I just bought a car and came with a Soundstream PCA4.400. Right now i am redoing all the sound system in the car and don't know which amplifier should I use, for my four door speakers, the soundstream or a Memphis 16-MCA3004 that i also have. Do you have any comments on any of these amps. I looked at the specs but doesn't seem to be that different so i would rather hear comments from you guys who know more about this. Any info would be greatly appreciated
First of all, welcome to the forums! glad to have you aboard! Not sure what your intentions are as far as running what, but i will say this about the amps. The SoundStream amps have ALWAYS been good reliable performers, very good SQ and musical, with lots of power to run whatever you hook them too......they have always been "underated" ( except for the very eraly models) They ae american made and have always been one of my favorites. ( i have worked with most all amp manufactures up till about 10 years ago) I see no reason why they are any different than what they were 10 years ago... the cirsuit boards are as meticulous today as they were long ago. The Memphis amps are a newr company, i have heard good things about them, i have NO personal experience with them. With the power ratings between the two, it is probaly a virtual toss up. Others will soon chime in and give there opinions......
Hi!!! Thanks for your answer! Well, I am planning to use this amp for the 4 door speakers/tweeters to run only the mid and highs (I have a kenwood for running my subs) I was about to install the soundstream last weekend (mainly based only in that i like the look of the box better than the Memphis) but a friend told me that Memphis is definitely better and i should use it instead. So, rather than deciding on the look of the amp or what my friend says i thought it was a better idea to ask you guys who are the experts on these matters.
For running your highs, It would make a fine choice! I have NOTHING against memphis, just no personal experience with them. I can honestly say SS will be a good amp for your intended purpose. If ya want, why not try the SS for a few weeks, then hook up the memphis in place of it for a few weeks, see what sounds better too you....i would like to hear an honest unbiased first hand comparison between the two amps! I am talking about "critical listening"not which gets a touch louder or which one blows the speakers faster!!!!!!! I am talking Sound Quality, and how irt plays the music you are into........ What say ya? I am always up for personal reviews and opinions........
Well, it sounds like a plan... I may start with the memphis this weekend and then switch back to sounstream after a while to compare. Will let you know
My friend has that Memphis amp running his JL components...it's cut out a couple times from overheating I guess. I would rather go with the SoundStream amp. It has more power. The sound quality of the Memphis is really good except that their MC amps are a little overrated. My friend has a MC1000 and it is rated at 1100 watts rms at 1 ohm but I know it can't realistically put out that much power. It is only fused at 80 amps...even if the alternator is putting out a good 14.4 volts it would need to be atleast 95% efficient...which I know is pretty hard to believe.
Honostly man, either amp would work great. Both are quality amps. Memphis tends to be a little more expensive on their top of the line amps. I personally love the design of the "Memphis Belle" though. You pay for it.. but to me it would be worth if it you have the money heh.
I realize this post is old, but I thought it better to post this than have people misled. You're assuming an input voltage of 14.4 volts. The fact is, in large amplifiers, the voltage is often stepped up using transformers, so the operating voltage in the power supply could be 50 volts or more. Even if they stepped it to only 25 volts and the supply was only 80% efficient, at 80 amps you could still produce 1600 watts.
