SQ improvement with ARC SE Amps
09-07-2010, 08:39 PM
#1
SQ improvement with ARC SE Amps
Hey guys.
A few weeks back I sold my JL Audio HD amps and replaced them with ARC Audio SE amps (4200 4 channel amps). I made the switch because I wanted to make my car sound more natural. My previous install used AB amps and in some ways was superior to the way my car sounded for most of this year. Technically my install with the JL amps was very good. I always score very well in IASCA. But I wanted more refinement and a less processed sound. I decided that the amplifiers were part of my problem. Most of the time I would tell people amps won't make much difference in the sound of your car. And while I still feel this is true, i will also say that if your car is up to it, you can and should hear differences between amplifiers.
In a nut shell this is how I can descried the sound of my car with the JL amps.
-Most stage images are pinpoint and easy to discern, but not holographic.
-images that are very close to each other were harder to clearly locate.
-depth was present, but not deep. Probably about a two feet at best with regard to the listening position.
- stage height is solid. Nothing drops below the dash.
-tonally, my car had been described as "clinical".
- instruments sounded like they are supposed to but lack true realism. It's hard to explain, but I seemed to have a lack of dynamics, without a lack of power. Everything just sound like recordings and not like being at the recording studio.
I switched to the ARC SE amps and all of these issues have been improved. Nothing else was changed. All the EQ setting and crossover points are the same. My car just sounds more natural and is more fun to listen to. My imaging is better with noticeably better stereo separation. Images in the stage that are close to each other are much more defined and are now easy to distinguish. My depth has improved as well.
Tonally things are on the right track again. I have better dynamics even though I have less power. Ear fatigue is pretty much gone.
I was nervous when changing the amps. It's not easy to pull amps out of the floor of your car and replace them with ones that are more than double in size. But in the end the change was worth it for me.
I still have a laundry list of I improvement that I want to make. My car is still not holographic and I still want more depth, but I'm moving in the direction. There were no HUGE improvements, but that was to be expected. I got way more than thought I would by switching amps.
So if anyone has a car that needs an SQ upgrade, this might help you.
A few weeks back I sold my JL Audio HD amps and replaced them with ARC Audio SE amps (4200 4 channel amps). I made the switch because I wanted to make my car sound more natural. My previous install used AB amps and in some ways was superior to the way my car sounded for most of this year. Technically my install with the JL amps was very good. I always score very well in IASCA. But I wanted more refinement and a less processed sound. I decided that the amplifiers were part of my problem. Most of the time I would tell people amps won't make much difference in the sound of your car. And while I still feel this is true, i will also say that if your car is up to it, you can and should hear differences between amplifiers.
In a nut shell this is how I can descried the sound of my car with the JL amps.
-Most stage images are pinpoint and easy to discern, but not holographic.
-images that are very close to each other were harder to clearly locate.
-depth was present, but not deep. Probably about a two feet at best with regard to the listening position.
- stage height is solid. Nothing drops below the dash.
-tonally, my car had been described as "clinical".
- instruments sounded like they are supposed to but lack true realism. It's hard to explain, but I seemed to have a lack of dynamics, without a lack of power. Everything just sound like recordings and not like being at the recording studio.
I switched to the ARC SE amps and all of these issues have been improved. Nothing else was changed. All the EQ setting and crossover points are the same. My car just sounds more natural and is more fun to listen to. My imaging is better with noticeably better stereo separation. Images in the stage that are close to each other are much more defined and are now easy to distinguish. My depth has improved as well.
Tonally things are on the right track again. I have better dynamics even though I have less power. Ear fatigue is pretty much gone.
I was nervous when changing the amps. It's not easy to pull amps out of the floor of your car and replace them with ones that are more than double in size. But in the end the change was worth it for me.
I still have a laundry list of I improvement that I want to make. My car is still not holographic and I still want more depth, but I'm moving in the direction. There were no HUGE improvements, but that was to be expected. I got way more than thought I would by switching amps.
So if anyone has a car that needs an SQ upgrade, this might help you.
09-07-2010, 11:41 PM
#2
I love it when I'm right. I totally agree. I was the first to hear the car as soon as the wiring was all re-configured. John's car is very very solid and it was the best I've ever heard it. For those who stil believe an amp is just an amp. Sorry....ARC AUDIO SE FTW!!!!!
John, all we need you do to is ditch that proc next!!! P01 is in my Locker calling your name for testing!!!! John, Test ME-John Test ME.
John, all we need you do to is ditch that proc next!!! P01 is in my Locker calling your name for testing!!!! John, Test ME-John Test ME.
Last edited by avidedtr; 09-08-2010 at 12:01 AM.
09-08-2010, 05:25 PM
#3
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 429
Yes the ARCS are sweet. Sweet enough that I switched from my true love AUDISON VRX to the ARC SE's. It was many sleepless nights thinking of the big switch.
Bottom line is my car is as close as I heard to a three dimensional sound stage as there is. Imaging is spot on with really good separation and height is very stable considering where my mids are. I need to fine tune some tonal issues but I have to be careful here as it affects where my sub positions itself within my soundstage. Although the VRX's were good and they had there good points the SE's simply give my car a more Natural sound.
LASTLY.....John your car is awesome and you have set the bar high. NICE MOVE!!!
Bottom line is my car is as close as I heard to a three dimensional sound stage as there is. Imaging is spot on with really good separation and height is very stable considering where my mids are. I need to fine tune some tonal issues but I have to be careful here as it affects where my sub positions itself within my soundstage. Although the VRX's were good and they had there good points the SE's simply give my car a more Natural sound.
LASTLY.....John your car is awesome and you have set the bar high. NICE MOVE!!!
09-08-2010, 08:09 PM
#7
I love it when I'm right. I totally agree. I was the first to hear the car as soon as the wiring was all re-configured. John's car is very very solid and it was the best I've ever heard it. For those who stil believe an amp is just an amp. Sorry....ARC AUDIO SE FTW!!!!!
John, all we need you do to is ditch that proc next!!! P01 is in my Locker calling your name for testing!!!! John, Test ME-John Test ME.
John, all we need you do to is ditch that proc next!!! P01 is in my Locker calling your name for testing!!!! John, Test ME-John Test ME.
09-08-2010, 09:05 PM
#8
09-22-2010, 09:29 AM
#10
The ARC SE's are really REALLY nice sounding amplifiers. I have to agree 100% with what was posted above. But unfortunately I'm putting mine up on the block for a Tru Tech C7.4t I have. So if anyone is looking for a pair of gently used SE's, mine are available (SE 4100 and SE 2150).
