Njansenv

Good evening, all of you. I'm planning a basic, decent system for my DD: a 2001 Golf. The plan is decent comps in the front, with a single 10 or 12" sub.

I'm trying to choose between:
a) 500.4ti PG amp (old school classic), 75w each to the fronts and bridge the rear channels to the sub. Future upgrade to another amp would allow a full active setup using the PG amp.

b) MB Quart ONYX 5-channel amp. 60w RMS/driver, active to the front OR bridge the 4 channels to get 220W RMS per passive comp set. The sub channel is rated for 500w RMS.

The prices between the two aren't "that" different, with some search. On paper, the MB quart provides a fair bit more power....

Thoughts? I remember when the PG ti stuff was "it"...and couldn't afford it then. Is the new stuff a better option?

Thanks!

Nathan

Hardwrkr

iTrader: (5)

Out of the two I'd choose the ONYX. It's a well built amp and is going to offer you a lot more power (headroom).
Oldschool PG amps had issues with the caps leaking after awhile so if they haven't been replaced on that amp yet they might be due (more expense).
Lots of good 5ch's (and 4ch) available lightly used on the forums (ebay) right now.

Njansenv

Thanks! Another amp option I've been looking at is the MB dsc4125 - it almost seems too good to be true, if the specs are to be believed.
Any tips on a good 10" sub and comps? Not into SPL, widely varied music tastes..but I love solid midbass, and listen to classic rock "on average".

Thanks again!
Nathan

Hardwrkr

iTrader: (5)

I'd stick to the ONYX over the DSC's. Not bad amps but the ONYX is better built.

If you want strong midbass and it sounds like you're on a bit of a budget so a couple to check out that can be found at a good price online, sound great, and have excellent midbass would be the Boston Acoustics Pro and the JBL GTi's. Lots of great choices out there.

As for a 10, are you going ported or sealed, need to decide on power and at what imp., mounting depth, price, etc.

Allan74

iTrader: (-1)

I personally would NEVER buy another 'regular' 5-channel amplifier again (4 matched channels, mono sub channel), as they are a complete dead-end and will cause you more upgrade headaches than they are worth.

In saying that, I am currently basing my entire new system around an Audison LRx5.1k 5-channel (combined with an LRx2.9)...lol...and it is the ONLY 5 channel on the planet that actually had someone with a brain behind the design of it. 60w x 2 Class-A biased channels, 170w x 2 Class-A/B channels and an 1100w+ RMS @ 2ohms (750w @ 4ohms) mono subwoofer channel........

Let's face it, who in hell wants to run 100w RMS to each of their tweeters, when 40w is enough in most cases (active) to make your ears bleed......?

If I were shopping with a smaller budget though, I would buy a decent Class A/B 4 channel and call it a day. Something that does in the neighbourhood of 100w x 4/400w x 2 RMS @ 4ohms.......or a pair of amps if space is not a big issue.

silverado

From personal experience I would say go for 2 seperate amps as well. I currently have a 5 channel and upgrading blows.

My .02