So as the thread says... what things should you look for when choosing a new amp?

I have an alpine v12 4 channel and I've had a massive d100x mono to show what I'm comparing against.

I love clarity, but I'm not sure what stats I should be looking at to determine my best choice.

Thoughts?

 

I would choose the right amp for the application and budget based on my real world experience with it. It would depend on the level of value that the customer is expecting.

 

you can't hear text over the internet.. as always.. go to various shops, have a good listen, talk to the installes there, get various opinions.

I'm a fan of STEG, Focal, Zapco, and Audisson for amps.

 

I am not sure what stats have a critical meaning! I mean some great tube amps (home use) have issues above 18k and below 50hz they still sound great, they also have terrible THD and damping factors and they are as expensive as hell. Another solid state amp is ruler flat to 40k and 10hz the extremely low THD and again it sounds great.

My advice: as mentioned audition and buy what you like in the power range you need. Dont be afraid of brand names or allied only to brand names. It is OK to follow a brand because you like them unless there are quality control issues.

 

Power, foot print and features. That's it. Comparing silly stuff like THD, damping, ect is useless since different brands likely measure differently anyway.

 

make sure you only buy from future shop and you wont go wrong no matter what amp you buy.............lol serious now, go with a rep name, in your budget and has the features that you want... ex. mono block, full xover, color, size, subsonic filter ect... good luck...

 

since i've been into car audio for over 20 years, certain brands have treated me right...I therefore go with the brands that have worked well for me. In general though, rms output, size, features, and cosmetics for the application...in that order....oh, and price of course!

 

I am a big fan of lots of head room, and of course class A/B vs other topologies.

 

Stay away from an amp that boasts 2500 watts and only has (2) 20 amp fuses and the side of the end plate. lol

 

and the pretty and more Chrome on the amp... generally the crappier it is.