need a 3 channel amp recommendation

New to the audio scene, I'm slowly upgrading my truck from the inside out. Just installed a avh-x7500bt head unit and love it, I just got my Polk audio db6501 speakers in the mail and before I install them I want an amp so I can do it all at once.

However I am lost at finding a decent 3 channel amp, I want my 2 speakers and a possible sub upgrade in the future. Im not wanting a crazy set up to make everyone jealous but I want the quality to be good. Nothing worse than that jerk blasting an annoying song with the bass blaring. I plan on sound deadening my truck while doing the speakers as well.

 

this: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_33522_JL-Audio-XD500-3.html

 

I just put one of these in my taco and I think it is a great amp.

It's a 4 channel amp, which is a bit more flexible than a 3. It can run in either 3 or 4 channel mode. I have mine in 3-channel mode and did pretty much what your talking about doing. Plenty of watts, the 'birth' sheet said mine actually measures out at 182 watts per channel RMS instead of 125

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...t[query_id]=46386950&SearchClickout[Ignore]=1

 

Nice amp! so you bridged channel 3/4 to run the sub?

 

Yeap. The amp is made for that. It even has a bass bost circut on the channel 3/4 crossover. Just set it up like this:

 

imo, buy a 5 channel with dedicated sub channel,
Bridge the 4 channels to 2 channels
nice big power and 3 channels

 

With many of the 5 channles though, this will end up with the mains overpowering the sub channel.

Agree with others that a good 4 channel with bridged sub rears works pretty well. I've done both though, and prefer the amps with dedicated sub channels, as the sub channel usually ends up with more, cleaner power then a bridged setup. Just my opinion though.

I am running a Kenwood XR4S with the fronts and sub channel being used, but I am not using the rear channels, as my rear speakers are running off the HU, as they don't need alot of power for the few times I actually turn them up.

 

a 4 channel, 600 W amp would be the sweet spot for this front speakers, but 300 W is kind of on the low end for subs. the Alpine PDX-F6 is decent compact amp.

however, if you want something that can grow with your system, then i would go with a 5 channel amp as manethon suggested. 4 channels bridged gives you more flexibility in the future. you could run your fronts active or power rear speakers.

 

XD500/3

 

Not the amps i get , the 5 channel is a damn stout amp!
The H500 is a Hybrid class ab+D
4x90wrms@4ohms Class ab or 260x2@4ohms
1x500wrms@2ohm Class D
15.36 x 9.12 x 2.

This is actually one of the amps ill be bringing up for a Group buy in the near future

 

Do you have a link to this H500 amp?

 

only my personal but will get a link sorted out and get ready for the GB

 

is this it? http://www.ec21.com/product-details/H500---5-Channel-Hybrid--7138451.html

 

man, way to let the cat out the bag.

 

here is a "store page" for a similar amplifier [specs all same] http://optionaudio.com/amplifiers_OAH500_.php

 

sorry, i didn't know using google was violating your fun i bet the board they use in these is the same as many "name brand" amplifiers. take a look how many have the same specifications as this 5 channel China amp.

 

i was just playing,
Many as in many companies have the same boards that all use the same factory, the only difference is the fact your not paying 2-4x the price for it

 

While I agree a dedicated mono channel is ideal, the OP said he isn't trying to go crazy.

Get a 4 channel, it will be cheaper than a 3 or a 5. Your speakers are rated for 100 RMS, so get something 100 RMS per channel or under. You don't want the amp working really hard to push the speakers, but you don't want to over power the speakers either.
When you bridge 3/4 you'll get around 300w rms, which will push a 10 really well. Again at that point buy a sub that matches the power you have. JL usually wants about 80% of the rating.
These amps are prob going to be rated 600-750 watts. (bridging gets more than per channel)

Make sure it has a cross over, but most all do, so that when you bridge 3/4 into 1 channel for the sub you can block out the highs and tune to match your sub.

When you hear a car that sounds like shit... its not necessarily because it has too much power its because it isn't tuned. If you have this professionally installed it will sound like shit when you pick it up. Every place ive ever had an amp installed turns the bass all the way up and rarely sets the cross over well. The result is booming muddy bass that overpowers the main speakers. But spending 30 mins adjusting everything to your liking and the style of music you listen to make it sound great!

 

manethon, what is your price for the magus 5 channel? i am mildly interested if the cost is right