I'm currently looking at getting the following speakers from members of this board

Eclipse SC8365 6.5" 3 way (100w RMS, 300w Max)
Eclipse SC8254 5.25" 2 way (75w RMS, 220w max)
Dayton HF 10" sub (350w RMS)

I have a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and i was looking to remove the radio and install an android or win8 tablet into the dashboard. I was thinking of plugging the tablet directly into the amp, or maybe have an equalizer like the eclipse 21010 or the audio control three.2, but i'm not sure if having an equalizer between the tablet & amp is necessary or would provide much of a benefit. There is also the option of using JVC KD-X80BT as a media receiver/hu in combination with the tablet. Also i'm still debating on which amps i should use for this setup. Currently looking into a Eclipse XA1000 for the sub and a eclipse pa5422 for the 4 speakers. Would these amps maximize the potential quality out of the speakers?? The music i listen to is mainly rock or metal with rap/dubstep about 40% of the time.

I'm new to car audio stuff and i'm not exactly sure how to tune crossovers and stuff. My main goal for this build isn't sound volume, its sound clarity. Let me know if i'm making good choices with that goal in mind.

 

also, whats the deal with all this debate between class A & class D amps?? I don't understand how it makes a damn difference if TBH is below 1%.

 

well first of all, you dont need to match the brands up of the speakers and amps. I would recommend a good 5 or 6 channel amp to simplify the install (and keep the weight down).

If you want new, I would look at the JL amps. they have good power and great quality sound.

If you want old school, i would suggest either the PPI AX606, or Phoenix Gold reactor or any of their multi-channel special edition amps.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Precision-Power-PPI-Art-RARE-AX606-2-Monster-Amp-/161048400300?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item257f3b91ac
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Phoenix-gold-reactor-old-school-BRAND-NEW-never-used-case-included-jl-us-ppi-/261230421876?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item3cd28be774

the argument over class A/B vs class D all depends on when you got into car audio. I am biased toward class A/B.

Class A/B
pros: cleaner sound, more natural sounding
cons: Larger, less power, less efficient (more heat and more current)

Class D
pros: smaller footprint, more efficient (less heat, current), more powerful
cons: less natural sound, lower sound quality

 

Thanks for that. If i'm looking for a bang for my buck, which brand/line should i choose? I understand JL audio's prices can be a bit inflated for the quality you receive.

 

JL is a little expensive but you get what you pay for. I'm running 2 JL HD Amps and they're amazing. Lots of power for the size and they're very efficient. The sq is amazing aswell.

 

unfortunately, IMO bang for the buck doesnt mean inexpensive these days. It used to be that there were good middle of the line amps made in the US like MTX, PPI, RF... but these days, their middle and lower end stuff is made in china...crap IMO.

There is quality stuff made in China, but its not inexpensive either.

I am looking through woofersetc.com and i see a few that you might want to research a bit (these are 5 or 6 channel amps)
HiFonics BRX500.5 $309.99 (this brand was good, dont know about anymore)
Image Dynamics i5800 $359.99 (they make good speakers, amps should be decent)
JL XD600/6 $469.99 (not familiar with this line but I really liked their slash series)
Rockford Fosgate p1000x5d $444.99 (not a fan of the brand overall, but this one looks decent)

overall I like the JL out of that list. the rest im sure are good, but all should be very similar. feedback from others might be beneficial.

 

Outside of THD at rated rms power, what are some other obvious things that differentiate amps in terms of quality?

 

signal to noise ratio. but mainly those numbers mean little...it would be nice to listen to them.

 

Here's what i'm using, Precision Power PPI P900.4 (p9004) 4-Channel Phantom Car Amplifier
Here is a review: PASMAG | PERFORMANCE AUTO AND SOUND - Precision Power P900.4 Amplifier