I've made the experience that a low-cost amp usually doesn't have a very good high/low-pass filter. It just gives about 6db off in comparision to a high quality amp which gives about 18db off. That's a big difference in sound quality.

I had a low-cost 5 channel Gelhard with max 4x150 W and 1x300W Sub and continous 4x 75W and 1x 150W Sub. But at a higher volume it started to clip the sound and even though it were 150W on the Sub it was not very powerful.
Then I bought a high quality 4 channel amp (some american brand) with 4x 80 W (or 2x 160W) continous. I run all speakers on the left side on one channel, all speakers on the right side on another channel and the sub over 2 bridged channels now. The only thing I can't do is fading - but I don't really need it - it sounds perfect that way.
The highpass/lowpass filter is perfect and just lets the adjusted frequencies to the speakers (as this hasn't been in the cheap amp) and so the speakers just get the frequencies they are made for. (Of course the tweeters have a separate lowpass filter).

I'd recommend to make the following installation steps:

- install all the cables (and speakers!) and prepare the connection of an amp.
- install the empeg
- then go to a car-audio dealer and ask if you could try some amps. In a good store they will let you test some amps. Then you'll hear the difference.
Have a thought about spending some more money on your system - it's not THAT big difference if you buy a 250 $ amp or if you buy a 400-500 $ amp. You've spend > 1000$ for the Mk2! So some bucks more for a good amp won't be too much to have a really good sound!

If you want a low-cost amp - I have one for you - A 5 channel Gelhard with the spec's I've given above. I gave 250$ for it - used it about 4 weeks. I would let it for 150$...
But I wouldn't tell you to prefer this amp..


TeeMcBee
Got my Mk2! # 080000143