Amplifier Questions

ryboto · Post by **ryboto** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:07 pm

I'm new to amplifiers. I have a pair of 70W rms speakers, and a pair of 120W rms speakers. I understand there can be issues running 4 speakers, as far as sound quality, but, i'm going to work with it. I'm stuck on deciding which amp to drive these speakers. I've narrowed it to two,

Soundstream TRA680.4

Kicker ZX680.4

Now, I understand with the Kicker, I can play with the gains to control the output to the 70W speakers. How exactly do I measure that? The kicker seems like the better bet in regards to power, but, I like the s/n of the soundstream, the damping factor, and the price. Granted, I have no idea how honest the manufacturer's ratings of the things are, if I take it at face value, it seems like a good deal. I have found the Soundstream for $200 shipped, but, don't have the link bookmarked on this machine. So, it's a good deal cheaper. But is 85W rms enough for the 120W rms speakers? will it strain the amp? or cause the speakers to distort at lower volumes?

I know I'm asking a lot of different things, but, I'm new to this, and I'm tentative to drop a lot of money on something I haven't exhausted all resources researching. I've been told this is the place to get answers, and I'd be incredibly grateful for any advice/suggestions anyone has to offer!

-Thanks in advance!

breakjunki · Post by **breakjunki** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:28 pm

Just my opinion, sounstream was second to none back in the early 90's, now, eeeh. But that kicker would be more than enough for your front stage, and possibly could bridge the rear channels to run a sub. just my 2 cents. either way it'd be more than enough power and a solid amp

Justin from Detroit1 · Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:32 pm

My Eclipse XA2000 I'm selling would work excellent for you, betetr then both of those amps listed IMO. Plus, you can save a few bucks.

http://www.caraudiocentral.net/forums/s ... php?t=5098

brent · Post by **brent** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:39 pm

breakjunki wrote:Just my opinion, sounstream was second to none bad in the early 90's, now, eeeh. But that kicker would be more than enough for your front stage. and possibly could bridge the rear channels to run a sub. just my 2 cents.

I agree about soundstream. My only concern is that this is the first year for the new zx amp. If they are going to be anything like the zr series then heck yes. I would definitely go with a kicker, but if you do I would get a waranty on the new zx series.

ryboto · Post by **ryboto** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 9:39 am

Justin from Detroit wrote:My Eclipse XA2000 I'm selling would work excellent for you, betetr then both of those amps listed IMO. Plus, you can save a few bucks.

http://www.caraudiocentral.net/forums/s ... php?t=5098

that is a better price...but, i'm driving 4 speakers, not 2..

CaptainPioneer · Post by **CaptainPioneer** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 9:54 am

Still if i were you i would jump on that... Personally i would rather drive the 2 speakers that run at 120w with that amp and use the HU for the other 2 or untill you get another amp for those... Your sq will be much better with that amp over the Kicker or the Soundstream.. just my 2cents

ryboto · Post by **ryboto** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:28 pm

Well, i may be interested in that eclipse...but I was hoping to keep things simple, one amp, less wires, less money. It seems that manufacturers make their higher power 4 channel amps cheaper than their 2-channel equivalents..

Justin from Detroit1 · Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:31 pm

As long as you don't mind losing either your Fader or Balance, then you can run all 4 speakers off of it.

ryboto · Post by **ryboto** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 4:00 pm

Justin from Detroit wrote:As long as you don't mind losing either your Fader or Balance, then you can run all 4 speakers off of it.

but wouldn't that cause the speakers to share 150W? and wouldn't that require that I wire one of my 70W rms in parallel with a 120W rms if I want to keep balance control?

Justin from Detroit1 · Tue Jul 11, 2006 4:30 pm

Yes, they would each get around 80w or so. I'm sure it would still be perfect for you.