Hullo gang,
Hope someone out there can help me out.
I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. Recently I bought Phoenix Gold Xenon X6.5 component speakers for the front. In the back I have a set of Polk coax speakers (not exactly sure what they are but I think they are rated at 75w RMS) The Sub I'm planning to install is an old, unused, MTX Thunder 5000.
So I've been looking at getting either the Phoenix Gold Xenon x200.4 or the Octane R8.0.4.
Unfortunatly there are no shops close by to hear the difference so that idea is out.
Do I spend around $300 for the really good amp, or should I go with something cheaper and save the money for other projects?
Thanks in advance!
Replies (10)
swez on 10/7/2005 13:24:52
Are you sure about the series on that MTX sub? I recall a 4000, 6000 and 8000 series, but not a 5000 Thunder series???
Yes, you can go for either Xenon X200 or R8.0.4 amp. Are both 4 channels, 75-100 Wrms x 4 @ 4 ohms, 14.4 volts power source. (a bit less power at voltages below 14.4)
Option 1:
a. Use front channels for your PG Comps
b. Use HU amps for Polks
c. Bridge rear channels for the sub (need a 4 ohm woofer here)
Option 2:
a. Use all 4 channels to power Polks and PG speakers
b. Add a modest Class D sub amp, to power the woofer
b1. Use a modest 2 channel amp for the sub in bridged mode
The older 4000/6000 series were rated between 200-400 Wrms per sub. These came in 4, 8 and 12 ohm single coil units. The one that is most desirable, would be the 4 ohm sub.
Look here for specs on the model you have and enclosure recommendations:
http://www.mtx.com/caraudio/products/manualsQuickInstall/subs.cfm
Swez
Spaz89 on 10/7/2005 13:54:18
Thanks for the quick reply!
I'm thinking about going with option 1. I dunno hooking up 2 amps looks a little tricky for a noob like me.
As for the MTX its an older model running 4 ohms, circa 1995 I think. The box says 5000 on it. I'll have to check the stock number on it when I get home. I did check the MTX site and didnt find anything there either.
But you think I can get away with the cheaper amp and not suffer and major sound issues?
swez on 10/7/2005 19:17:02
Cheaper amp? Not much about PG products are cheap. They make a fine product and the cost is pretty much reflected in the price and typical mark ups.
Yes, the Octane series amp will be fine for option 1 noted earlier. There is adequate power there for both your PG Components and a sub off the rear channels, bridged mono.
Option 3
A 5 channel amp would also be something to consider. Alpine makes a solid 5 channel as does Infinity and I think PG makes one as well. There are 4 channels for mids/high and a sub channel for the woofer.
The only possible drawback, is the sub amp may not have the power of a stand alone sub amp. Depends on the sub used and how much bass one prefers.
Swez
BgDustin4 on 10/7/2005 20:58:37
hooking up 2 amps is relly not that hard as hooking up 2 depending on the power of the amps if they are lower power amps u can just split a 4 ga wire with a power block thing (don't know what they are called) and then a nother ground and i just took the rem wire and ran it from the other amp to that one but i don't know what would be best for u im just kinda starting out 2 i have dont like 4-5 installs they all work and have nothing blown up so i think im going good this is off topic but o whell talk to u later
swez on 10/7/2005 23:09:10
He's right! Two amps are not that difficult to manage as one would think. With good planning, carefully matching system components and an eye for details, we can get most rookies in the game in short order.
Just provide a well planned outline of your intended goals, a general budget figure and what you hope to get in the end. We can help you make the plan and implement it in a well devised manner. The more info you have before you buy stuff, the better we can guide you away from poor choices and dissappointing results.
Swez
Spaz89 on 10/12/2005 16:43:16
Hmm definatly something to think about...2 amps or a 5 channel amp that is. I did look at some of the 5 ch amps and as of right now they are a bit outta my price range and there flippin huge! I know i drive an SUV but i still have to hide it somewhere. lol
So I think I will go with Swezs' option 1 to start, then later if i need a little more thump i will go with a second amp for the sub/subs.
So question, this distrbution thing i keep hearing about (when hooking up 2 amps) is it just a power distrbution block?
thanks again for the help guys!
compvr15s on 10/12/2005 18:03:53
yes thats exactly what it is, a distribution block, usually 2-4 gauge input and 4 8guauge outputs.... as for 2 amps, very simple to do, just need a lil more power and ground cable, rca splitters and a piece of remote cable to daisy chain from amp A to amp B.... Alpine had a 5 channel amp not sure of what model number but its about 3-4 yrs old, and was very impressed with its perfromance, and size wise it was not that big, maybe 20-20 inches long and 12-14 inchs wide. makes for a cleaner install if you only have 1 amp to wire. here s a quick link i found to the amp
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Alpine-MRV-F450-5-channel-amplifier-ONLY-268_W0QQitemZ5815526756QQcategoryZ39740QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
price is under 300 shipped to you house, may just be something for you to look into. good luck
swez on 10/12/2005 21:22:01
Yes, that's a great amp for modest power and price. It can be powered completely via electronic menu with as few as 1 pair of HU RCA's.
Have seen them off e-bay for a tad over $200.00 +S/H too.
Alpine MRV-F450 is the product number. Here are some details on it:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6ihy1jXxlBj/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=120&I=500MRVF450
Swez
Spaz89 on 10/14/2005 16:36:22
options options options...makes the head spin! and everyone keeps telling me this is the fun part.. j/k
I'm going to go with the PG Octane 800w amp...see how that treats me then maybe in a year step up to a new sub or 2 with a 2nd class D amp, thats even if i need a little more thump.
Swez, BTW did track down the MTX part number that was on the box....weird thing though...online its listed as a 12 ohm sub....but the sub is stamped at 4 ohms....ever see that before?
Thanks again for all the help and suggestions everyone. hopefully within the week ill have the amp and will be working on sound dampening and wiring.
ohh...one more question...do most people go with speakers in their kickpanels or do they mod out their door panels?
I would like to go with kickpanel encolsures for the best staging...but im worried id trash the speakers, expecially with all the snow, mud, and rain.
thanks again.
swez on 10/14/2005 19:36:37
That Octane 8 series (4 channel) will do you proud bud. Enough power for your Xenon's up front and a single sub in back.
Kick panels are great if people don't knock em around with their feet. Another option is door mounting the 6.5" MB driver and put your tweeters in the "A" pillars up at the windshield. With luck and some careful planning, the door would probably be a better location for the MB speaker.
Sub??? Contact MTX and give them all the info you have on the sub. Ask them for enclosure recommendations as well. I had to do the same when someone gave me a very old set of MTX Blue Thunder subs. A 4 ohm sub is what you want here. (for now) Just bridge the rear channels on that Octane amp and you're good to go.
I looked at MTX product lists and still cannot find a Thunder 5000 series sub. Back in the early 2000's, I sold MTX 4000,6000 & 8000 series subs. They were pretty marginal subs back then.
Swez
FYI: MTX made a lot of subs with 4, 8 and 12 ohm impedances ratings
Hope someone out there can help me out.
I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. Recently I bought Phoenix Gold Xenon X6.5 component speakers for the front. In the back I have a set of Polk coax speakers (not exactly sure what they are but I think they are rated at 75w RMS) The Sub I'm planning to install is an old, unused, MTX Thunder 5000.
So I've been looking at getting either the Phoenix Gold Xenon x200.4 or the Octane R8.0.4.
Unfortunatly there are no shops close by to hear the difference so that idea is out.
Do I spend around $300 for the really good amp, or should I go with something cheaper and save the money for other projects?
Thanks in advance!
Replies (10)
swez on 10/7/2005 13:24:52
Are you sure about the series on that MTX sub? I recall a 4000, 6000 and 8000 series, but not a 5000 Thunder series???
Yes, you can go for either Xenon X200 or R8.0.4 amp. Are both 4 channels, 75-100 Wrms x 4 @ 4 ohms, 14.4 volts power source. (a bit less power at voltages below 14.4)
Option 1:
a. Use front channels for your PG Comps
b. Use HU amps for Polks
c. Bridge rear channels for the sub (need a 4 ohm woofer here)
Option 2:
a. Use all 4 channels to power Polks and PG speakers
b. Add a modest Class D sub amp, to power the woofer
b1. Use a modest 2 channel amp for the sub in bridged mode
The older 4000/6000 series were rated between 200-400 Wrms per sub. These came in 4, 8 and 12 ohm single coil units. The one that is most desirable, would be the 4 ohm sub.
Look here for specs on the model you have and enclosure recommendations:
http://www.mtx.com/caraudio/products/manualsQuickInstall/subs.cfm
Swez
Spaz89 on 10/7/2005 13:54:18
Thanks for the quick reply!
I'm thinking about going with option 1. I dunno hooking up 2 amps looks a little tricky for a noob like me.
As for the MTX its an older model running 4 ohms, circa 1995 I think. The box says 5000 on it. I'll have to check the stock number on it when I get home. I did check the MTX site and didnt find anything there either.
But you think I can get away with the cheaper amp and not suffer and major sound issues?
swez on 10/7/2005 19:17:02
Cheaper amp? Not much about PG products are cheap. They make a fine product and the cost is pretty much reflected in the price and typical mark ups.
Yes, the Octane series amp will be fine for option 1 noted earlier. There is adequate power there for both your PG Components and a sub off the rear channels, bridged mono.
Option 3
A 5 channel amp would also be something to consider. Alpine makes a solid 5 channel as does Infinity and I think PG makes one as well. There are 4 channels for mids/high and a sub channel for the woofer.
The only possible drawback, is the sub amp may not have the power of a stand alone sub amp. Depends on the sub used and how much bass one prefers.
Swez
BgDustin4 on 10/7/2005 20:58:37
hooking up 2 amps is relly not that hard as hooking up 2 depending on the power of the amps if they are lower power amps u can just split a 4 ga wire with a power block thing (don't know what they are called) and then a nother ground and i just took the rem wire and ran it from the other amp to that one but i don't know what would be best for u im just kinda starting out 2 i have dont like 4-5 installs they all work and have nothing blown up so i think im going good this is off topic but o whell talk to u later
swez on 10/7/2005 23:09:10
He's right! Two amps are not that difficult to manage as one would think. With good planning, carefully matching system components and an eye for details, we can get most rookies in the game in short order.
Just provide a well planned outline of your intended goals, a general budget figure and what you hope to get in the end. We can help you make the plan and implement it in a well devised manner. The more info you have before you buy stuff, the better we can guide you away from poor choices and dissappointing results.
Swez
Spaz89 on 10/12/2005 16:43:16
Hmm definatly something to think about...2 amps or a 5 channel amp that is. I did look at some of the 5 ch amps and as of right now they are a bit outta my price range and there flippin huge! I know i drive an SUV but i still have to hide it somewhere. lol
So I think I will go with Swezs' option 1 to start, then later if i need a little more thump i will go with a second amp for the sub/subs.
So question, this distrbution thing i keep hearing about (when hooking up 2 amps) is it just a power distrbution block?
thanks again for the help guys!
compvr15s on 10/12/2005 18:03:53
yes thats exactly what it is, a distribution block, usually 2-4 gauge input and 4 8guauge outputs.... as for 2 amps, very simple to do, just need a lil more power and ground cable, rca splitters and a piece of remote cable to daisy chain from amp A to amp B.... Alpine had a 5 channel amp not sure of what model number but its about 3-4 yrs old, and was very impressed with its perfromance, and size wise it was not that big, maybe 20-20 inches long and 12-14 inchs wide. makes for a cleaner install if you only have 1 amp to wire. here s a quick link i found to the amp
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Alpine-MRV-F450-5-channel-amplifier-ONLY-268_W0QQitemZ5815526756QQcategoryZ39740QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
price is under 300 shipped to you house, may just be something for you to look into. good luck
swez on 10/12/2005 21:22:01
Yes, that's a great amp for modest power and price. It can be powered completely via electronic menu with as few as 1 pair of HU RCA's.
Have seen them off e-bay for a tad over $200.00 +S/H too.
Alpine MRV-F450 is the product number. Here are some details on it:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6ihy1jXxlBj/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=120&I=500MRVF450
Swez
Spaz89 on 10/14/2005 16:36:22
options options options...makes the head spin! and everyone keeps telling me this is the fun part.. j/k
I'm going to go with the PG Octane 800w amp...see how that treats me then maybe in a year step up to a new sub or 2 with a 2nd class D amp, thats even if i need a little more thump.
Swez, BTW did track down the MTX part number that was on the box....weird thing though...online its listed as a 12 ohm sub....but the sub is stamped at 4 ohms....ever see that before?
Thanks again for all the help and suggestions everyone. hopefully within the week ill have the amp and will be working on sound dampening and wiring.
ohh...one more question...do most people go with speakers in their kickpanels or do they mod out their door panels?
I would like to go with kickpanel encolsures for the best staging...but im worried id trash the speakers, expecially with all the snow, mud, and rain.
thanks again.
swez on 10/14/2005 19:36:37
That Octane 8 series (4 channel) will do you proud bud. Enough power for your Xenon's up front and a single sub in back.
Kick panels are great if people don't knock em around with their feet. Another option is door mounting the 6.5" MB driver and put your tweeters in the "A" pillars up at the windshield. With luck and some careful planning, the door would probably be a better location for the MB speaker.
Sub??? Contact MTX and give them all the info you have on the sub. Ask them for enclosure recommendations as well. I had to do the same when someone gave me a very old set of MTX Blue Thunder subs. A 4 ohm sub is what you want here. (for now) Just bridge the rear channels on that Octane amp and you're good to go.
I looked at MTX product lists and still cannot find a Thunder 5000 series sub. Back in the early 2000's, I sold MTX 4000,6000 & 8000 series subs. They were pretty marginal subs back then.
Swez
FYI: MTX made a lot of subs with 4, 8 and 12 ohm impedances ratings
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