Amp Recommendations - 2 Wetsounds 485's

[NautiqueJeff]

I need to add an amp to my new 230 to power the Wetsounds. Specs on the speakers call for 300 watts RMS, 600 Max.

I am looking at either the...

Alpine PDX 4.150 ($389.99)

or the...

Pioneer Premier PRS-D4100F ($219.99)

I am not an audio expert, so I am looking to you guys to tell me why I should spend the extra money on the Alpine. Will either one give me any issues powering the 485's?

[AuMDLST]

RE: Amp Recommendations - 2 Wetsounds 485

both look to be good amps - I would be more inclined to go with the alpine (if those are the only option) due to past experience with installs on several boats - I currently run kicker amps outside of factory clarion and have had no issues whatsoever - look at the kicker 650.4

[Laketexoma]

RE: Amp Recommendations - 2 Wetsounds 485

I have the kicker sx 900.4 on my 485's and they sound great and get VERY LOUD!!!

[kinger]

RE: Amp Recommendations - 2 Wetsounds 485

I use the PDX to power the Dbot jet pack. They sound great for those, they are somewhat under powered, I think because of the technology that they use. They don't get hot at all that was a big part of why I chose them, just seemed safer to me. They are also very small compared to other amps so they are set way back in the compartment of my 210 and don't take up any space.

[PARA]

Jeff Pm Pjdave he did the same set up in his 08 210

[Latonkaboarder]

I just got done switching out my factory amps with JL Audio amps. IMO JL has the best sound quality out there. Make sure what ever amp you are getting it is a class AB amp. I have a JL 300.4 running my Alpha 1 tower speakers and I am amazed on how loud and clear they sound.

[Mikeski]

Latonkaborader, Why do you say class A/B only?

I have run tripath and ICE (clean class D) amps for over 5 years and truly enjoy the higher efficiency designs. The conversion from battery power to audio power it about 30% more efficient than class A/B. This means they run 30% longer on battery power and 30% cooler. The Alpine is ICE technology, there are others including an Eclipse amp and the old Zapco C2K 9.0 (tripath). I am a big tripath fan, check here: www.41hz.com if you want to learn more.

[jfgibson]

Possibly a Cadence Amp....

I just installed 2 485s on my tower and they are awesome. I used a 600 watt 2 channel Cadence amp that the WetSounds guys recommend....after talking to the WetSounds guys in Houston they told me that the each speaker is rated for 300 watts, but they can actually take up to 400 watts. I know that JL audio also makes a series of marine amps that would work for it as well. The JL audio is what another shop recommended.

[bobchris]

RE: Possibly a Cadence Amp....

I've had better luck with the pioneer products they have been much more durable than the Alpine's I have had in the past.

[Latonkaboarder]

RE: Possibly a Cadence Amp....

Mikeski,

From my understanding the class D amps are usually mono block bass amps, which means they won't run stereo, just mono. I am no expert by any means though. I use a Class D JL 500.1 on the sub in my boat and two class AB 300.4 on my mids, highs and tower speakers. I just got done switching out the amps and sub on mine and it is a world of difference.

[TRBenj]

Re: RE: Possibly a Cadence Amp....

I've had better luck with the pioneer products they have been much more durable than the Alpine's I have had in the past.

Ive had the opposite experience- though I wouldnt say the Pioneer I had was terrible. I replaced an Alpine with the Pioneer, and ended up going back to the Alpine after a few years. Despite being older and less expensive with fewer features, it put out better sound. I had both decks running in conjunction with a few MTX amps, Kappa Perfect subs and some Focal components, so the comparison is pretty fair. The controls on the Pioneer would flake out periodically.

I dont have any experience with either company's products in the last several years, but have always liked the look and feel of Alpine headunits. I'll look there first when the time comes to play with stereos again.

[Mikeski]

RE: Re: RE: Possibly a Cadence Amp....

Keep in mind it should be almost impossible to tell the difference between Pioneer, Alpine, Cadence, JL, Crossfire, Clarion, Eclipse, Arc, Zapco ... or other decent amplifier. Most tend to upgrade amplifiers and speakers at the same time and attribute a significant portion of the sound upgrade to a particular amplifier brand. I find the speakers are 95% responsible for the sound, as long as they are getting a decent strong and clean input. I also live by the old adage of "when in doubt - overpower, not underpower". We used to find more damage caused to systems by people pushing underpowered systems into clipping versus overpowering.

I am all about getting the most bang for the buck. The factory clarion amps can often be reconfigured and re-utilized when upgrades are made to a system.

I prefer the Alpine from the two choices above. The price difference is slightly more than the cost of one tank of gas...