Replacement amp suggestions for base car?

Nagare · May 1, 2018

Hi all, my old trusty amp that I've moved across multiple cars has lost a channel and rather than bother repairing it (trust me, it's old...Sony XM-504X), I'm looking at upgrading the amp.

From what I've found, the old one had:

Rated outputs (supply voltage at 14.4 V)Four speakers:
50 watts per channel (20 Hz - 20 kHz,
0.04 % THD, at 4 ohms)
65 watts per channel (20 Hz - 20 kHz,
0.1 % THD, at 2 ohms)
Two speakers:
130 watts (monaural) (20 Hz - 20 kHz,
0.1 % THD, at 4 ohms)

When I had everything installed initially my mom had them throw in some Kicker tweeters/components (CSS65). I know there's better, but I'll get that in my next car. These are rated for 100W of continuous power.

Any recommendations for 4-channel amps in the less than $250 range? Obviously the shop continues to recommend Kicker to go with it, the CX300.4 on the low end or the KXA400.4 for medium.

Thanks

mumbles · May 3, 2018

Kind of surprised no one has responded to this...

This amp gets pretty good reviews, little more power and a little less money;
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130GMD8604/Pioneer-GM-D8604.html?tp=35782

They don't make these any longer, but you can still find them available occasionally in the classifieds at DIYMA.com or on ebay;
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_29471_JBL-MS-A1004.html

Nagare · May 3, 2018

Equally surprised, I know we have some guys with huge audio builds and lots of car AV experience in here.

I'll see if the shop guys can get it at their reseller price for me. I think I'm between the Kicker one they initially recommended, Rockford Fosgate Punch P400X4, and this Pioneer unit. Kicker and Pioneer they might already have, I don't think I've seen them stock RF before.

Out of those, do you think the Pioneer one is the best? It seems like it lines up the best to the speakers with the 100x4 at 4ohms but I don't know if I'm supposed to be looking at the 2ohm or 4ohm (although either way the Pioneer seems to be more power and I'd rather have more available than not have enough).

DANA44 · May 3, 2018

I just did a base upgrade pioneer equipment
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102295

mumbles · May 4, 2018

Nagare said:
Equally surprised, I know we have some guys with huge audio builds and lots of car AV experience in here.

I'll see if the shop guys can get it at their reseller price for me. I think I'm between the Kicker one they initially recommended, Rockford Fosgate Punch P400X4, and this Pioneer unit. Kicker and Pioneer they might already have, I don't think I've seen them stock RF before.

Out of those, do you think the Pioneer one is the best? It seems like it lines up the best to the speakers with the 100x4 at 4ohms but I don't know if I'm supposed to be looking at the 2ohm or 4ohm (although either way the Pioneer seems to be more power and I'd rather have more available than not have enough).

I can't say its the best, but it lines up pretty well with your requirements and gets good reviews on both Crutchfield and Amazon.

Rocketboy · May 6, 2018

I would suggest PowerBass. Just upgraded the Speakers to the Powerbass OEM direct fit replacements.

Fox-4 · May 13, 2018

Rocketboy said:
I would suggest PowerBass. Just upgraded the Speakers to the Powerbass OEM direct fit replacements.

This is the first I've heard about this brand. How do you like them?

Rocketboy · May 14, 2018

I am very happy with them. The easiest replacement yet. Also the price was way below the other for the same build of materials and sound quality.
Now my next mission is to find a amplified sub to fit under the passenger seat. Or maybe some sound exciters.Just for a little extra kick. Just dont want a big sub taking up space or rolling around in the trunk.

Fox-4 · May 16, 2018

Rocketboy said:
I am very happy with them. The easiest replacement yet. Also the price was way below the other for the same build of materials and sound quality.
Now my next mission is to find a amplified sub to fit under the passenger seat. Or maybe some sound exciters.Just for a little extra kick. Just dont want a big sub taking up space or rolling around in the trunk.

That's good to know, it's been kinda hard to find reviews on that brands speakers. I don't mind a small sub in the trunk as long as it's not bulky and taking up a lot of space.

Niz55 · May 17, 2018

Amazon has Rockford fosgate Punch P600X4 for $297 new and $250 used.

Niz55 · May 18, 2018

mumbles said:
Kind of surprised no one has responded to this...

This amp gets pretty good reviews, little more power and a little less money;
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130GMD8604/Pioneer-GM-D8604.html?tp=35782

They don't make these any longer, but you can still find them available occasionally in the classifieds at DIYMA.com or on ebay;
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_29471_JBL-MS-A1004.html

I had that pioneer on my previous car and it was very good and ran super cool.

mumbles · May 18, 2018

Niz55 said:
I had that pioneer on my previous car and it was very good and ran super cool.

Yeah, I've never used one, but it's mentioned in a positive way over at DIYMA.com frequently...

Shouldhavegotthegt · May 18, 2018

I’ve got Rockford amps in both my cars. No complaints. I also live in AZ so we get ridiculously hot in the summer and the amps never overheat or shutdown.

kh1818 · May 23, 2018

Rocketboy said:
I would suggest PowerBass. Just upgraded the Speakers to the Powerbass OEM direct fit replacements.

Would you mind linking me to the set you purchased? This brand looks interesting - thank you for mentioning

Replacement amp suggestions for base car?

Nagare

Well-Known Member

mumbles

Well-Known Member

Nagare

Well-Known Member

DANA44

Well-Known Member

mumbles

Well-Known Member

Rocketboy

Well-Known Member

Fox-4

Just Lurking!

Rocketboy

Well-Known Member

Fox-4

Just Lurking!

Niz55

Well-Known Member

Niz55

Well-Known Member

mumbles

Well-Known Member

Shouldhavegotthegt

Well-Known Member

kh1818

Well-Known Member