thejr007

I'm running Kenwood DNX 9140 with Audison LRx 5.1k
Hertz ML280 ML1600 in front
Hertz Hi Energy comp in rear
Hertz energy 10" subs x2 in ported box

My amp is acting up again this time the bass seems to be gone across all channels. Over the last two weeks it has been randomly cutting in and out while driving, but not when pushing it hard, volume or bass. It has been off for day's now. Just the tweeters are working and very small amount of movement comming from the mids. Last year I sent my amp away to be fixed, it went to Toronto and they couldn't do anything so it went back to manufacture in Italy and they fixed it. Before just the D channel went bad. I've never blown a fuse, though the unit can get hot to the touch.

I'm fed up and I know it was an expensive quality item, but driving around without bass I might as well shut off the truck n start walking.

I'm getting the feeling this amp wasn't enough for what I have in the first place or it wasn't hooked up properly by installers.

I want a quality sound experience, and with the fact that I dropped almost 2k on the last amp, I hope a solution is possible within a similar budget.

So you have the listed parts I currently own, I need suggestions for amp(s).

Regards, Mike.

SOULMUSIC

iTrader: (8)

SQ on a smaller budget should be easy if you spent 2k before..ouch... I can't recommend anything new cause I use O/S gear, but. Let the specs be your guide for a new amp. High S/N ratio (above 100db), good damping 400+ and the power you want at 4 ohm. Should be a good start

avidedtr

iTrader: (11)

5.1K twice going down....wow...how about switching to a single 4 ch and a single monoblock. Arc Audio make great products SE amp are their SQ highend line. The KS amps are great too.

JohnVroom

I am sorry but that isn't helpful as specs especially (the ones you quote) dont really speak to the the SQ or to the reliability of an amp (they do speak to implied quality and implied SQ but crummy amps have good specs as well). I would agree that if I am going to focus on a spec, to focus on the power power into 4 ohm. Too many amp manufactured build in order to test well and have great numbers but overall crappy build quality (failure in 3 years or so).

JohnVroom

for long term build quality, you have to go by reputation/ personal experience. there will always be the random/ unique failure but then there will be trends and that is what you are looking for in build quality.

SQ on the other hand is in the ear of the beholder

thejr007

If someone could enlighten me on some fundamental knowledge that would be much appreciated, especially when it comes to amps. Obviously there's a reason for professionals and I just don't seem to have all the logic down...

Questions
1. active vs passive crossover ( +/- ? ) ( when to do it / when not to )
2. Hertz ml 280 says 180 watts yet 55 will get the job done, how does this add up?

If I went with arc amps:
1. what's the difference between se2150, se4100 and se4200 besides the wattage ( and what is needed for ml 280's and ml 1600's ) side note how would the ks 300.4 do?
I'm getting the feeling the se2150 will blow away 4100/4200 but is that needed. All these amps which is the right one?
How many would I need to run both sets of components? ( hertz high energy comp's in rear )
2. does this amp need the tweeters or mids active or passive * or just the tweets or just the mids or both active or both passive
3. trying to understand 4 channel class a/b vs new 4 channel d, I'm guessing new tech is delivering cleaner sound over this efficient power class but at what cost of quality? Does the 4 channel D come even close in quality?

Overall I don't want to make another uninformed decision, and quality sound is a high priority.

Thanks for all the help in advance guys.

Dukk

I would take a look at the JL XD600/6 75x6 and XD600/1 600x1 amps.

Crazy small footprint, big performance, and decent pricing.

thejr007

How about dual arc ks300.2 for the components and JL HD1200/1 for subs? Overkill?

SOULMUSIC

iTrader: (8)

Not helpful JV?? meh, good start I thought.

avidedtr

iTrader: (11)

thats a good start...y not stick with one brand...better overall look IMHO
too much power is never over kill....just enough kill!!!!
J