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In a vaguely related note, design is only half of the equation. The quality of the components used in the amp's construction is the other half. If the manufacturer cheaps out and uses low quality Chinese knock-off parts for the amp's guts, that can make the best designs worthless. I've seen this happen in a number of situations with computer hardware.

Just some food for thought.

Something for the OP to keep in mind.

You are going to need some big power wire to pull enough current to go past 1000 watts rms. if you are trying to keep the budget down, your best bet might be to go smaller with the amp, and build a very good box.

if you consider that doubling of power will only get you an increase of 3 db if you are lucky. a 500 watts really isn't all that much less than 1000. It's also a lot easier on your electrical in your car.

I know people who have used Boss amps with success. You just have to know what you are getting, and not abuse it.

For a while, the Boss amps were designed by Steven Mantz (Zed Audio) who is highly regarded as an amp maker by lots of enthusiasts.


Does that mean I would recommend a current boss amp? no, i'm just saying its not complete garbage if you know what you are getting and use it appropriately.

Chances are, that for the price you can get something a bit better.

That one will work also. Slightly higher power...

1200 WRMS.

Tune it correctly with a DMM and you should be fine.

How about the Hifonics BXI 1210D or the Hifonics HFi1000D?

Ok Im looking at the Boss amp...

They are claiming 1,100 WRMS x 1 @ 4 Ohms. They are also claiming the amp is stable to 1 Ohm, with a MAX power of 3,000 Watts @1 Ohm.

I smell crappy amp.

Why?

Well lets start with the obvious. Max power is useless. In this case though, its entertaining. 3,000 watts max- @ 1 ohm. Yet the amp produces 1,100 WRMS @ 4 ohm?

Going by relative terms, 1,100 WRMS @ 4 ohms = 4,400 WRMS @ 1 ohm...

The less obvious...

2 35 amp fuses...

70 x 13.8 Volts x 80% efficiency = 773 WRMS. Thats the feasible WRMS of that amp, just so you know. That number may actually be high... maybe low...

At any rate, that amps a gimmick. Especially at $239 which is what i found it for @ Dealercostaudio Buying that amp is like throwing $200+ out your car window. Thats the honest truth.

Anyhow...

Given your sub and it sounds like you want to add another in the future, I would look for something that puts out 1,000-800 WRMS @ 1 Ohm. Your car will be able to support this providing you do a Big 3 wiring Upgrade.

I have 3 amps that will work and fit into your budget. I have a 4th amp over your budget that will work also...

Ryan from Ohio wrote:Your more than likely going to find more power at a cheaper price with a Class D amp.
These amps also waste less power to make power, which is probably a good thing for your situation.
If you would like I can see what amps I carry that will work for you and PM you specs/prices.

Any specific brand names you would suggest for the amp?

Your more than likely going to find more power at a cheaper price with a Class D amp.

These amps also waste less power to make power, which is probably a good thing for your situation.

If you would like I can see what amps I carry that will work for you and PM you specs/prices.

Also, would a mono amp be the better choice? Or should I go with a 2-channel or something?

MobileAudio219 wrote:1. I would stay away from boss, they don't have very good products. The amp probably doesn't put out anywhere close to rated power. You could wire the sub to 8 ohms and it'd get around 550 watts (pretending the boss amps isn't way over rated.)
2. There's a lot of good budget amps out there (hifonics, Autotek, american bass, etc.) Find one that put out around 350 at 8 ohms and that's one ohm stable (for feature upgrades.)
3. What kind of car do you have? It depends, some cars come out with 50 amp alternators, some come out with 150 amp ones.

I said right off the bat, 1987 Camaro.. It's a V6.

I'm not looking to spend too much on the amp. I found that one for about $200.

And i dont want crap quality. I want it to be loud, AND good quality sound.