In the search for a superior 3/4 channel amp that'll fit in the storage bins without loss of luggage space, I've tried a few different options.
First was a vnitage Kenwood amp I fitted in the car a few years ago. By cutting the floor in the storage tray, it was possible to recess the amp so its top was flush with the floor. It was a perfet solution. The only problem with this was that no one else could do it. The amp was several years out of production by that time.
(http://www.spydermagazine.com/files/GSBamp1.jpg)
The other option was a Blaupunkt, but that to was out of production, although it would fit under the plastic floor with no cutting at all.
I'm currently running a Genesis Profile Four, which is an astounding amplifier of very high quality, but I' havent found a space efficient way to fit it yet.
Looking through Alpines website though I found this:
(http://www.alpine-europe.com/content/cms/files/thumbs/t_pdx-4_150.jpg)(http://www.alpine-europe.com/content/cms/files/Image/thumbs/pdx_leistungsdichte_695687b8f0c13e2b69c1e0de49873110.jpg)
It measures only 260mm x 200mm, which makes it some 20mm shorter then the kenwood amp shown above, so it will be an awful lot easier to fit, and will lokk a lot neater once installed. Added to that, its an absolute monster in terms of power Its a 4/3/2 channels configurable amplifier so it's able to put out 150W rms into each of your stereo channels, PLUS another 300w rms into a subwoofer. Its a class D, so thermal issues wont be a problem.
For future reference its the Alpine PDX-4.150, just thought you'd like to know...
s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
I've got an Alpine F240 in a similar position and it fits fine as well.
The F240 is a nice little amplifier, but like the Kenwood I had in my install, its a little underpowered at only 40W per channel. Its also no longer in production. In contrast, the amp above is over 3 times the power of the F240, while remaining the same size. It also runs cooler, meaning it wont suffer the same thermal effects when you throw your weekend bag on top of it.
Basically it provides proper power, without having to sacrifice your luggage space to an amp the size of a paving slab.
It looks an excellent piece of kit, nicely styled and a good spec. Mine was a cheapy off ebay (£25) and does a decent job of boosting the standard HU. If you're going for serious ICE, this looks just the job.
any links to some sites.
the ones i have found start at £249 for the 2 channel and £449 for the 4 channel which seems a bit pricey??
I don't suppose anyone knows of any amps (with lower power outputs perhaps) that will fit under the plastics in the storage bin?
Blaupunkt TSA 460 may well go in. Its also a class D amp, so thermal issues are minimal.
Only problem is, iits no longer listed as a current product. You may be lucky to find some old stock if you phone around though.
Here's another option, quite small, quite powerful and quite a good quality. Quite expensive too.
26x16x5cm. s8) 8) s8)
m http://www.autostudio.fi/product_info.p ... ts_id=4687 (http://www.autostudio.fi/product_info.php?cPath=21_25_143&products_id=4687) m
can we mount a slim amplifier under the seats instead?
Thats the exact amp I have fitted. It's an Alpine PDX pure digital. Very very nice!
It's tiny for the power and doesn't get anywhere near as hot as other amps. They're not cheap though.
Quote from: "S2077S"can we mount a slim amplifier under the seats instead?
It would have to be very, very slim.
There's really not too much space under the seats. s:? :? s:?
the only problem with class D amps is their inability to play high tones accuratley - fine if just running subs but for mids and tweets ? Not good
Quote from: "muz"the only problem with class D amps is their inability to play high tones accuratley - fine if just running subs but for mids and tweets ? Not good
I thought they were better than the rest. s:? :? s:? Please tell more about this. s8) 8) s8)
amps class indicates the way it switches power
in general:
Class A - very inefficeint but high quality sound - great for tweeters
Class A/B - good comprimise between efficiency and sound - great for mids
CLass D very efficient however cannot produce high notes - great for subs
If you want take a look here
m http://www.talkaudio.co.uk/vbb/showthread.php?t=17913 (http://www.talkaudio.co.uk/vbb/showthread.php?t=17913) m
and here for more in depth answers
m http://www.talkaudio.co.uk/vbb/showthread.php?t=83827 (http://www.talkaudio.co.uk/vbb/showthread.php?t=83827) m
lots of info there.
As I've said previously, I have one installed and have found no issues with it. The high notes are as clear as I would want and to be honest in a normal car (let alone the 2) the acousticsc aren't great. These are only made worse by not having a roof, so the final n'th degree of clarity is a little immaterial.
I really wouldn't let this put you off. I couldn't be happier with mine.
Quote from: "muz"Class A - very inefficeint but high quality sound - great for tweeters
Class A/B - good comprimise between efficiency and sound - great for mids
CLass D very efficient however cannot produce high notes - great for subs
Ah....so D has nothing to do with being digital?
Gotta read those links later today, thanks!
Quote from: "Tem"Quote from: "S2077S"can we mount a slim amplifier under the seats instead?
It would have to be very, very slim.
There's really not too much space under the seats. s:? :? s:?
I've got an old laptop under the passenger seat - it's about the thinnest laptop I've seen and it only _just_ fits. Plenty of space at the front of the seat but the gap between the floor and the back of the seat is only a couple of cm.
You also have to watch out for the wire (for the switch that triggers the flashing "passenger" light) that drops down from the middle of the seat and gets in the way.
Here's an amp that could probably be mounted under the seat and definitely under the plastics in the storage bin:
m http://www.blaupunkt.com/ie/7607792129_main.asp (http://www.blaupunkt.com/ie/7607792129_main.asp) m
(http://www.blaupunkt.com/ie/images_produkt/7607792129_22422.JPG)
It's tiny. Roughly 6.25"x6.7"x1.6"
Class D, so not so much heat. And not too dear, either.
By the way, I think that business about Class D amps not producing high-end power was true in the past but the newer Class D amps (Alpine PDX series, for example) don't have the problem.
I managed to get the Blaupunkt GTA480 under the passenger seat without too much trouble at all. I have lost the last few inches of forward travel on the seat but so far that hasn't proved to be an issue at all. I can still access the rear locker with relative ease and none of my passengers have so far felt the need to slide the seat forward more than a couple of notches.