While "patiently" waiting for my subbox.net box to arrive, I have some time to think about the install that I am doing.

I bought the JBL GTS180x amp and a pair of 10" Infinity Reference Subs.

I was planning on running the amp bridged (180W) to the 2 subs in parallel, but upon looking at the manual, the amp needs 4 ohms when running bridged. It can only run 2 ohm loads in stereo mode.

So my question is this: It looks like the only way to hook this amp up to 2 subs is to do it in stereo mode, and since each sub is 4 ohms, the max power would be 60W RMS to each sub. Will this be enough power for the subs to have decent clarity? I don't plan on having the volume at ear splitting levels, just want good, deep, clean bass for rock type music.

Would I be better served exchanging the amp for a good mono amp? I see a couple amps by Profile that look like they have pretty good specs. 410W or 450W x 1 @2ohms, 105db SN Ratio, .07THD. Not bad for the price $149 or $189. This would give each sub at least 200W. Is it worth the extra money to upgrade for what I am looking for? Also, the Profile amps are taller at 2 5/8". I have the power drivers seat, will they fit under the seat? Anybody have anything good or bad to say about these amps? What is the difference between the California and Clarus series? Any better recommendations in the price range?

 

60w per sub isn't all that much. It would suffice for a couple of months I guess, then you'll want more bass.

The subs are rated at 250wrms so any amp with 400-500wrms should push them just fine.

www.sounddomain.com has Rockford factory renewed amps cheaper: http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/ROC2FR450S

For only $169.95 the http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/USAUSX2150 with better distortion and channel separation as well as down to 10hz frequency response. Solid amp with hi-current transistors. Made in the USA. Better crossover specs. I know the designer, Steven Mantz. Same quality as hifonics, autotek, rodek, etc.

Neither of the above will do. The problem is you need an amp that can go down to 2ohms mono, so you are left with less choices:
http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/USAUSX800D for a little more money $259, but shop around. You get 600wrms into 2 ohms mono and it's efficient (class D). Smaller than the USX2150 above and the Rockford. Still 2.5 inches tall though.

Also consider mounting an amp on the underside of the passenger seat, not on the floor as an alternative that may work. Just make sure all your power and signal wires are long enough for when the seat moves.

You might want to use that JBL amp for your front speakers or sell it to a friend.

Good luck.

 

Hey man, thanks for the info!


As far as mounting the amp under the passenger seat, what method have you used to attach the amp to the seat?

Anybody else do this? Anybody got a pic?

thanks!

 

I haven't mounted an amp under the seat YET. I'm looking at all my options through. I'll be tearing my truck apart in the next month or so, have new amps on order.

 

You can buy those US Acoustics amps direct from the manufacturer (Zed Audio). USA had a little problem paying their bills so the manufacturer is liquidating the amps. Do a little searching for Zed Audio and US Acoustics.

 

Did you mean "thezeb.com"? They have the USX800D for $239. Looks like an excellent price. Anybody ever deal with them?

 

Nope, I mean Zed. Direct from Zed will be about $70 cheaper than thezeb

 

Shhhhhhhhhh.

Don't give my secret away! That's where I got mine from.

Hey Deus, where did you here about ZED AUDIO?

http://members.shaw.ca/pferlow/steven_mantz_history.htm

 

Hey there,

Any chance somebody could tell me how to contact ZED Audio? Did a little bit of searching and did not come across them.

Thanks for the recommendation on the amp too, after a couple hours of research, I still like the USX800D, especially with the remote gain control! I am sending the other amp back to crutchfield.

Thanks!!

 

Hit my website link above, Steven Mantz is the owner of ZED AUDIO, address and phone number are there too.

 

I'm all over the car audio boards (sounddomain, elitecaraudio, rec.car.audio, carsound, termpro...). When you are in the business of selling audio gear you want to stay in the know about these kinds of things.

 

Steven just sent me another product availability list. These things are going FAST! I need a USX2050 for my rear channel. Have to order quick before they're gone.

Apparently the newer USX----D series are total crap. Made in Korea. I don't think these are Steve's design. So... stay away from those.

Deus: where is the best place to pickup a 200A alternator (98 4.6L)? I'm outta budget right now but in a few months. My stock 130A unit can't cut the mustard.

 

I called Steven today at Zed. Told him what I had, and he recommended that I go with a USX-600F, which is 200W RMS x2 at 4ohms. Sounded like a very knowledgeable guy.

So I sent him a money order to get one, ordered the USX-600F for $130, the wired remote for another $20, and $17 for shipping. Comparing the specs to other brands, looks like an awesome deal! Can't wait to get it in.

Now if that damn sub box would ever show up!!!

Thanks again guys for the info!

Jeff

 

I ordered a US Acoustics USX4065 from Zed Audio Corp. for 80.00 plus 9.00 bucks for shipping. Hope it is as good as everyone is saying they are. Going to use it for my 4 JBL GTO7525 that are showing up today. Also adding Rockford Fosgate HU and JBL BP300.1 sub amp and 10 ACI Rage subwoofer.

 

YouPutz: Hey... damn... I asked if he would sell me a remote volume control for the USX1000F I bought and he said he didn't have any. What the?

I'm gonna have to call him.