Musicfirst

OK, hopefully a topic for some good discussion..

Current system Kenwood KCD-X994 HU and a pair of Focal 165 KRX2s mounted on the dash and in the factory door locations in my 2010 Matrix.

1) SQ is the most important thing.

and

2) SQ is the most important thing.


Considering a used ARC 2150SE or 4100SE amp as my next step.

Will the 2150SE sound better in this setup than the 4100SE either bridged or actively crossed?

Most likely will stop after the amp....

HOWEVER May one day add a good sub or pair of subs. So driving the mains and the subs with the same amp is attractive, but again this consideration is secondary.

Thoughts on these or other amps?

Thanks

Kerry

BigRedGuy

iTrader: (11)

4100 active wins hands down for now.....

It has more options for later, but I'd bet you'll just get another amp for the sub(s) if and when.....you'll be spoiled by your front stage and won't want to give any of it up.....

My $0.02 worth....

dpsphoto

how is the sound quality of the Arc Audio 4150 CXLR compared to the SE series?

avidedtr

iTrader: (11)

I've own'd both and found the 4100 and 2150 are sonically the same. Bridging the 4100 will cut the dampening factor in half from 1200 to 600. My suggestion spend the extra on the 2300 and run it in stereo. The but if you want to run a sub off the amp too then go with the 4200.
*110x4 - 110x2+400@(4/2ohms)*

Another option is to go for two 2300s one for the fronts one for the sub.

I highly suggest upgrading you batt at the engine and a buying a second close to the amps. I'm running 3 kinetik 1400s -they are just enough but I would like to have more but can't fit more

I also found that Zapco and Arc sound very similar. I'm now running Zapco DC reference until Arc releases a processor then I'll be moving back to SEs. Temporarily I'm too using a Kenwood Excellon Radio but the x794(same deck w/o bluetooth)

What install methods have you applied to your Focal speakers?

avidedtr

iTrader: (11)

^^^

4100 will do fine but if you want to drive the **** out of the midbass driver you will need 300rms+ min.

At 215rms it drove my Hybrid Audio L8v1's just fine but without the headroom it wasn't the happiest

Musicfirst

Hi J

Glad you dropped by! You might remember that you are the one who originally turned me onto the ARC stuff! I haven't applied any methods to my front speake rplacement other than dynamat and focal pads behind the mids.

I am certain that the current mid placement in the OEM speaker loacations right at the lowest front point of the door and behind those silly little drilled 1/16" perforations that passes as a speaker grill are less than optimum, but I don't know where to go from here.

I'd really like to touch base with you.
I tried to PM you but its turned off.
Can you PM me when you get a chance?

Thanks

Kerry

fozzz

iTrader: (1)

Between the two, I would take the 4100se amps.

Im using arc In my car right now and they do the job nicely.

avidedtr

iTrader: (11)

Why the 4100 John?? Don't u run the 4200s?

Junkinthetrunk

iTrader: (2)

Instead of the SE 4100 or the SE 4200 or ANY Arc Audio/Zapco stuff, I prefer running something like a TRU Tech C7.4t. Much better. There's always something bigger and better to spend your money on !!

Musicfirst

Tom

Since I'm buying one of YOUR ARCs, I don't think it's in your best interest to turn me onto something else!!

AS for the TRU Tech C7.4t, it will have to wait* at least until I pay for my new Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-655SE amp or the big rig at home (the object of my one and only first true insanity).

*Who knows, maybe that will be just in time for YOUR next car amp upgrade?

Kerry