Amp recommendations for AutoTuba?

[ckmoore]

Just started the build for AutoTuba (w/ MCM 55-2421), to go into a Buick Century. Head unit is an Alpine CDA 9883, with Focal Polyglass 5.25 components on a Fosgate Punch-45, (circa 2000).

What is a competent dedicated amp to run the AutoTuba? I want to get "value quality".
I think anything over $200 is over budget.

[jcmbowman]

This is what I went with after a lot of research:

Blaupunkt THA-1250 PnP 1 Channel 600W Amplifier - it's $200 at amazon

It has variable High-pass and Low-pass filters, is very small and power efficient, and even comes with a remote that you can mount near your dash.

I've had mine for a little over a year now, and the sound is pristine.

[ckmoore]

600w into a "value" 8" driver with 120w RMS spec?

Isnt that overkill? I know you can never have "too much" power. But if it isn't necessary, why spend the extra $$$?

[Tom Smit]

600 watts is overkill, but I looked at the specs at Blaupunkt and it is 250 watts at 4 ohm RMS, which, with the AT, would put it at 125 watts...right on target.

[jcmbowman]

600 watts is overkill, but I looked at the specs at Blaupunkt and it is 250 watts at 4 ohm RMS, which, with the AT, would put it at 125 watts...right on target.

Bingo! That's one of the caveats of car audio - they still list "peak output" and generally tag it to a 2 ohm load. Very deceptive if you're trying for a straight comparison with pro audio amplifiers.

[ckmoore]

Well, that does make sense.

are there any good candidates for a bit less?

I will probably go for the Blaupunkt in the end, but would like to consider other recommended options if possible...

[AntonZ]

I got a decent quality used amp from several years ago. It was dirt cheap, good construction and works very well. I cannot imagine being more satisfied with my AT spending $200 more. One doesn't need gobs of power for an AT unless you drive it balls to the wall all day long. My 50W makes more noise than my ears can handle. YMMV.

[bzb]

Just got back from Fry's for lunch ($6 lunch in the cafe is hard to beat, plus you get to nerd it out afterwards )

They had a bunch of deals on amps. I have that DP Audio POS amp that I got for $35 a while back, and it's fine for lower levels. I still have yet to take the multimeter to it to see what it really outputs, though.

They did have a Crunch 2-channel amp for $70 which puts out 125W per channel @ 4 ohms. I have had a Crunch 4-channel in my Tahoe for years powering my door speakers. It's been abused badly, too... as in underneath the rear seat with the seats down giving it no real ventilation. I've expected it to overheat and die for a long time, but it keeps ticking.

http://www.frys.com/product/5537250

[gilscales]

Here is a good quality amp from a name brand manufacturer, I used to own three soundstream amps in my boat, they were still working after 12 years when I sold the boat! And $45 WHAT!
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOUNDSTREAM-Di175-1 ... 3989wt_930

[jcmbowman]

I opted for the blaupunkt because I really liked the mix of options, and fidelity is paramount for me in car audio. I spend more time in my car than I do in my living room, so it was worth it to put a little extra $$ into it.

That, and the remote control for the amp is -great-.

[ckmoore]

That Soundstream is too good to pass up. Worse case scenario, its a piece of junk, lesson learned, out $45.

I just ordered one.

If it sucks, I will get the Blaupunkt, and hold jcmbowman personally responsible for any adverse performance...

All kidding aside, thanks for the information. Very much appreciated. Looking forward to hearing Buckethead with bass on the way to work!



.... what? You do not know who Buckethead is?

[gilscales]

Here is the owners manual on the Soundstream amp, they are not in their current lineup, they are last years model http://www.soundstream.com/manuals/2009/Class%20D2.pdf

[sine143]

All kidding aside, thanks for the information. Very much appreciated. Looking forward to hearing Buckethead with bass on the way to work!



.... what? You do not know who Buckethead is?

hahaha, I mean... the best part about buckethead is not in the bass my friend. I guess it depends which songs you prefer (colma all the way imo).

[Tom Smit]

(colma all the way imo).

[DJ Big Ronn]

Just started the build for AutoTuba (w/ MCM 55-2421), to go into a Buick Century. Head unit is an Alpine CDA 9883, with Focal Polyglass 5.25 components on a Fosgate Punch-45, (circa 2000).

What is a competent dedicated amp to run the AutoTuba? I want to get "value quality".
I think anything over $200 is over budget.

After listening to rockford vs other brands for many years, I would put the punch 45 on the autotuba and get a little bit cleaner amp for the top end. My .02