan
(Slightly better than the Alpine for the sub)

Abhishek, I am looking to supply more power to my sub. Its rated at 300 W and currently I am supplying only about half to it. Though it still sounds great, but wouldnt mind giving it more power.

Plan A - Getting a powerful 4 channel for front components, while providing adequate power to the sub. In this case, I will be selling off my Blau amp.

Plan B - A good mono to make the setup future proof (if and when I upgrade to a sedan, it shall come in useful). In this case, I might experiment with bridging 2 channels of the current Blau amp to provide more power to the components (is this called Bi-Amping? Is this possible in my current config?)

Invinsible · 16th July 2009, 19:35

Both Clarion and Alpine are equally good and both are slightly underrated.
For powering the sub either 300 or 320 will be barely audible, it would make just 1/4th of a Db difference. You also need to see what are comps rated at.
Yes you can bridge your existing 4 channel amp, i suppose you might need the Y cable to split the signal coming of your 2 channel rca.
I suppose your sub is single 4 ohm in which case if you looking for future upgrade get the mono something like Alpine MRPm500, its a beast, so dont be fooled by the size.

abhinav.gupta88 · 16th July 2009, 19:42

What's with the choice between the mono and the 4 channel.
What exactly do you have in mind.
Right now you are using a Blau GT4MKII Right?
Will you continue to use the Blau, if yes, then would you give bridged to the sub or power the compos of it?

In Short, do you want better quality of the compos or give the sub more power?

nishantgandhi · 16th July 2009, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by abhinav.gupta88

What's with the choice between the mono and the 4 channel.
What exactly do you have in mind.
Right now you are using a Blau GT4MKII Right?
Will you continue to use the Blau, if yes, then would you give bridged to the sub or power the compos of it?

In Short, do you want better quality of the compos or give the sub more power?

Read buddy read

The choice is because my friend can get only one amp. And both my plans are same (in terms of SQ) for my ears.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nishantgandhi

Plan A - Getting a powerful 4 channel for front components, while providing adequate power to the sub. In this case, I will be selling off my Blau amp.

Plan B - A good mono to make the setup future proof (if and when I upgrade to a sedan, it shall come in useful). In this case, I might experiment with bridging 2 channels of the current Blau amp to provide more power to the components (is this called Bi-Amping? Is this possible in my current config?)

abhinav.gupta88 · 16th July 2009, 22:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by nishantgandhi

Plan A - Getting a powerful 4 channel for front components, while providing adequate power to the sub. In this case, I will be selling off my Blau amp.

Plan B - A good mono to make the setup future proof (if and when I upgrade to a sedan, it shall come in useful). In this case, I might experiment with bridging 2 channels of the current Blau amp to provide more power to the components (is this called Bi-Amping? Is this possible in my current config?)

If i were you, I'll choose the 1st option and add the mono later.
The illusions might get hurt when supplied with excess power(not sure though)

Biamping is when through the passive crossover, you power the mid basses off 2 channels and the tweeters off the other 2.

This would be a normal passive setting giving bridged power.

nishantgandhi · 19th July 2009, 01:07

There is a Plan C in the making.

Instead of the mono, I am now thinking of getting a good bridgeable 2 channel amp, which gives about 300+ watts RMS x 2 @ 4ohms. I believe this shall be more future proof for *my requirements*

The best deal of this sort was Frank's erstwhile Rockford Fosgate Punch @ $99. Any such deals in the offing currently?

BTW, how do you rate MB Quart, Crunch and Hifonics in the amps division? I am specifically referring to these three models:

MB Quart DSC 280 (dsc280) 2-Channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Hifonics TXi 4008 2-Channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Crunch P500.2 (cru-p5002) 2-Channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Specs look good and price is attractive!

karankapoor · 19th July 2009, 11:08

I will rate them MB>HIFONICS>CRUNCH the way you listed them if i were you i would have gone for the MB quart, This doesn't means Hifonics both will do the job, Go with any of the 2.

razor4077 · 19th July 2009, 11:33

Just in case you change your mind and think mono again, this is what I got from the US:
REF611A - Infinity 650 Watt Class D Subwoofer Amplifier

Infinity 611a
Class D amp, 456W @4ohms, 657W @2ohms

8000 INR + shipping. Sweet deal

nishantgandhi · 19th July 2009, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by razor4077

Just in case you change your mind and think mono again, this is what I got from the US:
REF611A - Infinity 650 Watt Class D Subwoofer Amplifier

Infinity 611a
Class D amp, 456W @4ohms, 657W @2ohms

8000 INR + shipping. Sweet deal

Razor dada, I was just talking to Frank about your amp. Its a gem of a piece. Find me such a sweet deal on such a powerful 2 channel also na?

EDIT - How is this one?
DUB2502 - Audiobahn 2 Ch 550 Watt Class-A/B Amplifier

razor4077 · 19th July 2009, 16:24

Specs look good!

You could also check this out:
PANASONIC CYPA2003U 1200W 2-Channel power Amplifier - CYPA2003U

Panasonic CY PA2003U. Very nice amp. @XetaGLGRocks has it fitted in his car and is very happy with it.

Under $100 (shipping extra I think) on this site.

DocG · 19th July 2009, 18:18

Nishant if you're looking for SQ then please stay away from Hifonics, Crunch, Power Acoustik, Kole Audio etc.

However if you want a mono just to run the subs, and are looking for some SPL etc, then these amps are great value.

I would suggest:
MONO Amps:
MB Quart DSC 1500.1D (DSC1500.1D) (dsc15001d) Mono Subwoofer Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Kicker ZX400.1 (06zx4001) Mono Subwoofer Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Alpine MRP-M500 (mrpm500) Mono Subwoofer Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Multichannel:
Alpine MRP-F550 (mrpf550) Multi-channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Alpine MRP-F600 (mrpf600) Multi-channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Eclipse XA4200 Multi-channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

MB Quart DSC 4125 (dsc4125) Multi-channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Cheers

16th July 2009, 15:50	#1
nishantgandhi Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,223 Thanked: 156 Times	Which 4 channel/monoblock amp from US? A friend of mine is currently in the US and has kindly agreed to bring back an amplifier for me. My budget is upto $200 and I am open to either a powerful 4 channel (~100w RMS x 4 @ 4 ohms) or a good monoblock (~350w RMS x 1 @ 4 ohms). I was browsing on Amazon and shortlisted these models. Can the gurus please advise which one is good? 1. Amazon.com: Clarion DPX1851 850 Watts Maximum Mono Amplifier: Electronics 2. Amazon.com: Clarion DPX2251 2/1 Channel 650 Watt Maximum Amplifier: Electronics 3. Amazon.com: Scosche HD4600 1200-Watt 4-Channel EFX Amplifier: Electronics (4CH 1200 WATT AMP) 4. Amazon.com: Scosche 600c4 100 Watts x 4 Amplifier: Electronics 5. Amazon.com: Clarion APX4361 4/3/2 Channel 640 Watts Maximum Amplifier: Electronics (This one is great but out of my budget)
	() Thanks

16th July 2009, 16:18	#2
esteem_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Madras/Py Posts: 7,556 Thanked: 513 Times View My Garage	This is what i got for $222. MRP-F600 Last edited by esteem_lover : 16th July 2009 at 16:19.
	() Thanks

16th July 2009, 16:32	#3
panky12345 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 2,697 Thanked: 172 Times	Excellent choice e_l..
	() Thanks

16th July 2009, 16:54	#4
Invinsible Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,257 Thanked: 62 Times	Nishant what are you looking to use them for? Clarion APX series would be the good choice. The DPX2251 is underrated and does about 200x2 at 4 ohms or 600 at 4ohms bridge. The APX is a class AB amp where as the DPX is Class G/H designed by famous Nikola Engineering. You can also check out the Sundown Audio or the Cadence Amplifier. They are overbuild for the price, underrated and good SQ amps. Here's where you can buy them from Powermax Electronics - Powermax Electronics CLarion APX4361 is available at sonicelectronix for 219$. Just go for it I would say. Last edited by Invinsible : 16th July 2009 at 17:13.
	() Thanks

16th July 2009, 19:35	#6
Invinsible Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,257 Thanked: 62 Times	Both Clarion and Alpine are equally good and both are slightly underrated. For powering the sub either 300 or 320 will be barely audible, it would make just 1/4th of a Db difference. You also need to see what are comps rated at. Yes you can bridge your existing 4 channel amp, i suppose you might need the Y cable to split the signal coming of your 2 channel rca. I suppose your sub is single 4 ohm in which case if you looking for future upgrade get the mono something like Alpine MRPm500, its a beast, so dont be fooled by the size.
	() Thanks

16th July 2009, 19:42	#7
abhinav.gupta88 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Delhi , India Posts: 4,090 Thanked: 341 Times View My Garage	What's with the choice between the mono and the 4 channel. What exactly do you have in mind. Right now you are using a Blau GT4MKII Right? Will you continue to use the Blau, if yes, then would you give bridged to the sub or power the compos of it? In Short, do you want better quality of the compos or give the sub more power?
	() Thanks

19th July 2009, 01:07	#10
nishantgandhi Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,223 Thanked: 156 Times	A twist in the tale There is a Plan C in the making. Instead of the mono, I am now thinking of getting a good bridgeable 2 channel amp, which gives about 300+ watts RMS x 2 @ 4ohms. I believe this shall be more future proof for my requirements The best deal of this sort was Frank's erstwhile Rockford Fosgate Punch @ $99. Any such deals in the offing currently? BTW, how do you rate MB Quart, Crunch and Hifonics in the amps division? I am specifically referring to these three models: MB Quart DSC 280 (dsc280) 2-Channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Hifonics TXi 4008 2-Channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Crunch P500.2 (cru-p5002) 2-Channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Specs look good and price is attractive!
	() Thanks

19th July 2009, 11:08	#11
karankapoor Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: in the car!!! Posts: 1,674 Thanked: 6 Times	I will rate them MB>HIFONICS>CRUNCH the way you listed them if i were you i would have gone for the MB quart, This doesn't means Hifonics both will do the job, Go with any of the 2.
	() Thanks

19th July 2009, 11:33	#12
razor4077 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,881 Thanked: 300 Times View My Garage	Just in case you change your mind and think mono again, this is what I got from the US: REF611A - Infinity 650 Watt Class D Subwoofer Amplifier Infinity 611a Class D amp, 456W @4ohms, 657W @2ohms 8000 INR + shipping. Sweet deal
	() Thanks

19th July 2009, 16:24	#14
razor4077 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,881 Thanked: 300 Times View My Garage	Specs look good! You could also check this out: PANASONIC CYPA2003U 1200W 2-Channel power Amplifier - CYPA2003U Panasonic CY PA2003U. Very nice amp. @XetaGLGRocks has it fitted in his car and is very happy with it. Under $100 (shipping extra I think) on this site.
	() Thanks

19th July 2009, 18:18	#15
DocG BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mumbai - Singapore - Cali - Sydney - S.Korea Posts: 870 Thanked: 12 Times View My Garage	Nishant if you're looking for SQ then please stay away from Hifonics, Crunch, Power Acoustik, Kole Audio etc. However if you want a mono just to run the subs, and are looking for some SPL etc, then these amps are great value. I would suggest: MONO Amps: MB Quart DSC 1500.1D (DSC1500.1D) (dsc15001d) Mono Subwoofer Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Kicker ZX400.1 (06zx4001) Mono Subwoofer Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Alpine MRP-M500 (mrpm500) Mono Subwoofer Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Multichannel: Alpine MRP-F550 (mrpf550) Multi-channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Alpine MRP-F600 (mrpf600) Multi-channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Eclipse XA4200 Multi-channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix MB Quart DSC 4125 (dsc4125) Multi-channel Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Cheers
	() Thanks