Amp for NVS addictions

I posted earlier about a marine amp and got some responses saying to go with a car amp. After doing some research, I have narrowed it down to 4 brands: hifonics, soundstream, phoenix gold, and audiobahn. All the amps I am looking at are pushing around 300w RMS x 2 channels (bridged) at 4 ohms. Of the brands mentioned, which do you think would be the best. I heard some good things about soundstream and hifonics although they aren't a big name.

Leo,

IMO, I would go with hifonics. Back in the day they were the amp of choice along with the old school Orion and Linear Power. Soundstream use to be a big name but the ownership has changed twice and I am not certain about their performance levels today.

I am not too crazy about Audiobahn; all for personal reasons that I would rather not disclose.

Another foot note that I would throw out there when comparing is to determine who is CEA2006 compliant. This is a regulation that was implemented 2 years ago and most, if not all, the audio companies that are a part of CEA have to comply to it. It basically states that all power rating is tested a certain method to determine the real output. Simply put, if it states 100 x2 into 4 ohms, it will be a 100 x2.

Anyway, I hope this helps. Also, I would take a look at Massive Audio. They have some real killer amps. They even have some high current two channels that will feed power to a pair of tower speakers that will make your head spin.

Good Luck,

Dale

I am currently using Audiobahn, 2 reasons mainly. Cost is cheap, Ebay is a great spot for them. Second, they just take a good beating. For a Marine application, thats a mandatory factor for me..

I'll second what Erin has to say about audiobahn, while they may not be the "best" they've lasted me for about 2 years w/ no problems in a marine environment. Once they go, I'll proabbly upgrade, but for now they do the trick. I've heard good things about the hifonics amps as well (as an inexpesive good quality amp.)

Ok, the audiobahn I am looking at is the a6004t. They are selling on ebay for $140 shipped. It says is pushes 300w RMS x 2 at 4 ohms when bridged. The only problem is I hear it overheats when bridged to subs...would the addictions have the same effect?

You can pickup an Orion 8004 on ebay for under $300 shipped... thats what is powering my addictions. 400 watts to each channel. They pound!

Leo, I've had my sytem cranked for up to 6 hours in Texas summer heat and only once have I had one of my amps shut down (momentarirly) The other one was hot but still throwing sound. turn the whole system off for 30 seconds to a mintue and fire back up , everything worked beautifully. What alot of people forget about your amps will start to run hotter when battery voltage starts to drop. Whenever your votlage starts to decrease your amplifiers will start pulling more amps, runnin more inefficiently. Also make sure you have proper ventalation....when peopel are stuffing all their bags, purses, ect in the storage compartment make sure there's enought room for your amps to "breathe'

Adam, what audiobahn amps are you using?

The a8002t ( I have one to each pod) gain is abotu half way, I run everyhting thru an eq/line driver. The amp may be too much power for the addiction? Maybe a better question for Duane.

Leo, I'm using Kicker KX amp 850.4 it bridges out to 415 x 2 @ 4ohms. I was told that is benches out to even stronger than 415, but we will see. I still have my boat at the stereo shop getting work done. I bought a pair of Tyrant NVS from Duane. They look kick a$$ and I know they will rock the boat. The Kicker amps are easy to find on the internet for cheap, you should look into it. The only bad thing about Kicker is they are huge. I will know how it sounds by this weekend I hope I will shoot you a message with some pictures.
Brannon

Thanks Adam. Another question is the battery voltage. What voltage is the battery supposed to be at? Perfect pass says I am at 10.4 Volts. I am thinking that is low.

Every boat I've ever been in the PP voltage always reads low....mine reads about 1 vot to 1.5 volts low. Measure the voltage at the battery and at the amps. With the engine off you should see aorund 12.5-12.6 on a fully charged battery.

Ok, I should be good then. Thanks for everyone and their help.