Amplifier Question

[Evening Shade]

Hey guys I think I know the answer to this question, but I thought I would get some input from more knowledgable people. I'm looking at upgrading the amps in my boat from 2 Polk PA500.4 amps to 3 Polk PAD 4000.4 amps. Well now I see that I can get WS HT-4 amps for $229. Should I spend a little extra and go with 3 WS HT-4 amps or stick to my original plan with the 3 PAD 4000.4 amps? Based on specifications, it appears that the Polk amp has a little more power than the HT-4, but sometimes those specs are decieving.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[MLA]

The D4000.4 does have a higher 2 ohm RMS then the HT-4 but they are pretty much even at 4 ohm. 110 v's 125 is not an audible difference. Without knowing the application, its hard to say if its worth it, but here are a couple things i like about the HT series amp. Standoffs included to the amp is not mounted flat to a carpeted wall. This also allows for a cable raceway for concealing the cables for a cleaner install. End caps cover the cable connections for a cleaner look. The illuminated logo can be oriented once the amp is installed.

[Evening Shade]

Thanks MLA.

The amps will be used in a 2011 SANTE 210 to power the 6 in cabin Polk speakers, a pair of Roswell Horns on the tower, and a 10 or 12" Polk sub (cant remember the size for sure).

My plan is to power each of the in cabin Polk speakers on a separate channel (6 channels total), bridge 2 channels to power each horn on the tower (4 channels total), and bridge 2 channels to power the sub. If my math is correct that is 12 channels total. Hence the reason for buying three 4 channel amps.

Any suggestions are gladly appreciated.

[Evening Shade]

BTW, MLA if your shop was a little bit closer I would bring the boat to you to get the stereo work done.

[MLA]

Tough call when you factor in that both the polk D4000.4 (retails for $390) and the Wet Sounds HT-4 (retailed for $450) are both heavily discounted.Building from scratch, I would do two HT-6/HTX-6 all day long. 110W to each in-boat, 300W to a woofer and 300W to a pair of HLCD. I will say though, 400W from a bridged D4000.4 is a lot of power for an 8" HLCD and even more for a 6.5" HLCD. Tuning has to be spot on to keep from burning the coils.

I appreciate the consideration, thank you. I will say though, you wouldnt be the furthest, that record is 5.5 hours one way.

[Evening Shade]

MLA,

I realize with either amp configuration I will be sending more than adequate power to the Roswell HLCDs on the tower, but I didn't want to under power them because thats the situation I'm trying to get away from now. I'm trying to do this on a budget because will probably be getting a newer boat in the next year or 2 and don't want to sink a ton of money in stereo equipment. I already have one PAD4000.4 and could add 2 HT-4s or sell the Polk amp and go with 3 HT-4s. The way both of these amps are discounted right now gives me the opportunity to send some real power to the speakers on a low budget. Will tuning the amps to keep from burning the coils in the HLCDs be difficult for a professional shop? I do have a local Wetsounds dealer, but they are not a dedicated stereo shop. They also do all kinds of car and truck accessories.

[MLA]

If they understand what they are tuning and what its thermal power handling is, they should be be ok to tune it.