Amp for Focal K2P's.
05-16-2006, 04:56 PM
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Amp for Focal K2P's.
I'll start by saying I'm drunk with knowledge from the faq and previous posts.
I'm ready for the next step in my stereo purchase, and would like some opinions. I'm looking for an amp to drive some Focal K2P's. I'd like to keep the budget below $350, and prefer to purchase from an authorised dealer [been burned before.]
http://www.focal-america.com/Product...r/k2power.html
Head: Eclipse 8445 w/iPod and SIRIUS
I have no immediate plans for a sub.
The front runner is the Eclipse EA4000 for roughly $310. It's an AB amp.
http://www.eclipse-web.com/amp/ea4000.html
Based on previous posts and faq's this apears to be in the sweet spot. One advantage of staying with Eclipse is I will have the ability to make some specialised amp adjustments through the head and read the amp temp. It's a nice thing to have, however I doubt I'll be making changes to the amp once set. The temperature thing would only come in handy if it were shutting down. I could live without it. I'm not an Eclipse
Is this a good value? Anyone think I'm on the right track or have thoughts/suggestions on other amps?
I apologise if I need reassurance on this one. I'm out of my element, and know a little knowledge is dangerous. I'd like to think the wedge set aside is enough to get something consistent with my other components. Please speak up if it's not.
Thanks in advance.
I'm ready for the next step in my stereo purchase, and would like some opinions. I'm looking for an amp to drive some Focal K2P's. I'd like to keep the budget below $350, and prefer to purchase from an authorised dealer [been burned before.]
http://www.focal-america.com/Product...r/k2power.html
Head: Eclipse 8445 w/iPod and SIRIUS
I have no immediate plans for a sub.
The front runner is the Eclipse EA4000 for roughly $310. It's an AB amp.
http://www.eclipse-web.com/amp/ea4000.html
Based on previous posts and faq's this apears to be in the sweet spot. One advantage of staying with Eclipse is I will have the ability to make some specialised amp adjustments through the head and read the amp temp. It's a nice thing to have, however I doubt I'll be making changes to the amp once set. The temperature thing would only come in handy if it were shutting down. I could live without it. I'm not an Eclipse
Is this a good value? Anyone think I'm on the right track or have thoughts/suggestions on other amps?
I apologise if I need reassurance on this one. I'm out of my element, and know a little knowledge is dangerous. I'd like to think the wedge set aside is enough to get something consistent with my other components. Please speak up if it's not.
Thanks in advance.
05-17-2006, 10:01 PM
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iirc that amp is a class d of some sort. for that price, i feel you can find something better, like this rockford. the new punches are nice amps for the price, probably my 2nd favorite in the $350 retail category. dont let the power ratings fool you, it packs a lot of power and everything in that amp is analog. unless you are staying with a digital signal all the way to the amp, try to stay away from amps with digital crap, or you will get a signal degration going through digital filters/processing, (ie, alpine pdx/mrv series and eclipse new EA series ).
http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/pr...71&locale=en_US
my number one choice in your price range would be this DLS classic amp, not quite as much power as the rockford, but it was tested to be right around 70-75 watts rms. has a more open relaxed sound as opposed to rockfords warm, in your face type sound.
http://www.mobilesq.com/store/product_info...&products_id=78
both of these amps are true class ab amps.
http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/pr...71&locale=en_US
my number one choice in your price range would be this DLS classic amp, not quite as much power as the rockford, but it was tested to be right around 70-75 watts rms. has a more open relaxed sound as opposed to rockfords warm, in your face type sound.
http://www.mobilesq.com/store/product_info...&products_id=78
both of these amps are true class ab amps.
05-18-2006, 02:02 PM
#3
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If you want quality, authorized, for your focals, PM John (Darkknight1999) for an Alpine PDX amp that is about 100x2 @4ohms.
They are VERY nice amps.
If you dont like that, you can get a VERY nice PMA series Alphasonik from him as well
(He is a board sponsor)
Good luck.
They are VERY nice amps.
If you dont like that, you can get a VERY nice PMA series Alphasonik from him as well
(He is a board sponsor)
Good luck.
05-18-2006, 09:14 PM
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I'm still soliciting opinions.
I called my installer, and he suggested:
http://www.eclipse-web.com/amp/pa4212.html
A friend of a friend recommended:
http://www.soundstream.com/amplifiers-tarantula.htm#
TRA340.2 He cautioned not to go to the TRA560.2 as these amps are evidently generally underated vs power available. He noted the Focals have a max power of 200 watts Is this a true statement?
I'll confess I'm still very confused which way to go.
My rudimentary review has me favouring the TRA340.2 if it has the necessary power. The numbers seem competitve with the other amps, and the retail price is 2/3 price of the others. Am I off base? Or, am I being swayed by the spider on the case.
Again, any guidance on offer is greatly appreciated....
I called my installer, and he suggested:
http://www.eclipse-web.com/amp/pa4212.html
A friend of a friend recommended:
http://www.soundstream.com/amplifiers-tarantula.htm#
TRA340.2 He cautioned not to go to the TRA560.2 as these amps are evidently generally underated vs power available. He noted the Focals have a max power of 200 watts Is this a true statement?
I'll confess I'm still very confused which way to go.
My rudimentary review has me favouring the TRA340.2 if it has the necessary power. The numbers seem competitve with the other amps, and the retail price is 2/3 price of the others. Am I off base? Or, am I being swayed by the spider on the case.
Again, any guidance on offer is greatly appreciated....
05-19-2006, 09:40 AM
#6
Registered User
I have the same set of Focal K2P's that I'm going to be installing in my s2k to replace the MB Quarts in there right now this weekend.
Usually I'm a JL Audio amp guy but on my s2k due to space constraints I ventured into something new and got Alpine's new PDX amp. (See pic below).
I got the 4-channel version with 2 channels bridged for my single 10w6 and the other 2 driving 150 watts per side on the Focals.
Sound tests so far with my current setup is awesome and no overheating issues but what I love most is the tiny footprint of this amp which was critical for my s2k since I wanted it to sit on top of the gas tank area.
rick
Usually I'm a JL Audio amp guy but on my s2k due to space constraints I ventured into something new and got Alpine's new PDX amp. (See pic below).
I got the 4-channel version with 2 channels bridged for my single 10w6 and the other 2 driving 150 watts per side on the Focals.
Sound tests so far with my current setup is awesome and no overheating issues but what I love most is the tiny footprint of this amp which was critical for my s2k since I wanted it to sit on top of the gas tank area.
rick
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