Topic: Choosing Between Amps

[Newgen]

Greetings guys and gurls,

I'm looking for a 4 channel amp under a budget of 2K.
Gonna use it to drive my front component set (50W RMS) for the moment, and a future Subwoofer.
Will get a 12" sub in the next few months, JL 12WX for a start perhaps?
And finally, get another amp for the Sub too, but that will be at the end of my list so far.

I've read about the following 2 amps and notice their price range is quite near.
1. Zapco Reference 360.4 (50W RMS x 4 @ 4ohm)
2. Focal FP 4.75 (75W RMS x 4 @ 4ohm)

*since i'm searching for a 4 channel amp, i might as well just throw in a few more amps when i come along
3. TRU Technology T4.65 (65W RMS x 4 @ 4ohm)


I notice there's a thing call "Line Driver" in the specs. What are that for? Only Zapco has this?
Did some search: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_driver
From my understanding, it's a device to eliminate the low level noise and distortions?

Anyway, any recommendations? Don't mind a used amp as long as it's not too old.

Thank you.

[zac]

Erm... dunno exactly whats line driver for, but i use it to increase hu output voltage... to meet the requirement of certain amp.

2k can get you some nice used stuff, happy hunting. 

[kyo111]

Considering weaker USD, I will just buy some new amps from Ebay. JL AUdio HD600/4 is something you can consider, 150W per channel.

[Newgen]

Zac: Bro can give some pointers? Thanks!

Kyo111: Bro, That is truly a nice beauty! Like 2.3k including shipment i guess. But will there be any duty charge or text? And warranty claim must be hard...

[zac]

just scout around... i think there will be sth suits you well...

For buying things from ebay, i havent try audio gear, but i bought some car parts and kena blocked at posoffice...
have to pay for tax blar blar blar... so i think its all depend on luck...

However, most of the used part i see online is quite err... not good condition, they also stated non-returnable... so i didn't take the risk...
but from a reputable seller should be fine then... 

[key3hky2]

yeah....fyi LYN they have this service that provides shipping back to Msia...but like what other bros mentioned...can kena tax...

[mnkh27]

kena tax is one thing, but if you get cheated or the item goes missing = total loss.

[kyo111]

Zac: Bro can give some pointers? Thanks!

Kyo111: Bro, That is truly a nice beauty! Like 2.3k including shipment i guess. But will there be any duty charge or text? And warranty claim must be hard...

It will be something like rm2600-2700 after taxed. And it is grey area market, nothing wrong with that, as long as it don't post you any problem. But when it have problem, you may be charged double for the repair. Well built amps usually won't spoilt easily, if you have the guts, you can always go to this route.
And if you are planning to buy from US, don't think about warranty, as the shipping will cost almost the same.
I've already changed 6 amps, whereby all from US and when I sell them, I only got happy users that bought from me.
Try not to get the postage service from USPS, as it sucks big time because you will be dealing with Pos Malaysia and sure get taxed. Fedex or others you have higher chances of getting rm0 tax.
Other than that, easybid is another source for you but it will be expensive.
Only setback you must consider is, you may get cheated, so look for Ebay sellers with very high ratings as seller and use Paypal. But getting cheated or not, it may happen every where. It is convinient to buy from web, but get conned also easy.
Cables for sure you can get them rm0 tax, this for sure, but don't buy until >20M....

[zac]

It will be something like rm2600-2700 after taxed. And it is grey area market, nothing wrong with that, as long as it don't post you any problem. But when it have problem, you may be charged double for the repair. Well built amps usually won't spoilt easily, if you have the guts, you can always go to this route.
And if you are planning to buy from US, don't think about warranty, as the shipping will cost almost the same.
I've already changed 6 amps, whereby all from US and when I sell them, I only got happy users that bought from me.
Try not to get the postage service from USPS, as it sucks big time because you will be dealing with Pos Malaysia and sure get taxed. Fedex or others you have higher chances of getting rm0 tax.
Other than that, easybid is another source for you but it will be expensive.
Only setback you must consider is, you may get cheated, so look for Ebay sellers with very high ratings as seller and use Paypal. But getting cheated or not, it may happen every where. It is convinient to buy from web, but get conned also easy.
Cables for sure you can get them rm0 tax, this for sure, but don't buy until >20M....

Bro, mind to share the price you paid for the 6 amps and the marlet price they would cost over here?
Maybe we can create a thread, post up some good ebay deals over here? 

oot a while, recently kena a ridiculous thing, a fellow registered under malaysia ebay, but upload his item in spore, selling some cheap cd, i try to bid but can't, so i drop an email to the seller, and reason given is there are too many people in msia and spore, buy his item and resell at higher value... therefore he blocked this 2 countries... i was like... WTF... as if people from other country will definitely buy it and keep it forever... lame excuse... ok oot done... 

[kyo111]

How about comparing a JL Audio E4300(older 4 channel) in Bukit Tinngi's that selling for rm27++ to a JL Audio A6450(newer 6 channel) that I got it rm1500?
How about comparing a Pioneer GM series that sells rm1+++ in local acc shops and a PRS series that also rm1+++?
How about Lightning Audio Bolt series(I was a fan of this last time) that sells rm2+++ here and I got from US for <rm1000 each?
Have a Strike monoblock which I got it rm800... But local acc shops seldom carry this.
Even I came accross an Alpine F#1 MRV-F900 that selling new for rm6+++
Lelong and Ebay Malaysia are in my black list, as a lot of fakes and heaven for conmen.....

Thread for Ebay..... Are you looking for trouble or what? If you want, we share quietly, haha.

[Newgen]

Nonononnonon..... No trouble making here in newgenic's post... Hehehehe... Peace guys peace... I'm just a noon who is trying to get good deals and enjoy good music at a decent price!

[kyo111]

^Well, I just warn the above person and I'm not starting also, haha. But later when others jump in and flame me, then you will know who is that trouble maker.

[Newgen]

Got to tahan... be patient....
hehe
Anyway, I'm trying not to get amps online... UNLESS there's really really a very good deal.
But it's risky cause... i really don't want to pay for any DOA items... Dead on Arival... What i mean is... the risk is there and warranty is like so expensive and close to impossible(budget wise i guess).

How about servicing/repairing amps? Normally what they do during the amp servicing/repairing? What is the rough cost of it? Just trying to get a head start and get prepared for the situations...

Thank you for your patience guys... I know i ask alot... I hope i can learn more so that I can pass on the knowledge :P

[kyo111]

There's always risk when doing things... If you are asking people to install, better buy local... If DIY, then online. Because if you DIY, the warranty would be void.
The risk is there, just have to see how you manage the risk.

[finalazy84]

so if u buy local (new) and install at any other car acc warranty not void, but if install on ur own it will void?