How necessary is an AMP !!!

[Scruff]

Just bought some Phoenix Gold ZR6.5 comp speakers!

Was wondering about the difference between wiring into AMP or would I get a good enough sound wiring directly to Head Unit!!
(Head Unit standard Toyota with CD from 94 MR2)

I need to justify doubling cost by adding AMP
(will it really make loads of difference)

Cheers all
Scruff

[Valentino MR2]

Simple answer
Massive difference!!!!!!
even with a decent Alpine Head Unit my Comps didn't sound anything like when they were being amped

[paul port]

Yes... Using an external amp with a good switch-mode power supply inside makes the world of difference.

Take a look at www.caraudiodirect.com

And you'll see the Xtant 202M listed for 99.99 in the two channel amps clearence section. Good make... and at 45mm high it should fit under a MR2 Seat.

Paul

[Scruff]

They must be good coz they've all sold out !!

How about if I was to get a cheap/second-hand amp for say £50
would that still be better than wiring straight to head unit
(£99 bit out of price range although I can appreciate you get what you pay for)

cheers for comments
scruff

[Silver Turbs]

Definately need to invest in an amp, im running three in my car and its sounds load enough.

Look at the power on the speakers you bought then compare them of the power on the stereo and you'll see there being under powered.

Fizz

[Scruff]

Thanks for all the comments folks!

Could you recommend any Amps for not much money?

Saw a Mutant 2Channel Amp in Halfrauds for £50
(Will this do or would it be a waste of hard earned cash)

Any ideas much appreciated
cheers
scruff

[Valentino MR2]

Halfrauds are well overpriced!!
check out www.caraudiosecurity.com very well priced and very very helpful

[Scruff]

Great site !! thanks for that

So my understanding is I have speakers that give an output of 150Watts@4 OHMS
So I have to buy an Amp that can cope with 150Watts RMS and not Max Output...is this correct !!!

If this is the case I need to spend about £100 (ouch)

Please recommend some decent makes for the money as I have no clue about amps (is Crunch OK etc)

Cheers all
scruff

[Valentino MR2]

I just checked up your speakers on the website and they are 75w RMS and 150w Peak
So a decent quality 75w RMS amp and they should sound nice

I've got a JBL 80.4 bridged to run my comps and it sounds really nice
I picked it up off ebay for £50

[Paul R]

Hi,

Motorworld do cheap amps from 30 quid I think...

cheers,

Paul.

[Scruff]

Cheers for all the advice folks !!

A few last questions... I've seen a lot of AMPS say they run on 14.4Vdc and I thought a normal battery was 12V. How do you overcome the difference?? (or don't you and your battery runs low)

Also where is the best place and what is the best method of tapping into your battery power !!
(are there any drawbacks from doing this, like loss of power to the rest of the car or the car having to work harder coz of this loss)

cheers again
scruff

[Paul R]

Cheers for all the advice folks !!

A few last questions... I've seen a lot of AMPS say they run on 14.4Vdc and I thought a normal battery was 12V. How do you overcome the difference?? (or don't you and your battery runs low)

Also where is the best place and what is the best method of tapping into your battery power !!
(are there any drawbacks from doing this, like loss of power to the rest of the car or the car having to work harder coz of this loss)

cheers again
scruff

Run a line directly to your battery mate. also, do the earth as close to the amp as possible.

Cheers,

Paul.

[Scruff]

Thanks Paul

I needed the help (The nearest I normally come to ICE is in me coke!)

So a 14.4Vdc Amp won't run down the battery then (good news)

thanks again
scruff

[Valentino MR2]

Hey Scruff
Alot of manufacturers put 14.4v on their figures, possibly because the current going to the battery when the engine is running is more than 12v
My Kicker amp has figures for both 12v and 14.4v that the only reason I can think of mate
Have you seen an amp you like then?

[Scruff]

I'm watching 3 Amps on ebay ATM:
JBL-GTO 75.2
JBL-GTO 2000
Phoenix Gold QX2100 (is this old)

Ideally like to get new Phoenix Gold but prices are sky high !!
(cheapest I've seen new is a tantrum for £129)

JBL seem like they could do the job (you have one don't you Valentino)??
this is probably what I'll get as Motorworld do a GTO2000 for £75 and I can save on delivery at same time!

There are so many how can you tell good from bad?

cheers
scruff

[Valentino MR2]

Yeah i've got an 80.4 off ebay for £45 a couple of months back, No complaints from it at all.
Don't forget decent cables, they are essential
I buy most my cables from here www.cablesexpress.co.uk they are very cheap

[Scruff]

I must admit cables had slipped my mind (another necessary expence) just glad its almost pay day !!

I'm sure a few more questions will be coming in this direction before the weekends done.

thanks
scruff

[Scruff]

Just reserved a JBL GTO 75.2 AMP from Halfords
£74.99 (believe or not) cheapest I've seen anywhere!
I was looking for 75W RMSx2channel at 4ohms and this AMP is 97W RMSx2channel at 4ohms
END OF RANGE section on the web!

cheers
scruff

[Valentino MR2]

Sounds good, not bad price especially from Halfrauds

[Scruff]

another question or two for you lovely people!!

I have an REM input on the AMP and I take it this is the switched power socket to connect up to the head unit...anyone know which cable this is and then best way to connect up to it ???

Also it has a high level input socket and accompanying plug with four wires (Grey,White,Grey with black stripe, White with black stripe)
These I take it connect to the Head Unit for recieving the signal !
Again anyone know which cable and best way!!

I have a Toyota Head Unit with standard plugs in back if that helps!
(If there is such a thing as standard)

I did have a copy of the wiring diagram but my cat p**sed on it miss!
So if anyone has a copy it would be muchly appreciated!

cheers all
scruff