JTOC

Looking at a Focal V1 with a JL Audio TMA Amp
comparing to an Icon SSA 10 w/exile amp
and to an Eclipse SW8000 10 with a bassworx 150.2 amp bridged...

Im looking for good output, sound quality and clarity, and not too power hungry...

Im being taught about things like sensitivity levels at 83db/1W vs the focal at 93db/1w and how you can drive them harder with less power etc....

Im running it off an 8gauge so im not going to be pushing 1000wrms here..

Soren/DLS/Morel?

Vgates

iTrader: (3)

The TMA-500 is a awesome little amp, have 3 of them in the states, You'll LOVE it.. Actually plays out better than the 500/1 in my opinion. Though i suggest a cap 1Farad would be nice. Enjoy!

Jaloosk

iTrader: (1)

A cap is a waste of money. Don't bother. If you're having power issues after installing your new gear, upgrade your big-3.

I just bought an SSA Icon 10", and am powering it with a PG amp. I'm still building the box for it, but it's got fantastic reviews all over the place. It's pretty cost-effective too, which is always a bonus. You could power that with a JL amp; it would be a good combo.

Vgates

iTrader: (3)

Jaloosk is right, the Big-3 is a good idea( also check the amperage on the alt if your going that way), the cap is offered due to his 8GA power wire requirement and most probably budget considerations. Caps are not a waste of money in a SMALL system, they are like "mini batteries/bandaids" to smooth over small dimming issues and cheaper than the big3+4Ga throughout( $70 wire, crimps,grommets+ labor $??). If he doesn't wanna change the wiring, the cap will "help". If he wanted to change over wires, he could do the Big-3 and upgrade to 4Ga throughout, and possibly a alternator if the stocker is a 65Amper and can't cope. Not stepping on your toes Jaloosk just depends on his reality, budget, and future requirements.

Sinemeup

I would buy a deepcycle battery, which is nearly the cost of a capacitor with blinky lights and fuzzy dice... and I'll see 7+ years out of that

malcolmi

Just upgrade the wiring, do the big 3. If it still gives issue use a cap or battery depending on space, wieight.

Jaloosk

iTrader: (1)

When I did my big-3, I didn't REPLACE the wiring, I ADDED it. All my stock wiring is still there between the battery and ground point, alternator and battery, and ground point and engine. I installed it myself in about 20 minutes (not including the time it took to make the kit), and the kit itself cost me $90, custom made by a shop in Ohio.

If OP is too intimidated to do the Big-3, then the next best option would be a deepcycle. Caps are too often used as a bandaid to mask a bigger underlying problem (like a poor ground or insufficient alternator connection)

JTOC

well, i picked up a pair of eclipse 8210 700wrms subs and a 1200w eclipse amp, im having a shop rewire to 4gauge, and i installed my P800PRS head unit. theyre making a custom box to fit in the back where theres lots of room as i tore out all the trunk walls, carpeting, and laid down dynamat everywhere then sprayed in two good coats of bedliner...

should do me
i got fed up with doing it myself... i cant build boxes for SHYTE.

i shouldnt need a cap.. but i might get a HO alternator if i can ever find one for this car.

theyre sooo hard to source for MK2 VWs.. the stocker is 90amp so should do alright for now but i'd really like one thatll do 120 or 140 and have better output at idle.