New Sub Amp Suggestions?

Posted by: newguy1

New Sub Amp Suggestions? - 02/01/2005 18:20

I'm looking for a new sub amp.Ive got an alpine 50watt per channel for the front components and had a Hifonics mono 200watt amp driving 2 4ohm subs in parallel.
Should I get another mono type amp or a 2 channel amp?
What would be a good match for wattage(I felt that the Hifonics amp was alittle weak)
Posted by: mtempsch

Re: New Sub Amp Suggestions? - 03/01/2005 09:25

Quote:
a Hifonics mono 200watt amp driving 2 4ohm subs in parallel.
Should I get another mono type amp or a 2 channel amp?
What would be a good match for wattage(I felt that the Hifonics amp was alittle weak)


A 2-channel amp would probably not be used to its full potential - power wise, unless 1 Ohm stable (per channel) if bridged onto the resulting 2 Ohm load - hich is rare/typically expensive. Or each sub (4 Ohm) on its own channel while it's typically stable (and offers more power) down to 2 Ohm.
Posted by: newguy1

Re: New Sub Amp Suggestions? - 04/01/2005 00:32

So I should stick with a mono amp rated stable for a 2 ohm load?
Would there be any difference to the subs between a mono amp rated at 400watt into 2ohm(2 4ohm subs in parallel) versus a two channel amp rated at 200 watt per channel into each 4 ohm sub?
Posted by: mtempsch

Re: New Sub Amp Suggestions? - 04/01/2005 06:48

Quote:
So I should stick with a mono amp rated stable for a 2 ohm load?
Would there be any difference to the subs between a mono amp rated at 400watt into 2ohm(2 4ohm subs in parallel) versus a two channel amp rated at 200 watt per channel into each 4 ohm sub?


I_E

1x400W@2 Ohm vs 2x200W@4 Ohm

By running the subs as a single load you are certain they're playing the same signal. Depending on the internal construction either amp may have a higher dampening factor, DF, IIRC Load impedance divided by output stage impedance. Higher DF roughly translates to etter control of the sub, but opinions differ as to how important it is and what's a high enough DF...

I'd factor in prices and the chance you might ever want to get more power and a 2 channel amp might then be a candidate for powering the front stage...

Me personally - I've for some time been eyeing DLS amps for some time -
maybe the CAD11 with 1x400W into 4 Ohm - stable down to 1 Ohm where it gives 1050W...
or the A2 (450W into 2 Ohm bridged)...

whatever suits my current and reasonably expectation of future needs - and I had the money for... they're darned good, but not exactly cheap... so I'd probably have to live with whatever I bought for a fair while.

I'm also a fan of the idea not to having to run the amp flat out, but instead having a bit of reserve capacity, power wise.
Posted by: newguy1

Re: New Sub Amp Suggestions? - 08/01/2005 19:07

Thanks for the info looks like ill be doing some saving for a new amp