eaks77

Hey everyone,

I hope this hasnt been a question that's been asked repeatively in the past.

The general question...what is the best amp... now i'm not exactly looking for that answer because I believe I have several makes narrowed down after alot of research and thread reading. What i'd like to know are the specifics between each high end amp. I understand that components can make a great amp, such as the class,tube....etc

What i'm having troubles determining are the specifics. The speakers, Focal 165 VR3 Nom Power 80W and Freq Rang between 55Hz-28Khz.

I'm lookin at amps based on RMS power, their Frequency Response and class a/b, making sure they can supply the right power and frequencies to the speaker. I'm also primarily looking into 4 ch amps to bridge. My ideal amp choice was the Helix H400, but when I started looking to the specifics, it's Freq Rng was 20Hz-20Khz. Which made me think... the speakers are being held back. Now please correct me if i'm wrong cuz i'm somewhat new to this. So i started looking into the below amps:
DLS Reference RA40 4x75 RMS @ 4ohms Freq. Rng 10Hz-50Khz
Arc Audio KS 125.4 Mini 4x75 @ 4ohms Freq. Rng 10Hz-50Khz
Rainbow Audio iPaul 4.300 (clean look) 4x90 @ 4ohms Freq Rng 10Hz – 35Khz
RainBow Audio Kraftwerk RMS 4x75@4ohms Freq Rng 10Hz-50Khz

When i was browsing some McIntosh Amps, because in most cases defined as the best amps, i noticed that the Freq Range was somewhat similar to the Helix, 20Hz-20Khz +0/-0.25Db & 10-100Khz +0/-3.0db. So is it just in super mega good amps, the frequencies are within this range?

So, if i'm looking for a quality amp, is this what i should be looking at when it comes to numbers? Is there anything else on the Spec Sheets i should be lookin at? From personal experience, which amp would you prefer from above?

Thanks

JohnnyRock1588

iTrader: (22)

those are all excellent amps..
theres one all mighty flaw your over looking in this post with freq range...

i almost GUARANTEE YOU CANT HEAR ABOVE 20K
the last time i tested my hearing was cut out around 18kish

eaks77

Lol... ok see thats the info i was looking for! It all makes sense now So really the higher end amps aren't bothering with the 20+Khz... cuz theres no point? So thehn what should i really be looking at for amp specs to compare?... if anything?

JohnnyRock1588

iTrader: (22)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G60hM1W_mk

^^test your hearing

eaks77

Haha good point Johnny, just did the test i was 20hz to just below 16Khz.. damn!

JohnnyRock1588

iTrader: (22)

ha yep make sure that not your computer speakers as well not being able to get up that high. but the point is that freq range isn't a good way to match your amp wit your speakers nor evaluate a speakers "value" because over 20k really is irrelevant in most peoples circumstances. things like crossovers,efficiency, thd, and power are more appropriate ways to gauge or estimate when comming to select and amplifier thats best for you. then also things like cost, size and versatility are important for most

Denonite

iTrader: (1)

here's my amp selection criteria: 1. good brand 2. good reputation 3. features i need 4. aesthetics (looks the way I want) 5. price...i don't even look at tech specs anymore.

pionkej

I agree, nothing is really needed above 20k (and 16k for most people). The amps that "stop" at 20k can probably reproduce sounds higher than that as well, but there isn't any musical information up that high anyway to reproduce. Basically 20hz-20khz is the "human hearing bandwith" and don't worry if any speakers, amps, or head-units go higher or lower than that (Note: below 20hz can be felt but not heard)

As far as amps go, most major brands put out the power they specify. If I choosing, here is what I would go for:

JL HD & XD: for big power in a small space
Zapco DC: for good power and built in processing
McIntosh: for power without worry for size or cost (I have also read Mac amps have 1.5db dynamic power which means they will put out around 50% more power than rated for musical peaks).

Post #1. No post dumping here!