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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Raleigh, NC
    Posts
    275

    Default Cheapo Amp Suggestions

    I am going to take everyones advice and get a cheapo amp to install with my Infinity Reference 612m which I got for Christmas. I say cheapo since I am runing out of my wifes patience for $$ spent on the boat. I am curious if folks have experience with any of

    Kenwood Kac 8405: http://amzn.to/wJ5x4b
    Rockford Fosgate Prime R300-4: http://amzn.to/zbof0L
    Sound Ordnance™ M-4075: http://bit.ly/w3VyPZ

    Now.. some noob questions:

    - I was assuming to not purchase a wiring kit, since I assume the boat wiring would be different lengths. Seem reasonable?
    - Can I install the amp near the battery (front compartment, right next to the battery)? That would be easiest for wiring and would clean up the compartment a bit. I dont know if i need to worry about interference.
    - I assume I should run new speaker wires to handle the increasd power to the speakers. Is that correct?

    Thanks!
    2003 Mobius LSV Gravity Games
    Total Noob running 1100 in the center, 750s in the lockers.
    JL JX360/4 powering 6 Infinity 621m speakers

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Wichita,Ks
    Posts
    279

    Default

    You mean you Tell your wife about how much your Spending........LOL... We all go thru it, don't we. I buy a lot of good stuff cheap on E-bay and CL. Just saying get the most bang for your buck if your on a budget. I dont have experience with the amps you have listed. I do have a 9105 Kenwood for my subs. I have always used Kenwwod and had good experience with them.
    Rick
    2002 Moomba Mobius V

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Arkansas
    Posts
    3,952

    Default

    I believe I have the older version of that Kenwood (id have to really look at it) if you would be interested in it.

    1. It seems to be easier to just figure out the wiring you need and run by a local installer and pic some up
    2. Yep, you can install right next to each other. You will want to consider a fuse.
    3. Probably not necessary since you aren't jumping up the power big time? Not sure what is currently installed.

    ^Quick answers as I didn't look up the products referenced. There may be other options to explore as well.
    2016 Moomba Mojo
    2006 Supra 24SSV - Traded

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Tallahassee, FL
    Posts
    14,071

    Default

    The KAC line is a pretty solid budget amp and way better than the off brand stuff. Check ebay for refurb/recertified Infinity Reference amps- nice deals sometimes and decent budget stuff. Most of the Rockford stuff is pretty reliable too.
    My Mom said I'm not allowed to get wet!
    2008 LSV (sold)
    2000 Outback LS (sold)
    LLTR!!!!!!!!



  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Kaukauna, WI - 3minutes from glass
    Posts
    2,132

    Default

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/KICKER-08-ZX...610f4a&vxp=mtr

    I've had really good luck with the kicker ZX line.
    -Mark
    14 Mojo - 72 hours and growing
    02 Mobius LSV ---- Sold and always will be remembered as the one that started it all.

    "Hey you only live once"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    442

    Default

    Every one has their own preference to brand for specific items, mine happens to be JL audio for my amps.

    Since HiFi Sound Connection came up, I have to mention that I had a bad experience with them and would not recomend them. I ordered direct off thier website, they listed items they dont have in stock, then wont refund for backorder item, no refund for returned item, poor customer service-only contact by email or sit on hold for a long time. I ended up going through my credit card to stop payment on them. This incident took place about 1 year ago. Maybe things have changed but Buyer Beware.

    If looking for another possible retailer, check out soniceletronix.com. I have used them, and no problems and prices seem good.

    No experience with the amplifiers listed. Had Rockford Fosgate back in the 90's, were good back then.
    2003 Outback, Assault EFI, (6) Polk Audio DB651s, JL Audio M6600 amp, JL Audio M1700 amp, JL Audio 10w6v2 subwoofer

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Dallas, TX
    Posts
    887

    Default

    Hoopskier,
    Not calling out any particular on-line retailer but many of these sources are not authorized dealers for a great number of products they represent to sell. They may not procure it until they have a sale. The origins may be questionable. The serial numbers may have been changed. The product may not have a manufacturer warranty at all. If the retailer has to warranty the product that can be a six month ordeal or a path to nowhere. So it is always better to check with the manufacturer involved in advance of the purchase and find out if the dealer in question is authorized to sell their product.

    David

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    augusta, GA
    Posts
    4

    Default

    FWIW, I have several older KAC kenwood amps in my boat and one of those is the older version of the one you mentioned (kac-8402). It works great running 4 wetsounds xs-65's. I was on a tight budget as well. I got one of the amps free so I picked up 2 more for around $50/each used.(ebay) That being said, If I had reason to go out and buy a new/new-to-me/refurbished 4-channel amp, I would be choosing from Pioneer GM-D9500f, Arc Audio XXD-4080, or the Kicker IX500.4, All of which are class D and $150-$260 range from what I have seen.
    91 Supra Sunsport

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Belton, SC
    Posts
    941

    Default

    If you really want to go cheap...You could always go with automotive amp and not marine rated. Maybe this is the case with some of the amps you're referring to above, and I know it isnt' perfect solution, but I've been running an early '90's kenwood amp in my boat for 6+ years now and it is still working fine...not sure for how much longer, as it is starting to look pretty rough now sinec I had such a crappy cover on the Moomba last year and it stayed a little too moist in it. Just mount it somewhere it won't get wet. I only bring it up because there are a LOT more peope out there upgrading their car amps than their boat amps, so a used amp can be easy to come by. Just a thought...
    '00 Moomba Kamberra
    '06 Yamaha FZ1 & 6 dirtbikes for me & my kids
    '99 BMW 528it
    '06 Chevy Express 3500 (15 passenger)

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