Low Cost, Small Foot Print Amplifier

100R1 · April 10, 2005

Been looking at up-grading the sound system on the Yukon. I am going to bypass the Factory Amp behind the glove box.

I plan on running 3 small 2 channel amps 1 for the front speakers, 1 for the rear door and 1 bridged for the sub.

I have found US Acoustics amp to be a Low cost with a small foot print and flexible in in-put and out-put. I have been to several Car audio websites and so far every one only has good things to say when you compare value. Plus they have a 3 year warranty.

The cost is good. I'm looking at the USX2050 (about $ 60.00 each) 50W x 2 @ 4ohms / 12.9v, 80W x 2 @ 2ohms & 160W @ 4ohms mono when bridged. This amp has both speaker level & low level inputs. Pre-out puts (so I can connect the sub amp dirrect via RCA cable) & Variable Low pass(24db/octave) & high pass(12db octave) crossovers to protect and tune the various speakers.

One aspect I like is that US acoustics measures the power levels @ 12.9 volts, A lot of low cost manufactures state their power output at 13.8 or even 14.4 volts which looks like a higher output amplifier but in realty probally does have any more when the input voltage levels are kept equal. Again value for the $.

Here is a link to the USX series specifications

SPecifications

http://www.usacoustics.com/specifications/mosfet_specs.htm

I plan on upgradding the 8" factory sub keeping the stock location. Looking at the Punch Z & Punch HE

masterp2 · April 10, 2005

They are a good value. I have a brand new USA4060 4-ch, I will part with for $100. You may want the extra juice. I have one exactly like it driving nice JBL mains and 2 channels bridged driving 2 10" audiobahn subs, in my 300zx.

buck50 · April 11, 2005

why do you want 3 separate amps?

100R1 · April 11, 2005

why do you want 3 separate amps?

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Several reasons:

1) small foot print to place in confined space. (going to keep stock look)

2) flexibility fine tuning individual speakers for better balance. I can better equalize freq. to each seperate speaker. Mainly isolating the sub while keeping clean power to it.

I could do it all with a single 5 channel, but at a higher cost and larger foot print

OR

Could do it with a single 4 channel or 2 seperate 2 channel amps with 1 of the 2 channels acting in Tri-Way mode then I would have to add passive crossovers to keep the highes to the highes (mids & tweeters) & the lows to the sub. But with a loss in sound quality and power. Plus again the foot print comes into play.

So far I have found that my approach is the best bang for the buck with eyesite on future upgrades to the door speakers.

I'm never going to enter any sound comp. and I want to keep the stock look. the amps are functional and not for looks. I don't need a 1,000 watts for good clean sound and I have already lost enough of my hearing over the years from excessive sound levels. Good clean sound with quality effecent speakers will sound great and not tire you out over long periods of listening.

I like clean sound with good stero seperation. I like to hear hi-hats sound like hi-hats and not like garbage can lids and a nice tight bass pedal on the drum. I Like to hear the vibration of a bass string and not a muddy sound like a bee in my ear. Then again I like to keep my occupants awake when I crank up Time by pink floyd. Breath will put your subs to work!