Well my goal here is to create a nice SQ system, not for competition though. My goal is to have a clean clean amplifier that will deliver its rated power with minimal distortion and great SQ (if you are a believer in amps changing the input sound)
Looking for an amp for my components first:

Rockford Fosgate 200a4
Rockford Fosgate 550x
Zapco AG350
Eclipse pa-4212
PPI 2150s
Alpine's V12s

...and secondly, for my sub. It will probly reach full excursion in my box at around 700 watts, but im not totally sure of Brahma10s power handling in a ported enclosure. Needs to be at 4 or 1 ohm

Rockford Fosgate 800a2
Rockford Fosgate P6002
Rockford Fosgate 750s/700s/800.2
Rockford Fosgate 550s
Alpine MRV-1507
PPI 2150s


thanks for the help. Im so darned indescisive, I've been picking my brain over these choices for quite some time now.

For extra info, im running an Alpine 7894 HU, and hope to get ahold of some Knukonceptz krystal cables for RCAs. Comps are Pioneer Rev, and hope to go DIY passive in the future with mabye some Dynaudio equip. if i can ever afford it

 

Well out of these choices I'll say:
The old RF 200a4 and 800a2 are great performers and I would choose those. I may look for a 400a4 instead of the 200 though as I like a good deal of headroom. I wouldn't go any newer than the "a" series with RF though.
The older Alpine V12's are good sounding pieces that I would recommend also.

 

i did an u-dimensios u-40xs v2 set up to 2x100@4oms an FG 500.2 to the subs but i was thinking of a FG1200.1 to the subs

 

I'd use the Fosgate to drive the subs and the Alpine V12 to drive the Comps.
Other options for amplifiers for the comps. would be :
Audison LRX , AVI AB100, PG Xenon
As for subs, look at the Focal and PG,
I feel the combination of the Alpine HU and the Pioneer comps will be a tad bright, so using the Alpine amp, or similarly warm sounding amp, will balance it out, the sub will need high current, so Class A/B is desired here for SQ, fast switching amplifiers(Class S, D, H ) may fall short of extended bottom end definition.


If SQ is what you're after, shop with your ears not your eyes.

 

^^^Great advice Eli47!!!

I haven't heard something that detailed in ages...

 

thanks very much, that is helpful!

How about the sound on the eclipse amps? I've heard they are more detail oriented and have an airy sound to them, but not sure on that. Specs look really good on them though.
Also, what about amping the front stage with Fosgate, say the p3002?
Im assuming that the main changes in the new punch amps were cosmetic-oriented and not build quality.
Would the Fosgate be warmer like the Alpine?
You are right about shopping with your ears though, just trying to get pointed in the right direction
Thanks again for the help!

 

Oops, I logged in under Grant's name, B Right back !
E.C uz here

[ January 08, 2005, 02:55 PM: Message edited by: G-MONEY ]

 

The Eclipse are very nice amplifiers and very detailed, they have a very sweet top end (which is why they're so detailed and open, airy sounding) but with the combination of your HU and speakers it may prove to be too sweet of a top end.
The Fosgate is a Current driven fast switching amplifier and would not sound warm like the Voltage driven amp by Alpine or other brands.

I'm confident that every year manufacturers improve the SQ and topology of their amplifiers in some form to justify introducing new models, or upgraded ones.

 

I am a believer that the amps play a role in the overall sound of a system but to hear a major difference I think you will have to hear them in an a/b comparison.
It's been said before but find amps that fit your budget and cosmetic needs and you will be fine. You obviously know enough not to buy low end junk.
For point of interest I would suggest the @ series rockfords simply because I like the way they look.
An "airy" or "bright" sound has more to do with tuning than equipment IMO.

[ January 08, 2005, 04:39 PM: Message edited by: Milton ]

 

Hmmm new idea
How about a u-dimension monoblock run 800watts @ 1 ohm?
Its the 8.1
any reviews/comments on u-dimension? Otherwise I'll probly go for the rockford p6002