Amp/Subwoofer help
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Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 18
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From: Virginia
Amp/Subwoofer help
I really need some help choosing an amp for my brand new subwoofers.
I've got a loaded ThunderForm with the 2 10" Thunder6000 subs, 4 ohm Impedance, and single voice coils. Crutchfield says their power range is 50-250 watts RMS and a peak power handling of 500 watts.
Here's the amplifiers I've narrowed down to:
Sony XM-D400P5: Mono, Class D:
(affordable, and I like the looks, which matches my interior):
200 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
400 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
Rockford Fosgate 501X: 4 Channel:
(plenty of power, but is it too much or just right?)
65 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
250 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms-mono
Audiobahn A4003T: 4 Channel:
(looks good, plenty of kick, i think?)
50 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
200 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms-mono
My choice is going to have to be one of these three. Based on price, looks, space, and power this is what it'll have to be. Which amplifier do I get? I really would like to get the Sony, but I don't think it'll be enough to power the subs (200 watts @ 4 ohms divided by 2 subs equals 100 watts to each sub, right?) (But then maybe the 200 watts @ 4 ohms is pumping 200 watts to each sub?, I don't know how the mono works). I keep reading reviews and lots of people say a steady 200 to 250 watts RMS is needed to run these Thunder6000s at full potential. Will someone please tell me if the Sony will provide enough to power my subs and if not what do I get, the RF or Audiobahn?
Also, could somebody give me a real brief explanation of wiring the amp mono or 4 channel amp (whichever I need) to the ThunderForm. Is it just a straight up connection or is there any crossing over I need to do?
Thanks alot!
I've got a loaded ThunderForm with the 2 10" Thunder6000 subs, 4 ohm Impedance, and single voice coils. Crutchfield says their power range is 50-250 watts RMS and a peak power handling of 500 watts.
Here's the amplifiers I've narrowed down to:
Sony XM-D400P5: Mono, Class D:
(affordable, and I like the looks, which matches my interior):
200 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms
400 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
Rockford Fosgate 501X: 4 Channel:
(plenty of power, but is it too much or just right?)
65 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
250 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms-mono
Audiobahn A4003T: 4 Channel:
(looks good, plenty of kick, i think?)
50 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
200 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms-mono
My choice is going to have to be one of these three. Based on price, looks, space, and power this is what it'll have to be. Which amplifier do I get? I really would like to get the Sony, but I don't think it'll be enough to power the subs (200 watts @ 4 ohms divided by 2 subs equals 100 watts to each sub, right?) (But then maybe the 200 watts @ 4 ohms is pumping 200 watts to each sub?, I don't know how the mono works). I keep reading reviews and lots of people say a steady 200 to 250 watts RMS is needed to run these Thunder6000s at full potential. Will someone please tell me if the Sony will provide enough to power my subs and if not what do I get, the RF or Audiobahn?
Also, could somebody give me a real brief explanation of wiring the amp mono or 4 channel amp (whichever I need) to the ThunderForm. Is it just a straight up connection or is there any crossing over I need to do?
Thanks alot!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 3
From: Eastern TN
If each of those subs has a 4 Ohm voice coil, wire them in parallel for a 2 Ohm load.
Looks to me that the Sony has the most oomph into a 2 Ohm load and you prefer the Sony color scheme, so if I were you I would get the Sony.
As far as wiring, connect the + side of the subs together; connect the - side of the subs together and connect them to their respective terminals on the amp. (If that Sony has 1 output, it should be self-explanatory).
Good luck and post with your choices...
Looks to me that the Sony has the most oomph into a 2 Ohm load and you prefer the Sony color scheme, so if I were you I would get the Sony.
As far as wiring, connect the + side of the subs together; connect the - side of the subs together and connect them to their respective terminals on the amp. (If that Sony has 1 output, it should be self-explanatory).
Good luck and post with your choices...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Chillicothe, Ohio
Another consideration might be the RF 351m. http://www.infinitecaraudio.com has it for less than 1/2 price, $132. It's rated at 350 watts, and my guess is it would produce more power than any 400 watt Sony ever made. My advice is to stay away from the 4 channels. They normally use a shared power supply arrangement, and are not ideal for using with subs. They are designed for other uses. And they CAN NOT be used in mono. The Sony amps are not my first choice, but they are certainly average, and if you get the one you mentioned, it may give you years of trouble-free use, if not abused. And it is designed to be used with subs. Just make sure your subs are a good match.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,760
Likes: 4
From: Nebraska
:cough:ROCKFORD:cough: 
That 501 would be perfect for your subs.(power wise)
IMO RF is superior to sony and audiobahn.
Personally i wouldnt ever by a Sony just because of stuff Ive heard, and I would conseider a Audiobahn, but If it was between the aubiobahn and the RF Id take the RF. Thats just my oppinion
That 501 would be perfect for your subs.(power wise)
IMO RF is superior to sony and audiobahn.
Personally i wouldnt ever by a Sony just because of stuff Ive heard, and I would conseider a Audiobahn, but If it was between the aubiobahn and the RF Id take the RF. Thats just my oppinion