Lastmboy

I'm really interested in getting a new Kenwood 4-channel amp and speakers to replace the factory Bose units in my 1997 Maxima. Their KFC-X1710P components are supposed to be Kenwood's best. I like the KAC-X4R for the quality, but I'm wondering if it will kill those poor little speakers. The speakers are only rated at 55 watts RMS, and that amp puts out 1200 watts max (150 RMS per channel). Kenwood doesn't seem to make any higher power handling speaker (in a 6.5 inch). As they are 2 ohm speakers, they will be taking all the power the amp can provide (i.e. more than 4 ohm). Do you think this combination works, or should I downgrade the amp to the KAC-X40? What speakers would they be intending for you to use with the big amp? The other weird thing is that the KAC-X4R is a class D digital amp... and I always thought class D's were made for subs. However, this one is supposed to work with full range speakers, as well. Any insight would be much appreciated.

AAAAAAA

iTrader: (7)

Full range class D amplifiers are the new in thing. Most brands have them now, the advantage often bieeng that the amp will be much smaller. Not so much the case with kenwood however.

Power wise, more power is good since the rms on speakers is only a thermal rating, they can take more as long as you are carefull to not turn it up to high and cross them over at or around 80hz. I would do it, the kenwood amp you speak of is pretty advanced, it has built in PEQ and TA.

veeman

iTrader: (3)

That amp is a full range class d, similar to the Alpine pdx, pioneer prs, and eclipse...they all use "ice" technology. Anyway, everyone seems to think they're excellent sounding as do I, having listened to all the new models from the companies I mentioned. The only drawback seems to be price, as they are smaller, more efficient, and sound as good as traditional class a/b amps. You can look for a component set that can handle 100 watts rms at 4ohms from any good brand name company. There are literally hundreds of models. However, I recently upgraded my front comps to JBL c608gti...they sound great, tons of midbass...almost sub bass, and the best tweeter I've heard, especially at high volumes. I actually power them with 200 watts to each midbass driver, and 70 watts to each tweeter. That's nearly double the rms rating, but the comps are rated for a peak of 600 watts, and 150 rms. Now I know I won't be jamming 270 watts through each side for too long, as I'd be very deaf, very quickly, but I like a lot of headroom, and I can honestly say that the midbass is as strong as I've heard in a component 6.5" to date. My point is that you can "over power" your speakers, as long as you understand how to use them. Make sure the gains are set low on the amp, and understand that the extra power is there for control and headroom (for peaks in the music...dynamics), and not for cranking the hell out of the speakers.

Lastmboy

Thanks, guys. Very useful info.