Another "What Amp Should I Buy" Thread

Discussion in 'Car Stereo Amplifiers' started by WMorton, Jul 16, 2009.

  1. WMorton

    WMorton New Member

    I need help picking out an amp for a boat application. Currently I have 4 JL Audio 12W6V2's. Each pair is being powered by a single JL Audio 500.1 (total of 2 amps) and I am not happy with the results. I would like to power all 4 using one amp, large amp, preferably 3000-4000 watts, but would be willing to purchase an even bigger amp. I'd rather go overboard then underboard. I would like good quality. At a later date, I may use this amp to power 2-15" FI BTL's if I am still unhappy with the results of the 12W6V2's.

    Also, would anyone know if it is worth repairing MB Quart RCE Reference series 216's or just purchase new one's. I prefer QSD 216's but don't see them for sale anywhere.

    Please help.....
     
  2. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    hmmmm tough one. i assume the amp will be way out of the elements?

    is this for a freshwater or salt water boat too?
     
  3. cccullen

    cccullen Full Member

    Last edited: Jul 16, 2009
  4. WMorton

    WMorton New Member

    It's a freshwater boat. The Amps are located just under the driver and passenger console or dash. They are away from the elements and never see any abuse in my ultra dry climate (Palm Springs, CA and Lake Havasu, AZ). The speakers are currently mounted on a piece of carpeted MDF which uses the air space in the sponsons as an enclosure. I am not happy with the performance. I am working on building boxes to JL Audio spec's for ported enclosures.

    I'd rather go with a high wattage amp because it gives me options for the future (I might go with 2 - 15" FI BTL's), plus I won't have to squeeze every last watt out of it, and it should be happy running at 12volts. I am a bit of a bass head and like the old tunes of Easy E, Limp Bizkit and such.

    I'm stuck between the Memphis and the Soundsteam...is one better than the other?


    I do appreciate the help.
     
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2009
  5. cccullen

    cccullen Full Member

    both the soundstream and Memphis are solid amps. It's a matter of preference, I've heard the soundstream and it is a bada$$. I also heard a truck using a couple of the memphis amps in Tampa and the bass was mind blowing..

    For me, i'd probably go with the memphis.. it's a sexy amp.

    you may want to toy around making vented enclosure for your current subs. what kind of space do you have to work with? I'm taking it that you are using a sealed enclosure now, that may be the problem.
     
  6. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    be warned both of the amps mentioned are power hogs. you will need a lot of battery power for them. i know your on a boat and have a few batts but i mean you might need more.
     
  7. WMorton

    WMorton New Member

    I think your right, I'll probably go with the Memphis, but have been looking at the Audioque AQ3500D. The two boxes will be going under the bow of the boat so I'm pretty good on airspace, but a little limited on what will fit in the opening. I have to measure, but I think I have about 2' X 2.5' that will fit in the opening, but I'll know for sure next week. I am definitly going vented on the enclosure. I'm going to look through Google images and other sites to see if I can get any ideas on enclosures, but pretty sure its going to end up fairly simple flat and rectangular for now. I'm not willing to break out the rings and fiberglass....just too much work for me in 110 degree weather.

    As for battery, I have two Interstate Marines, but I also have one huge submarine battery (its the size of 4 other batteries and weighs about 300lbs.) This should do the trick, but if I have a problem, I'll add another.

    Thanks for the help...