Hey everybody, I'm only posting this in the 1st gen forum because I have a 05 S but this is for my commuter car 1995 Toyota Avalon. I'm upgrading the sound system on it with some Polk 5.25 components up front and Alpine Type R coax's in the rear. Both of them handle 90-100W RMS so I'm in the market for a 100x4 amp. I'm not a newbie to car audio, I've had systems in my cars for over 10 years now that I've installed. I was just curious if some of the more experienced guys on the boards here might be able to help me out a little. Maybe suggest a few brands to stay away from and a few they prefer. I'm not looking for competition quality products, just something that will provide true clean sound. I've come across a few now that caught me eye. The Soundstream Tarantula TRX4.640, Polk PA500.4, and Alpine MRP-F600 just to name a few. I know the Polk is great quality. The Alpine, according to their website has a S/N ratio of 80db!?!?!? Seems kind of low no? Soundstream specs are amazing! .05% THD and 105db S/N ratio! I just dont know if those numbers are true or just marketing. I remember back in the day soundstream was highly respected but have been bought out since then and I'm not sure of their quality anymore. Anyone know how to spot the bs specs like Power Acoustik claiming .02% THD and a 98db S/N ratio to a known high quality amp like a JL audio or Fosgate Power series amp? Hope some of you guys can help me out making a decision on this purchase.

Steve

 

I have read alot about the alpine PDX 4.100 on this board and mine is set to arrive at my door on Monday, I can't wait. Do a search there are plenty of threads on this amp.

 

the specs on that amp as advertised on their website are worse than the V Power amp that I originally mentioned. Although the THD (total harmonic distortion) is the same at 1%, the signal to noise ratio is lower on the PDX at 76db than the Vpower which is 80 db's. I'm not trying to offend you, please dont take it that way. I was just pointing out numbers. My understanding is anything less than 1% THD is inaudible and the higher the S/N ratio the better the sound quality. Now I know much more expensive, competition sound quality amps all have very high SN Ratio's close to 100db or higher and THD percentages at .05% or lower so when I see advertised on the manufacturers website that they are claiming 1% THD and 76db SN ratio that worries me. For the same amount of money other manufacturers (and reputable ones too) are claiming much better numbers. Just something to think about. Thanks for your input though. No one else has said anything. I posted on the Toyota forums as well and no responses there either.

Steve

 

I know that no one cares because this thread hasn't generated any interest but I'm going to clarify for myself. So Alpin actually takes the time to post REAL numbers. There was a company formed called the CEA (consumer electronics association...I think) and what they are doing is testing amps and measuring their output using a standardized test. Alpine along with a few other companies now can say they are CEA-2006 certified which basically means that their amps have been certified by the CEA and proven that the output wattage claimed is in fact true. CEA THD is set standard at 1% and S/N Ratios tend to be lower than advertised numbers because well they are REAL!! Alpine actually takes the time to show their results of their test with the CEA and the V Power MRP-F600 has an actual S/N ratio of 80db. For comparison the Polk PA500.4 that I mentioned has a CEA S/N Ratio of 81 db and I've read nothing but good reviews about that amp so I think anything in the 80s is a good quality clean amp. Unfortunately not all companies are getting CEA certified such as Soundstream. They continue to claim >105db S/N ratio and that's just not a real test number. Its nice to see though that there is someone out there trying to bring some standards to this industry and actually make companies back up their claims. Looks like I'm gonna go with an amp that is CEA certified. At least I know for sure what I am getting. I doubt anyone cares but I just wanted to clarify my last post and correct my mistakes that I mentioned. Thanks again Bruce Graham for the suggestion. The Alpine V Power is definitely on my list.

Steve

600th post too!! WOO HOO

 

Good news Vernon, lets see some pics when you get your new toys, mine are set to arrive some time next week, Pioneer DEH-P710BT and Alpine PDX 4.100 I can't wait.

 

The Alpine V series are well regarded amps, good clean power. Not the smallest foot print though.

The Alpine PDX are great size wise, but can be a little "electronic" sounding, if that makes sense. I auditioned both these powering some Dynaudio comps., and preferred the V over the PDX personally.

You also owe it to yourself to look at the ARC Audio KS 300.4. It's conservatively rated 90x4, and has distortion of .02

And post pics

 

hey guys I decided on a Kicker ZX650.4 which is 120x4 RMS. CEA certified at 91 dba s/n ratio. Its a little on the big side but a nice clean sounding amp and I got it at a great price and an extra year of warranty coverage because I bought a Kicker amp install kit as well. Install is underway as we speak. Gutted the entre car, and ran all new speaker wire to all four doors, rca's, xm cables, remote bass boost cable for sub, and new 4 gauge power cable. I have to finish it up this weekend as I got to get back to work but I'm definitely gonna take some pictures of the car gutted with all the new wire ran.

Thanks Bruce and Desert for the suggestions. I really like the V Power's and was going to buy the MRPF600 but they were out of stock and the sales guy turned me onto the kicker. It was an extra 30 or 40 dollars but certainly well worth it.

Anybody got any suggestions for mounting my two amps and distribution blocks?? I'm not looking to construct a fancy amp rack, just something to attach everything to and keep it kind of clean looking. Right now I have a single 10" MTX in a truck box pushed up against the back seat with ALOT of trunk space to use and not sure how to install the amps and make it not look like a hack job, since i spent so much time running all the wires to keep it looking nice and clean. Hope someones got some suggestions. Maybe when I take the pics I'll post a pic of the trunk with all the gear in it to give you a better idea of what I'm working with.

Thanks,
Steve

 

I am not super familiar with the 95 Avalon, but I'll give my spin. Do you have the buckets, or bench seat up front? If you have the bench, length wise under seat may work, considering the Kicker is roughly 20x10x2.5in. This might involve running additional wire though, and I am a fan of trying to keep amps near subs, if applicable.

Also, check the specs on the amps, see if you can invert them. If so, under the rear parcel shelf in the trunk might also be a good alternative. The Avalon's trunk is spacious, so you do have a lot of options compared to our MINI's. MDF False floor board or side quarter panel will work.

Even though the Avalon should be well insulated, I am a big proponent of Sound Dampening. Be liberal with some good quality sound dampeners in the speaker cavities and doors.

Hope this helps, and whatever you do, post some pics!

DMC