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Small amp that isnt noisy?

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by BIGW0RM, Jun 21, 2022.

  1. Jun 21, 2022 at 9:30 AM
    #1
    BIGW0RM

    BIGW0RM [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am looking for a small 4 channel amp for my tacoma. I was interested in the kicker key with its built in DSP, but I continue to see threads about white noise. I dont want to hear that so Im hesitant to get the kickerkey.

    Alpine has a small one too, but without a DSP built in. I'm not sure I need a DSP built in, and Im not sure if that one is noisy too.

    Looking for suggestions.

    Also, I have a sub and mono amp taking up the rear storage area. So Im not sure I can fit a 2nd normal sized amp in the driver side rear cubby. Maybe I can. But thats why Im looking for a smaller one I can hide in the dash.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Jun 21, 2022 at 10:12 AM
    #2
    Radioactiv

    Radioactiv Well-Known Member

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    I usually go to sundown if I can for anything audio. I know they have a few newer lines that are a decent size footprint.
     
    BIGW0RM[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 21, 2022 at 12:14 PM
    #3
    dolbytone

    dolbytone Well-Known Member

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    Audio Control ACM amplifiers are quiet. So are the Soundigital amplifiers.
     
    GRNT4R likes this.
  4. Jun 21, 2022 at 12:22 PM
    #4
    j-utah

    j-utah Well-Known Member

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    I think the NVX amps are a really good value. I’ve had no issues with mine. Tons of clear power.
     
  5. Jun 21, 2022 at 8:49 PM
    #5
    ZMan2k2

    ZMan2k2 “Hold my beer and watch this!”

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    I’ll throw my KENWOOD XR401.4 on the list. Love mine.
     
  6. Jun 21, 2022 at 9:00 PM
    #6
    $yoda$

    $yoda$ Well-Known Member

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    2.5 inch lift, 285/75r16s, upgraded stereo system, Magnuson mp90 supercharger system.
    How much power are you sending to your sub and what are the door speaker specs that you want to amplify?
     
  7. Jun 22, 2022 at 7:33 AM
    #7
    BIGW0RM

    BIGW0RM [OP] Well-Known Member

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    JL T3 10" gets 400watts with its own amp. The plan is to amp the door speakers (which I replaced with Kicker CS's but regret) too. So I will be getting new components speakers that can take 75-100rms. I was looking for a small amp for them. I like the idea of keeping it in the dash like the kicker or apline mini amps. I just dont want to hear white noise that the kicker seems to do. So I was thinking about the alpine one. But thats why I asked if anyone had any other small amp suggestions.
     
  8. Jun 22, 2022 at 1:05 PM
    #8
    ZMan2k2

    ZMan2k2 “Hold my beer and watch this!”

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    I ran one of the first Alpine mini amps years ago. From what I remember it was a solid amp. I swapped it after a few months for more power, but it performed well.
     
  9. Jun 22, 2022 at 1:12 PM
    #9
    Taco 422

    Taco 422 Well-Known Member

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    Arc Audio is whom you seek. Check the KS125.4 and the X2 450.4
     
  10. Jun 22, 2022 at 6:17 PM
    #10
    SuperAir

    SuperAir Well-Known Member

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    I don't have any noticeable noise with my Key 200.4
    And like you, I replaced my doors with Kicker CS. I "was" happy, until I amped them. Now I'm looking at doing components also

    I've also had good luck with Soundigital EVOx amps on Harleys
     
  11. Jun 22, 2022 at 6:25 PM
    #11
    BIGW0RM

    BIGW0RM [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you! I am leaning towards the alpine because of its cost and size. I just wish it had a DSP.

    Thank you! While the specs look great, the price is a little higher than my budget allows.

    Thank you for confirming the CS with an amp is a no go. I added DS18 tweeters with the kicker CS speakers to the stock radio power and while it was a VAST improvement over stock. The highs are way too much. I have my treble EQ less than flat to help with the ear piercing highs.
     
    ZMan2k2[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Jun 23, 2022 at 5:31 PM
    #12
    SuperAir

    SuperAir Well-Known Member

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    I shut my rears completely off today ( access cab) so I was only running the front stage and it cleaned up some of the harshness and most of the dirty mids I was getting. I'll re run the key setup this weekend and see if it cleans up any more. If not I'll shop components. I'm leaving the rears off permanently unless I upgrade head unit down the road. Pretty happy with the sound overall but I think it can be improved a bit more.
     
  13. Jun 23, 2022 at 11:40 PM
    #13
    MGMDesertTaco

    MGMDesertTaco Come on, live a little...

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    I looked at the JL JD amps as they had high level inputs and I wanted to keep the factory radio.

    https://www.crutchfield.com/S-dYhA2...MInrKa9LjF-AIVnsLCBB3k9AIUEAQYAyABEgKqBvD_BwE

    Ultimately, that's why I went with the Key for DSP. After having DSP I don't think I could go without it as the sound quality is absolutely phenomenal. The Key's white noise is noticeable (the 200.4, not the 500.1) and speaker brands vary with how much amp noise.

    Now I'm wanting to replace the head unit anyway, but only for Apple CarPlay. :rolleyes:

    I'll add that trying to upgrade anything with the factory radio is a royal pain, because your options are so limited. However, the results I got using the the kicker keys, focal auditors, and JL Stealthbox are amazing and I've heard high end McIntosh tube amps.

    You could upgrade to a 5 channel amp if space is tight.

    BTW, It helped to turn off auto level volume and turn down voice assistant volume in factory radio settings.
     
  14. Jun 24, 2022 at 4:19 AM
    #14
    rob feature

    rob feature Tacos!

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    My JL XD V2s are silent at idle, tiny, powerful and efficient. Cheap they are not, but they're built like tanks and leave nothing to be desired.
     
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  15. Jun 24, 2022 at 1:53 PM
    #15
    MGMDesertTaco

    MGMDesertTaco Come on, live a little...

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    I like those JL XD's a lot. Only complaint is they lack DSP. JL VXi seems like a better option although more expensive.
     
  16. Jun 24, 2022 at 2:33 PM
    #16
    rob feature

    rob feature Tacos!

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    Oh for sure. If I weren't using a head unit with DSP, I'd probably use a VXi 600/6. Yeah they're more coin, but when you're facing tight quarters and you need a DSP anyway, it makes a lot more sense getting all the goods in one box. I generally buy my amps used from various folks over on DIYMA for half retail or so, so they're affordable enough.
     
  17. Jun 24, 2022 at 3:17 PM
    #17
    TruckGuy63

    TruckGuy63 Well-Known Member

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    I agree / Audio control ACM very nice … small , sound clean ,and have a shocking amount of power for there size. I have both of them. The mono amp for base and the four channel for mids and highs
    Sounds really nice
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2022

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