Best amp for entire system.

[teejayy]

Hi guys,
I am trying to buy an amplifier to power my entire system, this comprises of standard HU, using the Audiocontrol LC6i as a LOC, i have Vibe 12" enclosed sub and vibe rear coaxils and vibe front components.
I am choosing between the Hertz EP5 amplifier and the Harman Kardon 5 channel amp. Currently I can get both for about £170, ( $249 ).
I appriciate you probably dont know much about Vibe but they are a UK audio company, fairly good quality.
Maybe in the future ill be able to afford the stuff sqcomp and derickveliz2 are putting in their system.

Just any thoughts on the two amps would be appriciated!

Thankyou in Advance,

teejayy.

[teejayy]

Got some specs for you all....
Hertz EP5
Output Power (RMS):
60W x 4 + 160W x 1 @4-ohm
95W x 4 + 250W x 1 @2-ohm
3 channel mode: 190W x 2 (4ohm) + 160W x 1 (4ohm)
190W x 2 (4ohm) + 250W x 1 (2ohm)
Filters & Controls:
A Channels: Full / Hi-pass / Lo-pass: 40 - 150Hz @12dB/Oct
B Channels: Full / Hi-pass / Lo-pass: 40 - 150Hz @12dB/Oct
C Channels: Lo Pass 40 - 150Hz @24dB/Oct
T.H.D. (100Hz @4-ohm): 0.08%
Bandwith A & B (-3 dB): 7 - 60Hz
Bandwith C (-3 dB): 7 - 150Hz
S/N Ratio (A weighted @1V): 98dBA
Damping Factor A & B Channel (100Hz @4-ohm) :100
Damping Factor C Channel (100Hz @4-ohm) :200
Pre-In sensitivity: 0.3-5Volts
Pre-In impedence: 15 kohms
Speaker-In sensitivity: 1.4-24Volts
Speaker-in impendence@ 5kOhms
Power supply voltage: 11 - 15Volts
Idling current: 1.5A
Idling current when off: 0.04mA
Consumption @4ohm, 14.4VDC: 44A
Remote In: 6-15 VDC - 1mA
Remote Out: 12 VDC - 50mA
Automatic Turn On/Off with speaker in
Fuse: 3x30A
Dimensions (mm): 240 x 450 x 54

Harman Kardon 5 channel
5/4/3 MULTI channel amplifier
Power Output (4 Ohms): 55W RMS x 4 + 200W RMS for BASS channel
Power Output (2 Ohms): 80W RMS x 4 + 320W RMS for BASS channel
Crossovers:
Front: Low Pass/High Pass/Off - 12dB/Oct
Rear: Low Pass/High Pass/Off - 12dB/Oct
Sub: Low Pass - 24dB/Oct
Variable Subsonic (12dB/Oct.) : Including EQ (sub)
Signal-to-Noise (dBA) 102dBA (reference rated power into 4 ohms)
THD 0.06% (rated power at 4 ohms)
Frequency Response 10Hz - 100kHz and 13Hz - 320Hz (-3dB)
80Amp Fuse Rating
Wired Bass controller included
Dimensions (L x W x H) 234mm x 534mm x 62mm

[pennyracer]

hk is a sound quality amp cant go qrong with hk i run arc audio myself and i am very happy with it

[teejayy]

I was concerned mainly with the output of the HK amp, would 5w rms loss compared to the Hertz for the coaxils and components make a massive difference?

@ pennyracer, Chears for the rapid response! Thats exactly what im going for, i dont really want something that will blow my mind SPL wise. Its all about SQ! When space is a premium am i right in thinking one amp for entire system is better?

[teejayy]

I was concerned mainly with the output of the HK amp, would 5w rms loss compared to the Hertz for the coaxils and components make a massive difference?

@ pennyracer, Chears for the rapid response! Thats exactly what im going for, i dont really want something that will blow my mind SPL wise. Its all about SQ! When space is a premium am i right in thinking one amp for entire system is better?

[sqcomp]

Having installed the Hertz offering, they're strong amplifiers. I wouldn't hesitate to use the Hertz.

[swidd]

I'm very happy with my PDX-5, but I've never owned anything else to compare with.

[bzinn 1]

Its a shame Elemental Designs does not still sell the NINe.5.....it is a great amp and can run 3/4/or 5 channels,crossovers built in for every channel,and it pushes way more power than advertised......now I just gotta figure out how to fit it into the car......lol......it is about 29" long....

[teejayy]

That seems to be a reoccouring problem with the yaris! It's a quality car though, massivly underrated in the UK! Can't wait to get my system in, i think I'm going to go with the HK amplifier, as the hertz one is second hand.. Can never be too sure if the previous owner had the same love for ICE as we all do!
Thanks for everyones help!

[H3LlIoN]

I'm very happy with my PDX-5, but I've never owned anything else to compare with.


I second pdx. They are clean and clear, and damned near impossible to hook up incorrectly, in case you have no idea what you're doing.

[swidd]

I actually have a hard time imagining how a sound system could sound any better than with my PDX, SPX and Type R... (note: its my first system ever, I've never heard anything to compare with). I hear every tone clear and vivid, the bass blends and compliments as if I was driving around with a real kick-drum in the trunk, it sounds like a concert, only better... What else is there to hear?

I'm very impressed by how joyful it is to drive around with a system, so I'm open for suggestions on how to make it even better. This sound stuff is really awesome.

[H3LlIoN]

I guess I should have added that I am a professional audio installer, and I've heard many different combinations of audio components, and I vote for PDX.

[derickveliz2]

If I had to buy amps for my yaris I would go like this

1st... HERTZ

2nd... Alpine

3rd... Pioneer

Depends on budget, I know you are asking for a 5 channel amp, but I read my name and I felt like writing something, What ever you do, will be better than stock!

[pariahdecss]

Another vote for the PDX5 - super compact and a good amount of headroom for my modest needs

[Bluevitz-rs]

No matter what the brand, I always look at the THD level. The lower the number the better sound quality will be.

[sqcomp]

Ouch, Derick puts the Pioneer last!

Hey Derick, put one of these in:

http://pioneer.jp/carrozzeria/products/common/images/btn_prs-a900_over.jpg

You can put 10 Volts to it too!

Oh yeah, it's only as much as my deck. Chump change. :P

[teejayy]

No matter what the brand, I always look at the THD level. The lower the number the better sound quality will be.



That would lead me to believe that the HK amp is better than the Hertz? Seeing that the HK is 0.06% THD compared to the hertz at 0.08% THD. The HK amp also has a higher Signal to Noise Ratio. Its strange I cant afford a PDX here.. Not the new one anyway.

[derickveliz2]

Ouch, Derick puts the Pioneer last!
:P


Sorry that was a typo!



1st... Pioneer.:thumbsup:

2nd... Pioneer.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

3rd... Pioneer.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:



.:thumbup:

[derickveliz2]

Hey Derick, put one of these in:
You can put 10 Volts to it too!
Oh yeah, it's only as much as my deck. Chump change. :P


I wish I could afford it right now! that's the mother of all my amps!

at about $1500 it should be GOOD!

:bow::bow::bow:http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchfield.com/ImageHandler/scale/340/342/products/2010/9/130/h130A900-f.jpeg

http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_130A900/Pioneer-PRS-A900.html?tp=115

.:thumbup:

[sqcomp]

Oh dear Derick...

There's a little difference between that Premier amp and the Carrozzeria piece I put up..and for a hundred dollars less. Think optical in, it's own 24 bit D/A converter, and a DSP that'll blow you mind...something like 72 dB slopes on the crossover... there's more too...

Now all I have to do is to sell my "Weak" P-01 and get a RSD 7xIII...

[derickveliz2]

Oh dear Derick...

There's a little difference between that Premier amp and the Carrozzeria piece I put up...

.


................:iono:



.

[saue1436]

How about Audison LRX 3.1K or 5.1K? You mention SQ and Pioneer together? What am I missing here.. Best Buy will not give you SQ, they sell budget equipment. Drive to a real shop. IF you are looking for a real system listen to some of the Audison LRX amps or even some JL Audio HD (HD900/5) or slash series amps. Don't settle for less.

[Alien Mantis]

How about Audison LRX 3.1K or 5.1K? You mention SQ and Pioneer together? What am I missing here.. Best Buy will not give you SQ, they sell budget equipment. Drive to a real shop. IF you are looking for a real system listen to some of the Audison LRX amps or even some JL Audio HD (HD900/5) or slash series amps. Don't settle for less.


Good job on assuming everyone is RICH.

:mad:

[sqcomp]

The lrx series should be shade comparably to ID's Q amps. The sr series is also very nice for entry level.

[teejayy]

How about Audison LRX 3.1K or 5.1K? You mention SQ and Pioneer together? What am I missing here.. Best Buy will not give you SQ, they sell budget equipment. Drive to a real shop. IF you are looking for a real system listen to some of the Audison LRX amps or even some JL Audio HD (HD900/5) or slash series amps. Don't settle for less.

I appreciate your input, and im sure the LRX amps and the HD amps are incredible, but i'm only a student. Students aren't renowned for the disposable income..

I'm looking for SQ on a budget.

[sqcomp]

...see my last statement...

The SR series from Audison is arguably the best entry level amp series you can buy into. Now, with that being said, as long as you're buying new from a reputable dealer anything they offer should be covered under warranty. Doing the buying this way versus the internet, eliminates the hassle IF something goes wrong. It eliminates the need to feel the angst of waiting for the online warehouser to replace your piece (with all the shipping costs on you)...all you have to do is to walk into the shop and get it replaced.

The costs? Would you pay $15 more for an amp if you didn't have to go through all the previously mentioned hassle? OH yeah, one of the other benefits...you might just make some friends. Pssst! This means better pricing over time!

My afterthought to this is, DON'T be ashamed if you have to buy into a value brand like Crunch or Powerbass! It's a start.

Thoughts?

[Alien Mantis]

Is the price difference ever $15 more?

It has been my experience that a local shop can be TWICE as expensive.

Discounts over time? How much product am I going to have to buy, before I start getting a decent deal on stuff?

Local shops are there to make money.
They want to do big upgrades, and custom installs.
They are not in the business of moving large quantities of product, at competitive prices. Local shops can also haggle with you about a warranty issue, if you do not pay them to do the install. They can try to say it was not properly installed or configured, and that is why it failed.

REPUTABLE online retailers move large volumes, most of them do not do installs, so they automatically understand the customer will be doing the install, they never give you any crap about returns as long as you follow their return policy, shipping is usually the same or LESS than local sales tax, ( in many cases it's FREE ), local shops typically only stock a very limited product line, online retailers stock a HUGE variety, local shops screw you on the price of wire and cables, ( they seem to have a huge markup on that stuff, must be another trick they use to talk people into letting them do installs ), local shops demo stuff in their showroom to push people into the higher-end stuff where they have larger profit margins, etc... etc... etc.

I am not a fan of local car audio shops. I played the game, and I see how it works.
Since I do installs myself, I do not need their services.
I need quality audio gear at a price I can afford, with a guarantee.

I GET THAT FROM SONICELECTRONIX.COM

:thumbsup:

[Palmer812]

Is the price difference ever $15 more?

It has been my experience that a local shop can be TWICE as expensive.

Discounts over time? How much product am I going to have to buy, before I start getting a decent deal on stuff?

Local shops are there to make money.
They want to do big upgrades, and custom installs.
They are not in the business of moving large quantities of product, at competitive prices. Local shops can also haggle with you about a warranty issue, if you do not pay them to do the install. They can try to say it was not properly installed or configured, and that is why it failed.

REPUTABLE online retailers move large volumes, most of them do not do installs, so they automatically understand the customer will be doing the install, they never give you any crap about returns as long as you follow their return policy, shipping is usually the same or LESS than local sales tax, ( in many cases it's FREE ), local shops typically only stock a very limited product line, online retailers stock a HUGE variety, local shops screw you on the price of wire and cables, ( they seem to have a huge markup on that stuff, must be another trick they use to talk people into letting them do installs ), local shops demo stuff in their showroom to push people into the higher-end stuff where they have larger profit margins, etc... etc... etc.

I am not a fan of local car audio shops. I played the game, and I see how it works.
Since I do installs myself, I do not need their services.
I need quality audio gear at a price I can afford, with a guarantee.

I GET THAT FROM SONICELECTRONIX.COM

:thumbsup:

I understand your feelings if you have had bad experiences before but you are going to the wrong shops. I gladly match prices from Sonic and Online Car Stereo and give out free advice on a daily basis to customers who are doing their own installs. And as far as warranty goes why the hell would I try to hassle you or deny you warranty? It doesn't cost me anything to warranty a product. Last week I had a customer poke a hole in his new speaker with a drill while installing it. I gave him a new speaker on the spot under warranty. I can't tell you how many times I have gone out to a customer's car that they have installed something and are having problems where I showed them what they did wrong and sent them on their way at no charge. I also have customers that have been buying from me for over 15 years. When I changed companies and moved 20 miles away they still came to me. I know some shops try to get rich off of people but they are idiots and will go out of business if they think they can keep it up. Things are not the way they were 15 years ago when I started in the industry. You have to adapt. I offer great prices and great service and free advice and I survive just fine from repeat customers and referrals. I would rather make $10 or $20 profit on an item than have you buy online and make $0.

[teejayy]

I understand your feelings if you have had bad experiences before but you are going to the wrong shops. I gladly match prices from Sonic and Online Car Stereo and give out free advice on a daily basis to customers who are doing their own installs. And as far as warranty goes why the hell would I try to hassle you or deny you warranty? It doesn't cost me anything to warranty a product. Last week I had a customer poke a hole in his new speaker with a drill while installing it. I gave him a new speaker on the spot under warranty. I can't tell you how many times I have gone out to a customer's car that they have installed something and are having problems where I showed them what they did wrong and sent them on their way at no charge. I also have customers that have been buying from me for over 15 years. When I changed companies and moved 20 miles away they still came to me. I know some shops try to get rich off of people but they are idiots and will go out of business if they think they can keep it up. Things are not the way they were 15 years ago when I started in the industry. You have to adapt. I offer great prices and great service and free advice and I survive just fine from repeat customers and referrals. I would rather make $10 or $20 profit on an item than have you buy online and make $0.

I'm sure there are people out there like yourself, and credit to you for your service to the car audio industry!
However, it is cheaper to do the work yourself, buying the top grade equipment off large wholesale companies..
It really is whatever suits you, the consumer. If you want good advice, with trusted people doing an install then you can't beat a good local shop, especially if you have built up a relationship with a particular installer! If you want to get a hold of equipment in bulk, ie cabling.. then it's obviously cheaper to buy off a wholesale company, they work on such a large volume they can afford to be cheaper than local car audio stores.. It's the only reason these large sellers exist, if they weren't cheaper than local car audio stores why would anyone use them?!
What your talking about are different opinions on two different ways of doing the one thing we all love doing which is Car Audio Installs,
The issue in the UK is that I struggle to find local car audio shops, and being quite young I'm yet to meet anyone in the industry whom I could trust enough. I know one guy affliated with Vibe Audio and he has done me well selling second hand equipment fully refurbished with full manufacters warrenty but the same thing doesn't exist for 'high end' audio. Or maybe I haven't found it yet!

@ sqcomp
Utterly overlooked the SR series amplifiers, I apologise! I think seeing the word audison and entry level together in the same sentence didn't sound right so I overlooked it, upon futher investigation I realise that they are well priced for the quality! And audison Is a good brand!

[Alien Mantis]

To be fair, I understand some shops are good, and some shops are not.

In my area, we have shops that are not good.
Most of them are a joke.
We have one shop that literally makes up prices on the spot, based on what the customer looks like. They have no prices on anything. They look at you, look at what car you arrived in, and they make the price up.
Another shop wanted to charge me $3 a foot for 8ga bulk wire.
They had large spools of the stuff in different colors. $3 a foot? Is it made of GOLD? Gimme a break.

Palmer812, I would do business with you, if you were in my local area.

[sqcomp]

Hey AM...don't forget me!

Actually, they're probably charging you MAP pricing. I wouldn't pay MAP or MSRP either. A lot of people have the shops that are BB, CC, Car Toys, the list goes on. We are constantly hearing horror stories from the chain stores. I remember one from last week where Car Toys installed a complete system for a guy, dialed it in, and sent him on his way. A week later the speakers blew. Car Toys warrantied the speakers but charged him for the re-install. Ol' boy was furious. The shop now has a new customer.

Consider you are getting a REAL factory warranty. Also know that if anything does go wrong with the equipment you don't eat the shipping. The shop does! Believe it or not. This industry is backasswards. The manufacturers (for the most part) charge shipping unless you make big orders. On returns, it's all on the shop.

[Alien Mantis]

Hey AM...don't forget me!

Of course!

:thumbsup: