Adding an amp, need suggestions.

[bajanaccord]

I was looking to add a 5 channel amp to my car soon, and was weighing my options. I probably dont want to spend more than $500 for the amp. The car is a 2011 accord EXL, and will be adding new speakers all around, maybe JL Audio C2s. I saw the specs on the PPI P900.5, but could not find one online for sale. Is this amp like its name a phantom. If it i can someone suggest an suitable amp?

[mrmondaynight]

with 500, you can go with 2 amps.

Would be better that way. You'll get much more power and won't be stressing 1 amp to run everything.

[BiminiRoad]

Bajan,

Sonic Electronix has that amp (link).

mrmondaynight & Tedmond are very knowledgeable in the higher end audio segment than I. That said, if you say how you intend to use the other channels of amplification that will help folks to offer advice. Are you planning to put a high-end component speaker set up front, and will you run those active or passive? Are you going for SPL or SQ?

I would caution you that you are going to spend more money and use up more space to wire up multiple amps than a single amp. That may allow you to afford nicer drivers.

[Slammer1]

Really need more info on your planned setup in order to give solid advice. A five channel is good for an install with limited space, but I prefer separate amps (running three currently). The price of the PPI mentioned above is pretty hard to pass up, and I know a few others here have shared some love for the 4 channel in the same series. As for 5 channel amps I'm familiar with.... JL 500/5 solid amp but only 2ohm stable on the sub stage and the rear channel is low power as it is intended for fill only. Memphis 16-MC5.700 and 16-MC4.1400. Biggest difference is the power to your sub stage (500rms or 1,000rms). I ran an Infinity Reference series 5 channel years and years ago and was delighted with how clean the doors were, but the sub power was weak.

Let us know what you plan to do for your woofer. The power to the doors is pretty much comparable for most 5 channel amps but the woofer and the impedence you are going to run it at will likely be the deciding factors.

[Tedmond]

the only 5 channels i have used and actually deliver are

audison lrx 5.1k
hertz HDP5
JL audio HD900/5
audison voce 5.1k

however those dont fall into the 500 dollar range. slammer has a point, we need to know more about the setup you are doing. for 500 i would also suggest stepping into a dual amp setup. 4ch for mids and mono or 2channel for sub.

[bajanaccord]

mrmondaynight I looked at going with two amps as that would give me the most flexiblilty, but would rather have a single amp if i am not giving up too much.

Bimini, i have seen the listings at Sonic ad such but the amp is never in stock, just didt know if is just really backordered.

I am looking at having a component set in the stock location in the front doors (JL Audio C5's) and coaxials (JL Audio C2's) in the rear deck, all 4 ohms, all running passive. For a sub i am looking at a 10" in a small sealed box, could be 2 ohm, and removing the stock 8" from the rear deck.

Tedmond, I looked at the JL XD and HD amps, and the XD700/5 is in my $500 budget, just not sure of the quality. The HD I may be able to do since with the JL I would not have to use a LOC.

[mrmondaynight]

What exactly are you looking for in a setup?

If you want to run high priced JL equipment, why use a LOC? Better off investing in a processor.

[Tedmond]

i honestly don't think the XD700/5 makes enough power as an all in one amp. Most people will be happy with 40watts per channel, but you want the most power you can on your drivers. 75w is great for mids/highs applications however 300 on the bass is kind of lacking in my opinion.

On that note, i never liked how the JL C5 sounded. For that amount of money there are WAY better speakers to purchase. Then again, this is your vehicle and your ears that will be hearing them. Why not go to a local shop and have a listen and see what your ears fancy.

If you're all about the JL equipment id suggest the jlw3 woofer, jl c3 up front, jl c2 rear fill (not needed but seems like you'd like them), and 2 amps.
Often times the biggest mistake is purchasing an amp, then purchasing speakers. Its actually best to purchase speakers then power them accordingly.

[bajanaccord]

Mrmondaynight, I am trying to get better quality sound in my car. I have a long commute to and from work and the sound in there is just getting to me. As you said 'why not add a processor', that I may do, i have been looking at the Alpine and RF processors, and if I have to wait a little while to get one I will. Adding a processor might in the mix may be the best way for me to go. Just need a more pure sound in the car.

[bajanaccord]

Tedmond, i should be going to a few of the shops in my area this weekend to audition speakers. i am taking a sample of the music i listen to and will take a listen to the JL C3s and C5s, as well as others. Any others that may fit the bill? I listed to mainly R&B, some pop, instremental and very little rap.

[jrvtecaccord]

Buy the JL HD900/5, as noted it's more than your budget new, but not too much, or you can search classifieds for a used one. You should easily be able to install it under your rear deck, the size are really space savers! It doesn't sound like you will need much power according your responses, yeah it's always good have more headroom, but it doesn't seem you will benefit much in YOUR proposed goals. The HD 900/5 is very capable for a standard implementation, IMO I would suggest a ported enclosure for your sub rather than sealed as they are usually more efficient, although there are subs that are efficient when used as sealed.

A processor is a great piece of equipment, although a decent one will cost around the budget for your amp or more. IMO it doesn't sound like you need the added tweaking of the processor. From my understanding the HU from the accord is pretty flat, therefore the SQ should be decent as longest your media is good quality.

To achieve your desired goals, do NOT skimp out on the install! Also a properly tuned box for your sub.

Forgot to mention, you do not have to purchase all equipment at once. I understand you have a budget, I would buy the amp and at least the front speakers first the rest when your budget allows. Oh yeah, I have used the JL C5s in my 7th gen accord with great results.

[MacLeod]

Nothing wrong with using a 5 channel. Its so much nicer to install just one amp instead of having to deal with distro blocks and all that crap. For my system in my Accord which I compete in MECA SQ, I went with this this Rockford Fosgate 5 channel that I got off Crutchfield for $525. It was regularly $700 but they don't make em anymore so theyre clearing them out which is why theyre getting cheaper and cheaper. This thing has PLENTY of power for a system and mounts just fine on the back of the rear seat.

[Tedmond]

nice amp

[Slammer1]

If I were to run a five channel, it would be an Audison LRX5.1. I've heard one but never owned one. Ridiculously clean and lots of power for the sub stage. Too rich for my budget but still a nice amp. My friend is a dealer and offered his display model at cost but I still couldn't pull the trigger.

As for the JL speakers, I've never used them but have heard nothing but bad things about them. Their woofers are great but not sure if you should be looking at the JLs for your doors. Let your ears be the judge. Everyone's taste is different.

[mrmondaynight]

The c5's and zr's are pretty good

At the price of the zr's, you might as well get dynaudio, imo.

I stick to DIY pro audio drivers now since conventional car audio drivers don't meet my demands..but if i had no choice, i'd go with dyn.

My girlfriend just got a 2011 acura TL and i'll be experimenting with the Dynaudio 182, 430, and 110's for the front end.