Now here is the real question. In all the other threads, everyone always talks about which set of components they like the best, or best woofer, best place to install, locations, processors, etc.

In my opinion, I think the amplifier has a great deal to do with the quality of sound. You can have the best components in the world, but if you have a bad amp, the components will show it.

Now which amp should be reigned supreme, as to the purity and clarity of sound it is capable of producing?

Call Richard Clark, he's at www.carsound.com

But seriously though, so many factors go into a decision like this one...
Question #1. How much money do you have son?

After you sort out the financials take a look at what you'd like to see the amp accomplish, and then zero in on a few good choices. In all reality, there are many great amps out there today for a very reasonable price.

You start to get into the pricier stuff when the amp still behaves with good manners even when driven hard, but most amps should do fine as long as you buy an amp with about 25% or more power than you really need and then always keep the amp operating in it's comfort zone... another words if an amp can put out the volume you like without stressing you could choose just about any reputable amp today and do well.

Now if you want to have the Crema de la Crem how about a Tru C7 or the awesome Audison Thesis www.audison.com

[ May 28, 2005, 12:13 AM: Message edited by: islandphile ]

I'm an amplifier guy, but you ask a question that is virtually impossible to answer.

I don't know if you are just looking for a discussion thread on amps, or are serious about buying a new amp. But either way, I think you have to identify a bit more clearly what you are after. (As Islandphile has already addressed)

There are lots of really well made amplifiers out there.

Adam

Actually the amps I had narrowed it down to were, Audison, McIntosh, and Butler tube.

wow, you're ignoring Tru technology? and DLS? how about ARC? if you're going to go with a tybe hybrid amp, audition the TRU C7.4-T and listen to the DLS A3 and A7, I'm running an A7 in my car right now, and it's amazing, already sold a customer on DLS amps within 2 minutes of it being hooked up. (literally, he was waiting to hear it)

kicker xs sereies, alpne mrvf900, avi abh1002 and now abh1004, can all be added to that list

Ok, now we are getting somewhere kinslayr.

I currently own a pair of Audison VRx amps and I've listened to the top level Macs.

I'll be upgrading the Audison VRx amps to TRU Technology Copper series or DLS Utimate series amps.

The Butler tube is a good product, but you said you were looking for the best...so for that I'm going to recomend the TRU Technology C-7AT. Also very well respected as an ultimate tube amp is the Milbert BAM 230.

Adam

They guy has settled on 3 choices. There is nothing wrong with his three choices. In fact they are excellent choices. I understand that others feel there are comparable choices but he has settled on these three.

My opinion on your three is that you pay too much for the name with Mac, the Butlers are nice but not everyone digs the tube sound, and that he Audison would probably be the best bet in terms of performance for dollar for size.

All 3 are quality, solid amps. You won't be disappointed with either. It's 'my' opinion that a solid-state, transistor amp shouldn't sound different than another. A tube, yes. If you are able to audition the amps, that's best. If you can do side-by-side comparisons with the rest of the system being equal (like say on a demo board), that's even better. But if you can't, I suggest basing your decision on your budget, features and power you can get to fit that budget and what you would like to see sitting in your car.

I don't believe Butler Tube or Mac offer different levels of their amps to fit different budgets but Audison doex.

Decisions decisions decisions.....hmm well...I will look into every model listed above, there was a couple I hadn't seen before so I will continue my search for purity. Hopefull soon I can decide on one and let you know the results.