So here is the dilemma, I have the Rubicon 450s ordered and will be here in a couple weeks. But I am wondering what I need to run them. I have went through all the past posts, and here is what I came up with: <BR> <BR>PPI DCX 1000.4 <BR>4-CHANNEL DCX AMPLIFIER <BR> <BR>Does this make sense? Can I get away with something smaller and cheaper? If so what difference will I see with something smaller? <BR>Thanks!! Specs are below. <BR> <BR>Power @ 4 Ohms: 125 Watts x 4 <BR>Power @ 2 Ohms: 250 Watts x 4 <BR>Mono Operation: 500 Watts x 2 @ 4 Ohms <BR>Fully regulated design for guaranteed power delivery <BR>Flexible TC-X crossover with configurable line out <BR>High-voltage input capability with selectable 12dB attenuation <BR>Mixed mono/stereo operation <BR>2 ohm stereo stable <BR>Q BASS™ Plus <BR>THD+N: 0.08% <BR>S/N Ratio: >100dB <BR>Freq. Resp.: 10Hz-50kHz <BR>Damping Factor: >300 <BR>X/O Slope: 2-Way, 30Hz-4kHz, 12dB/Octave <BR>Fan: Yes <BR>QBass™: QBASS Plus/Remote <BR>Dimensions: 23-5/8"x10-1/2"x2-3/4"

Spend the extra money now so you don't have to re do it in a few months cause you can't stand the way it sounds. If you paid good money for your speakers run it with something that will give you maximum usage from them, don't cut corners trying to save a buck.

the older PPI 4125 is supposed to be better if you cna find one. Also check out the arc audio stuff.

CAR - So is the amp above cheap or what would you recommend? <BR> <BR>Adam - Is PPI a good name? Do they run cool? Any recommends on the Arc stuff?

And since I have you guys here...any recommends for the interior...all 6 1/4 or some 6/9 as well? I will dig through the archives as well on this! <BR> <BR>Thanks Everyone!

I would try to find the pcx ppi 4125 for the tower.You can find one for about 350 to 450 NIB.

would look really hard at quality amps that have a remote volume.... <BR> <BR>-arc 1500 xkk (1000 real watts at 2 ohms mono) <BR>-zapco ref 1100 (1100 real watts at 2 ohm mono).. <BR> <BR> <BR>the older ppi art series or water cooled series were very good but the new stuff <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/uhoh.gif" border=0>

I have all ARC Audio in my 05 VLX. I love it. Its crisp, clean, and loud. A bit pricey but worth it. Good luck!!!

Seems to me that you would want more power for investing in the 450's. I have the 350's running 2 channel, 340 RMS @ 4 ohms and they are unbelievable. I'm using a Hifonics amp. I'm new to the stereo game, but I've heard good reviews on Hifonics for the $$$ and their tech support is awesome.

I am running my 450's with a Zapco Reference 750.2. I would not want to go with anything less. Listen to Clubmyke - he's the stereo geek (sorry Mike - can't think of a better term).

no offense taken <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/proud.gif" border=0>(audiophile= terrible disease) <BR> <BR>btw, running the towers with a mixed mono signal sounds sooooo much better than stereo not to mention about 3db to 6 db louder.... <BR> <BR>we tried this with mikes rubicons 450 and the zapco 750 (has a mixed mono switch - the output more than doubled....it will also sound better 80' out) <BR> <BR>(Message edited by clubmyke on June 20, 2006)

Thanks guys! As always everyone is a great help! <BR> <BR>Clubmyke - The Zapco 750.2 Ref was this the digital? I am not sure exactly what I am asking, other then the supplier here told me there is a digital version and the original. Any thoughts? <BR> <BR>Thanks again <BR>Jase

the new zap dig ref is a bit too much. the idea of using a dealer laptop to adjust the amp is a pain in the a$$. <BR> <BR>why they did this I don't know. the only benefit is the ability to run 1~2 ohm loads that the older ref couldn't do.

I keep hearing about Audio Arc and Zapco but I havent found any close-by dealers. <BR> <BR>Is the Audio Arc / Zapco equipment just VERY high grade or am I totally out of the scene? I thought the big aftermarket players were JL, Kicker, and Rockford Fosgate!

JL is very, very good... awesome gear and great cusotmer service... <BR> <BR>Zapco, JL, and ARC are pretty much it without stepping into the big buck areana such as TRU, Audison, Butler., BRAX, Sinfoni, Macintosh.. <BR> <BR>old school kicker and rf are very good...