seank426

iTrader: (1)

Need a cheap yet decent amp recommendation. Looking for one that puts out about 150wx4. Need something that will not overheat. Don't need fix just need recommendation for new. Cost is most important factor for me right now, yes I know the whole "you get what you pay for" line.

Looked around at a couple sites and found this, let me know if this is any good or you think its total junk.

Autotek SM4-1000
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...+SM4-1000.html

I read a lot of good things about there newer MM series and a couple good things about this amp. (harder to find reviews on this)


Previous amp was an Elemental Designs NINe.2x (200w x2)
While I had it, it did have some overheating problems when my car would sit outside when it was 90F+ it would take a couple minutes of having the AC on before it would turn on. Hoping to find an amp that won't have that problem even on really got days. It probably doesn't help there in a 350z about a foot away from the rear window.

StreetOC192

iTrader: (7)

You aren't the only person to have had this exact problem with the eD amps. They are good amps, but perhaps there is a slight design flaw in the thermal protection system.

Anyway.......

That link you posted is broken. What is your budget and what are you powering with this amp?

shaun123

my 2 cents is...... save your money and get a JL audio amp. All of their products are excellent, not cheap though

Kwame

iTrader: (78)

Talk about an oxymoron if I've ever seen one before.

syk69

iTrader: (6)

i got an arc audio amp and a sundown amp, neither give overheating problems and i'm in florida where its insanely hot. i park my car in the sun while at work. they fire right up easily. those are 2 brands i recommend.

StreetOC192

iTrader: (7)

Those are great, but the OP clearly stated $$$ was a big concern. Judging by the Autotek in his post, he is looking around <$125 for a 150x4 rms amp.

StreetOC192

iTrader: (7)

You know, I was going to reply to that post about an hour ago, but I held back. I figured you or doug would do a much better job.

finalfantasy316

iTrader: (2)

im a huge kicker fan. they have always made great good quality amps. you can get there KICKER 08ZX200.4 for like 120bucks on ebay free shipping. you will be more than satisfied with them. unless you are weary about ebay. i have been ebaying for about 8 years and knock on wood i have never been screwed or anything before. you just gotta look at there feedback score and the pecentage of positive feedback and if its above 98% you will usually be good to buy from them. but yes i am a huge kicker fan and always have been. for the money of this amp i dont think there is a better one out there.

TheOtherRob

iTrader: (14)

I live in FL with a ED amp and I have never had a over heating problem at all. I have heard that SoundStream was a decent amp for the money.

seank426

iTrader: (1)

link fixed in first post:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...+SM4-1000.html

I emailed sonicelectronix and they said that there AT series is newer then the SM series but it looks like the AT series is cheaper?

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ek+AT950.html#

Kwame

iTrader: (78)

I hear ya. I went light on my reply as well because I'm waiting for Doug also.

StreetOC192

iTrader: (7)

Well, since Autotek is made by the same parent company (Maxxsonics) as HiFonics/Crunch/MBQuart, they could be fairly decent amps FOR THE MONEY. It seems that Maxxsonics ranks their brands in this order:
MB Quart (I think a nice mid range quality amp)
HiFonics (I think a GREAT budget amp)
Autotek (??)
Crunch (I think super budget, but know some happy customers)

I don't have any personal experience with Autotek, but I know sonicelectronix offers a 1 year warranty, so for the price I say try it out.

seank426

iTrader: (1)

What you guys think, SM4-1000 vs AT950 (both Autotek)
I was told AT was newer but SM is:

1) more expensive
2) has 25a x2 fuse ratings instead of 30a x1 (SM4-1000)
3) channel seperation 90db instead of 80db (SM4-1000)

StreetOC192

iTrader: (7)

The AT looks like it might have a slightly better heatsink design. And since this is what your issue was with the eD, that is a factor. Plus it is considerably less $$.

If it were my decision, I would buy the AT model. If it sounds great, then problem solved. If it is lacking in any area, then run it while you save up some cash and get a full-range class D down the road (will run cooler than a comparable class A/B amp) and sell the AT on ebay for whatever I can.

If your cash flow is tight right now, like many people, it's tough to find any REALLY great amps at this price point. My advice is based on you not wanting to drop a lot now, but maybe upgrading in the future.

doug

iTrader: (5)

lol at saving money and buying JL.. why not just put it in a shredder.. it would make more sense

shaun123

Im not sure what your experience has been with JL, but i had a 500/1 on a 12 w6v2 and it sounded great. I only had the car for a year with the system in it and sold the car and system together. Never had a problem with it