Amplifier Question...

zinistr · 02-19-2010, 10:09 PM

Hi guys...need some input on a multi-channel amp for the Nismo. I'm considering a single amp (5-channel) with rears set to off for the time being (given there's nothing to drive back there at the moment...).

I haven't built a system recently and am not familar with the "preferred" models these days. I'm considering an Infiniti Kappa series amp thinking I could drive a 10" slimline (spare tire custom-box mount) and the component fronts (dash/doors).

Here's one model I was perusing...
Infinity KAPPA FIVE (kappafive) 5-Channel or more Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Firstly...any better suggestions for the $$?

Secondly, wondering if you guys think mounting an amp in one of the compartments behind the seats would cause the amp to overheat?

BTW - thinking of going with the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT head-unit.

1slow370 · 02-20-2010, 06:45 AM

You don't need rear speakers and you don't need a 5 channel youd be better off getting a good 4 channel, drive new component speakers up front, then bridge the 2 rear channels for a sub. If you are going single ten and are buying a decent 4 channel you would easily have all the power you could handle in our tiny cars. I went with alpine scs-600c components up front (80w RMS) and a JL 10w0v2 for a sub (200w RMS) and i'm running them off a 4 channel amp. If you can bust the cash for an infinity kappa 5, you should be able to get a great class D 4channel just check your ohms and make sure it is bridgeable.

bigaudiofanat · 02-20-2010, 08:40 AM

I agree only he can still use a 5 channel amp and bridge the 4 channels for more power to the fronts an still have the sub channel.

2fast4thelaw · 02-20-2010, 09:39 PM

I agree with Big A on this. 5 channel amps are extreamly flixible in usage. They typically have oversized power supplies so any channels left unused will be rerouted to the other channels.

I would recommend the Alpine PDX-5 class D amp over the infinity. Its much smaller and will run cooler than the infinity amps. A friend of mine had one of thier amps and it huge but I wasnt ompressed at all with its output. I was really soft on the bass dynamics. Poor damping factor for such a large amp.

If you dont mind spending some extra cash I highly recommend the JL HD 5/900 amp. I have one running in 3 channel mode driving 200 X 2 and 500 X 1 and it is an extreamly controlled amplifier. It has tons of dynamic headroom which in my opinion warrants its high price. This is one of the best amps out there.

bigaudiofanat · 02-20-2010, 09:53 PM

I agree with the alpine pdx 5. 2fast you should check out the new infinity amps very small and pack a bit of power in them as well.

zinistr · 02-20-2010, 10:07 PM

thanks, guys...will check out the Alpine...great idea on the bridging.

Has anyone used the compartment as a mounting area for an amp by chance?

bigaudiofanat · 02-20-2010, 10:08 PM

You mean your glove box? Doubt it would fit there.

Division · 02-20-2010, 10:34 PM

Big, measure yours and let us know if it'll fit.

bigaudiofanat · 02-21-2010, 08:13 AM

2 problems with that, no z and no alpine pdx 5.

2fast4thelaw · 02-21-2010, 12:02 PM

It will actually fit! Both the alpine and jl and amps are roughly the same size. I explored this option but I went another direction. I think it would be an interesting install becasue all the wiring will be out the bottom so when you open the compartment the settings are right there. I think this location is worth further exploration.

zinistr · 02-21-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2fast4thelaw

It will actually fit! Both the alpine and jl and amps are roughly the same size. I explored this option but I went another direction. I think it would be an interesting install becasue all the wiring will be out the bottom so when you open the compartment the settings are right there. I think this location is worth further exploration.

That's kinda what I was thinking...stealthy...just worried about the amp over-heating. I might buy a second door and play around with putting some ventilation slots / holes in it.

We only have another month of deep-freeze up here...hope to pull the trigger on the audio stuff toward mid-March.

02-19-2010, 10:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
zinistr Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chardon, Ohio Posts: 127 Drives: 2009 Nismo - Silver Rep Power: 16	Amplifier Question... Hi guys...need some input on a multi-channel amp for the Nismo. I'm considering a single amp (5-channel) with rears set to off for the time being (given there's nothing to drive back there at the moment...). I haven't built a system recently and am not familar with the "preferred" models these days. I'm considering an Infiniti Kappa series amp thinking I could drive a 10" slimline (spare tire custom-box mount) and the component fronts (dash/doors). Here's one model I was perusing... Infinity KAPPA FIVE (kappafive) 5-Channel or more Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix Firstly...any better suggestions for the $$? Secondly, wondering if you guys think mounting an amp in one of the compartments behind the seats would cause the amp to overheat? BTW - thinking of going with the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT head-unit. __________________ 1970 Datsun 240z (HLS #201) & '71 240z "Zuns Z" 1991 300zx TT 'ZINISTR' & '93 300zx Vert TT "MASTR" 1994 300zx Vert 'BREEZZY' & 1995 300zx Z32 Coupe 2009 NISMO Edition 370Z, Silver #196

02-20-2010, 06:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
1slow370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: In the D Posts: 3,732 Drives: v8 74 260z ;) Rep Power: 7251	You don't need rear speakers and you don't need a 5 channel youd be better off getting a good 4 channel, drive new component speakers up front, then bridge the 2 rear channels for a sub. If you are going single ten and are buying a decent 4 channel you would easily have all the power you could handle in our tiny cars. I went with alpine scs-600c components up front (80w RMS) and a JL 10w0v2 for a sub (200w RMS) and i'm running them off a 4 channel amp. If you can bust the cash for an infinity kappa 5, you should be able to get a great class D 4channel just check your ohms and make sure it is bridgeable. Last edited by 1slow370; 02-20-2010 at 06:51 AM.

02-20-2010, 08:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I agree only he can still use a 5 channel amp and bridge the 4 channels for more power to the fronts an still have the sub channel. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

02-20-2010, 09:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
2fast4thelaw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denver Co Age: 50 Posts: 403 Drives: 09 370Z Sport/MT6 Rep Power: 16	I agree with Big A on this. 5 channel amps are extreamly flixible in usage. They typically have oversized power supplies so any channels left unused will be rerouted to the other channels. I would recommend the Alpine PDX-5 class D amp over the infinity. Its much smaller and will run cooler than the infinity amps. A friend of mine had one of thier amps and it huge but I wasnt ompressed at all with its output. I was really soft on the bass dynamics. Poor damping factor for such a large amp. If you dont mind spending some extra cash I highly recommend the JL HD 5/900 amp. I have one running in 3 channel mode driving 200 X 2 and 500 X 1 and it is an extreamly controlled amplifier. It has tons of dynamic headroom which in my opinion warrants its high price. This is one of the best amps out there. __________________ To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

02-20-2010, 09:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I agree with the alpine pdx 5. 2fast you should check out the new infinity amps very small and pack a bit of power in them as well. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

02-20-2010, 10:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
zinistr Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chardon, Ohio Posts: 127 Drives: 2009 Nismo - Silver Rep Power: 16	thanks, guys...will check out the Alpine...great idea on the bridging. Has anyone used the compartment as a mounting area for an amp by chance? __________________ 1970 Datsun 240z (HLS #201) & '71 240z "Zuns Z" 1991 300zx TT 'ZINISTR' & '93 300zx Vert TT "MASTR" 1994 300zx Vert 'BREEZZY' & 1995 300zx Z32 Coupe 2009 NISMO Edition 370Z, Silver #196

02-20-2010, 10:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	You mean your glove box? Doubt it would fit there. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

02-20-2010, 10:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
Division Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central FL Posts: 199 Drives: 2009 370Z Sport Rep Power: 16	Big, measure yours and let us know if it'll fit.

02-21-2010, 08:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	2 problems with that, no z and no alpine pdx 5. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

02-21-2010, 12:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
2fast4thelaw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denver Co Age: 50 Posts: 403 Drives: 09 370Z Sport/MT6 Rep Power: 16	It will actually fit! Both the alpine and jl and amps are roughly the same size. I explored this option but I went another direction. I think it would be an interesting install becasue all the wiring will be out the bottom so when you open the compartment the settings are right there. I think this location is worth further exploration. __________________ To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

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