good replacement for original 03' kicker amp ?

[obd666]

so the original kicker amp (300.4 i think) finally kicked the bucket on my 03 sante over the weekend. has the standard 4 cabin speakers and sub powered by the amp with the 2 bow speakers on the head unit. im not wanting to get too cute with a replacement and would just as soon leave it wired as is for a direct swap. what is the consensus on my best bet, with the idea of adding tower speakers on a seperate amp in the future?

i see the current kicker 5 channel is a zxm700.5, any word on that ?? also, it looks like the wetsounds ht-4 would do what i need in the cabin. i am a stereo novice, but figured i needn't look further than this board for expertise ...

[core-rider]

If you want a direct replacement, they offer a ZX350.4 that should be close to what you have now, but I just started using their IX line of amps and I'm really pleased so far. The offer an IX500.4 that would replace what you have plus give you some headroom. They are Class D tech so it will be less power draw, and they have a smaller footprint as well.

I have no experience with the HT line from WS, but as always I'm sure it will do great. The HT-4 looks similar in output to the Kicker IX500.4. If you're looking to go budget though WS is not your best fit.

I just completely re-did the stereo setup in my '03 from the Kicker 700.5 to 3 separate amps using the Kicker IX500.4 for all the in-boat speakers, IX1000.1 for subs, and WS Syn-4 for the tower. Not saying this is the way you need to go, but if you want to run any real power 3 amps are almost required. If you've been happy with the stock setup for this long I would just replace the stock amp and leave room for a tower speakers amp in the future. Best suggestion I can give you is figure out a budget and start shopping form there. If you do some legwork finding deals on components and do the work yourself that will help possibly fund better parts. There is a wealth of knowledge out there, just start reading!

[obd666]

cool, that's some good info from a fellow 03' ... Yeah i'm with you, am glad to go kicker on the in cabins and save the wetsounds for the tower when im ready. Will definitely check out the 500.4, might be just what the doctor ordered. Should be able to find it online pretty reasonable too, thx.