[LionX]

ICE gurus,
I am in search for a Mono amplifier with RMS not less than 300W and in the price range of 200$. The subwoofer which I am using currently is Blaupunkt Velocity 15", 600WRMS DVC. (I might go for 2 12" subs in future due to space constrains). During my search in online forums I came across this particular brand and they looked interesting.
I found this particular model - JackHammer JH600 suits my requirement.
The specs are :

• JackHammer Series Class D Monoblock Car Amplifier
• RMS Power Rating:
  4 ohms: 350 watts x 1 chan.
  2 ohms: 600 watts x 1 chan.
• Max power output: 1200 watts x 1 chan.
• Adaptive class D technology
• Wired remote bass level control included
• LED power, overheat, and voltage indicators
• Tuned Bass EQ (0-12 dB bass boost at 40 Hz)
• Gain control
• Built-in active fan cooling technology adjusts fan speed according to the usage of the amplifier
• Nickel-plated RCA level inputs
• Nickel-plated screw terminals
• Variable low-pass filter (40-200 Hz, 24 dB/octave)
• Subsonic filter (20-50 Hz, 12 dB/octave)
• CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
• Frequency response: 20-200 Hz

I would like to get an expert opinion from TBHP about model/brand before putting my money on it.

Kindly give some other amplifier options too in that price range.

NB: The car is in discussion is a Safari

[blueraven316]

What kind of bass response do you like ? you want a SPL setup ? SQL ? SQ ?

The Velocity is a SPL sub, but can be used in SQL applications too.

[LionX]

Originally Posted by blueraven316

What kind of bass response do you like ? you want a SPL setup ? SQL ? SQ ?

The Velocity is a SPL sub, but can be used in SQL applications too.

I prefer an SQL setup. I would like to know how good is this amp for SQL.

[Fantasy]

we've been selling and installing mtx product for about a decade now if not longer. never had any major problems with them and customers are always satisfied. great thing about mtx is they offer product for all levels of installs.

although i've never worked with the jackhammer series my understanding is it's an entry to mid level product offered for sale by big box stores. more of a general level product. quality wise i can tell you having confidence in the company's offering's that for the price it'll do what you want it to.

[theexperthand]

Sorry for going OT:

@blueraven316: Please pardon my noob question. What is the difference between SQ and SQL? I thought both are same.
What does SQL expands to?

[LionX]

@Fantasy, Thank you for the green signal.

Since you are in to sales, can you provide some more better options in 200$ to 250$ price range.

[blueraven316]

Other Option in pricing range of $200 change is a

Hifonics Brutus BRZ1200.1D Class D Monoblock Amp

I have used the previous generation of this amp and am still using it, you can run it at 2 ohms and it will be loud and tight.

@theexperthand

SQ and SQL is not really the same, a pure SQ setup will not have the bass stand out compared to the speakers , it IMO should sound like the speakers are producing the bass themselves but its actually the sub.

In a SQL setup the sub or subs will stand out but at the same time the lows, mids and highs should sound balanced throughout the volume range, however bass will have to be strong, this kind of a setup is really good for music genres like House, Trance, Hard rock, metal etc. Not saying other music types will not suit, but a SQL setup should typically sound like a well setup night club at high volumes.

[LionX]

@blueraven316, I have seen your Brutus and loved it, but its seems not suitable for my sub. The sub is 4ohm DVC and 600W and the Brutus is 900W @ 2ohm.

Moreover I wanted to try out something new and after reading the reviews I am more inclined to JackHammer. What all parameters need to be considered for a mono amp in an SQL setup?

1. RMS Power Out
2. 4/2/1 Ohm stability
3. SNR - ?
4. THD - ?

[CrackedHead]

That is a myth - you can take a 1000W amp and run a 200W sub off it without any harm if you keep the gains low.

Take a look here http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...2008D+R-B.html if you are considering Hifonics. This one is 210$ right now with a coupon code

[panky12345]

Originally Posted by CrackedHead

That is a myth - you can take a 1000W amp and run a 200W sub off it without any harm if you keep the gains low.

Wrong sir! A slight variation could be admissible.. but certainly not 5 times the handling power.

If you do so, you'll fry the sub to smokes!

[CrackedHead]

Originally Posted by panky12345

Wrong sir! A slight variation could be admissible.. but certainly not 5 times the handling power.

If you do so, you'll fry the sub to smokes!

Not if you keep the gains to a minimum and don't go crazy with the volume knob.

I ran a 750W @ 4ohm (CEA2006 rating) amplifier to an entry level Blaupunkt sub for 2 months while waiting for my new subs to arrive. Remember - a 1000W amp doesn't output 1000W all the time.

But yes, ask the average joe installer to hook up such a combo and they will fry the sub no doubt(because of their fascination with turning up the gains to the max).

[LionX]

Originally Posted by CrackedHead

That is a myth - you can take a 1000W amp and run a 200W sub off it without any harm if you keep the gains low.

I agree on that part keeping the gains low, but if I am going to run a 200W sub, why should I go for a 1000W amp and run it as 200W. I this case I would rather go for a 200W amp and save the money for another upgrade.

[CrackedHead]

Originally Posted by LionX

I agree on that part keeping the gains low, but if I am going to run a 200W sub, why should I go for a 1000W amp and run it as 200W. I this case I would rather go for a 200W amp and save the money for another upgrade.

Only suggested a more powerful amp because you hinted at changing your 15" for 2x12" subs in the future. More power is always good depending on future upgrade plans.

If I were looking for 600W only - I'd buy a 2 channel Clarion DPX2251 (160-200$) over Hifonics, etc.

[LionX]

@CrackedHead, I got your point buddy. I might change my sub to 2x12" or 2x10" but it will be well within 600WRMS.

I am looking only for a Mono, Class -D amp just for the sub.

[Invinsible]

Originally Posted by CrackedHead

Not if you keep the gains to a minimum and don't go crazy with the volume knob.

I ran a 750W @ 4ohm (CEA2006 rating) amplifier to an entry level Blaupunkt sub for 2 months while waiting for my new subs to arrive. Remember - a 1000W amp doesn't output 1000W all the time.

But yes, ask the average joe installer to hook up such a combo and they will fry the sub no doubt(because of their fascination with turning up the gains to the max).

Gain setting depends on the output voltage of the HU. Most HU have about 2V-4V where as some has 5V to 8V. Whereas Input sensitivity of the amps are most of the time ignored. Matching the HU output voltage to input sensitivity that of amp is always good. Just setting the gains at minimal is not enough. Of course more Head room is always good but not everytime. Most of the time people aren't satisfied with the sub output when driving the HU near to max volume. That's where the problem comes. At that volume the HU will put close to it's rated voltage output. At that time some try crank up the gains a bit more for the bass to be felt. That's where they make mistake in setting the gain precisely.
It's always good to have 20-25% more rated output on the amp of the sub.
But this should be done with great precession.