mike16v

I am in the process of upgrading my stereo and have picked Infinity components and Infinity 2-way's for the rear. I plan to get a 12" sub and run the sub and the components off a 4 channel amp and have the 2-ways running off my headunit.

A number of places are selling Infinity amps at reasonable prices just now. The one that I am looking at is the INFINITY -RA5004 (4x50W RMS)

Is this a suitable amp for running components and a sub off, or should I look for a different amp? I found a Kicker 5channel (4 channel + sub channel - 4x40W RMS + 200W RMS) amp for £199 - is this a better option, but bridge the channels so that it is running as a 2channel amp + the sub?

The infinity components are rated at 120W RMS and the sub is rated at 600W MAX

I am looking to spend a max of £200 on the amp.

Cheers
Mike

rockinRu

If you can find MTX amp's there,I'd go with those over the Infinity's.
Infinity amp's are rated at 14.4 volts...(ie)under premium power conditions from the alternator.
MTX amp's are rated at 12.5 volts.And they have a loosly regulated power supply.
The Infinity will put out 50 wattsx4 rms on it's best day...the MTX will put out nearly DOUBLE it's rated power easily.
My Thunder 4300X is rated for 37.5 watts x 4 rms at 12.5 volts...it puts out an actual 68 watts x 4...at 14.4 volts it cranks over 100 x 4 rms...

If you can see the under rating in these amp's,you might be able to save some money and have plenty of clean power on tap.

warbs

I had a similar dilemma recently and plumped for the Infinity 5004 at about £135 from MCS Direct.

I'm no ICE expert but am really happy with the RA5004 running Infinity 605's up front.

No idea what RMS the amp is really putting out - but in simple terms:

I've got a Decatted TSL exhaust system which is pretty loud. I can now play music loud enough to not hear the exhuast at all below about 6000rpm - and there's no distorion or noticable deterioration in sound quality. Whereas previously the head unit was clipping.

At the same time in terms of quality it's streets ahead of an upgraded (JVC SH99R) head unit running the fronts by itself.

I am also intending to run a JL Audio 12W0 Sub on the other bridged channel.

Cheers

Chris

rockinRu

mike16v,kicker also makes a good amp.They're rated at a "real world" 13.8 volts...an average if you will...between a battery's 12.5 volts and an engine running(with no draw)14.4 volts.

That Kicker can put out around 80 solid watts rms at 14.4 volts;if your alternator can provide it.

Skip the RF.

rockinRu

Also,yes;the hu's power is advertised at max power...plan on MAYBE 20 watts of clean power.

And yes,that Kicker amp's bridged power can run a sub quite well...but that depends on the sub too...AND a larger ported box.
I can tell you that only 300 watts on a 15" Tempest in a 5 cube box can get gut-wrenching loud and sound fantastic doing it...but can you swing 5 cubes?

Many options for the sub...just need more input...

mike16v

Sub - was looking at a Pioneer 12", but seeing as I cna go for a cheaper amp (the Kicker) I may go for a more expensive sub. I'll have to rake about the net to get some options on this.

Cheers rockinru - most helpful

mike16v

I saw a Kicker amp that was 4x40W RMS for £120 but thought it woudn't be powerful enough. And a Rockford Fosgate that was 4x37.5W RMS but again didn't think it was powerful enough.

Guess I was wrong and this opens up a whole load of new options... Is 80W RMS enough to run a sub with a decent amount of punch? And I take it the 4x50W that my hadunit says will be MAX power?

[Edited by mike16v - 3/11/2003 5:33:34 PM]