Wetsounds XS 650's and Amp options

(murphy_smith) · (murphy_smith) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 02-12-2009, 1:17 PM

I am currently looking at 2 amps that will match up with what I have exsisting.

I need to power 4 Wetsounds XS 650's

Amp 1: 2x160 @ 2 ohms (2 channel amp)

Amp 2: 4x80 @ 4 ohms (4 channel amp)

I have been running these PPI PCX amps for a while and I can not get them to overheat so that is not a concern.

I would prefer to pick the amp that is going to has the least amount of draw on the batteries

(Message edited by Murphy_Smith on February 12, 2009)

(hehateme) · (hehateme) **Join Date: Sep 2008** 02-12-2009, 2:29 PM

Use a JL Audio HD 600/4. I have that running 8 650's without issue.

(murphy_smith) · (murphy_smith) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 02-12-2009, 2:37 PM

uhh...no

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 02-12-2009, 2:45 PM

Worrying about current draw is like having a boat and worrying about fuel consumption!

Go with the amp that best powers the speakers. If they are both class A/B amps, then the one that least powers the speakers will be the one that draws the least amount of power. $.02

(jonyb) · (jonyb) **Join Date: Nov 2008** 02-12-2009, 2:49 PM

Amp 1 & 2 by those specs are the same.... You can power 4 650's off of a 2-channel amp though.

(murphy_smith) · (murphy_smith) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 02-12-2009, 2:49 PM

Well either amp will put 80 watts to each speaker...the differce is 2ohms verus 4ohms.

(hatepain) · (hatepain) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 02-12-2009, 4:23 PM

I prefer 4ohm so personally I'd go that route

(david_e_m) · (david_e_m) **Join Date: Jul 2008** 02-13-2009, 8:04 AM

Murphy,

It's not much different but if we're getting technical about it, even though the power is equal the four channel will operate slightly more efficiently at 4-ohms and run cooler than the two channel at 2-ohms.

David

(murphy_smith) · (murphy_smith) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 02-13-2009, 8:32 AM

David, are you saying that the 4 channel will pull less power of out my batteries than the 2 channel...

or is it too close to debate.

(david_e_m) · (david_e_m) **Join Date: Jul 2008** 02-13-2009, 9:18 AM

Murphy,

Yes, and the difference is too close to debate.

David

(thesack) · (thesack) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 02-13-2009, 10:06 AM

Curious what amps are you considering between?

(hatepain) · (hatepain) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 02-13-2009, 12:55 PM

David, don't you lose some sound quality too when moving to 2 Ohm?

thesack, I assume the ones he mentioned in his OP.

(murphy_smith) · (murphy_smith) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 02-13-2009, 1:39 PM

thesack...I am going with Precision Power PCX series. I currently run a PCX 4125 and PCX 1250.

I will add either a PCX 280 or PCX 480.

These amps are not made anymore but you can find some stellar deals on new ones.

IMO...they are one of the best amps made with tons of regulated power and good enough SQ for a boat.

(hehateme) · (hehateme) **Join Date: Sep 2008** 02-13-2009, 2:13 PM

http://marine.jlaudio.com/products_amps.php?amp_id=416

Dont knock it until you hear it. 150w RMS X 4 fits the bill perfectly. They only handle 100 RMS.

(david_e_m) · (david_e_m) **Join Date: Jul 2008** 02-13-2009, 2:52 PM

Hate n pain,

Yes, damping is reduced, distortion rises and efficiency goes down. As a matter of economy we all do it in boats.

But I'm able to live with my guilt.

David