What amp ?

[ar240owner]

I have new tower speakers and I'm wondering what amp I sould get to run them ? The rms rating is 200w thoughts ?

 

[David Analog]

The best amplifier might be a JL Audio XD400/4 (or the M400/4 marine version) bridged into the two-channel mode. Because it will meet its 14.4V power spec even with a 12.6V supply. That would provide precisely 200 watts to each speaker under most all conditions, and exactly equal to the thermal power rating of the speakers.
The JL Audio XD400/4 will also supply you with the exact output voltage during set-up in order to achieve that 200 watts free of distortion.
Other advantages are...a higher-switching-speed, lower-distortion, high-efficiency Class D design.
A studio grade front end with more accurate crossover functions and smoother filters.
The ability to add a remote zone control without having to add an EQ.
All terminals at one end for a clean install.
A sealed cover plate on the M version keeping adjustment pots protected. A sealed chassis.
A two-stage input level that provides for more concise adjustments.
Better noise rejection.
You might find similar power cheaper but you won't find the same quality cheaper.

 

[ar240owner]

Thank you !! That was exactly the info I needed !!!

 

[txav8r]

Dang, David can really put that technical jargon into layman's terms!

 

[jawsf16]

at this point, David can just say - Buy this amp, trust me!

He is certainly an undisputed expert on the subject.

 

[GTBRMC]

I bought and installed a JL M500/3 amp last year as part of a somewhat complex audio upgrade last summer. David's point above, "All terminals at one end for a clean install..." is very important to the non-professional installer. Compare the controls, terminals, etc., to the other options out there - the JL Audio M series amps are not only great products, they are easy for us normal people to install and optimize.

If I ever do another such install...I will absolutely use JL amp(s) again.

 

[Jasonsbiz74]

I first used Rockford......MISTAKE ! I now own 2 400/4 ! AWESOME ! David's knowledge is on point. One of my 400/4 amp's runs my two tower speakers and they sound amazing! JL Audio makes quality marine equipment. Definitely go with the JL Audio, don't make the same mistake I made. Happy boating

 

[Speedling]

I first used Rockford......MISTAKE ! I now own 2 400/4 ! AWESOME ! David's knowledge is on point. One of my 400/4 amp's runs my two tower speakers and they sound amazing! JL Audio makes quality marine equipment. Definitely go with the JL Audio, don't make the same mistake I made. Happy boating

What was wrong with the Rockford? I now own 2 class D mono amps from them. Buy a 500 watt rms amp and they send the testing and BOTH tested over 600 watt rms! Non marine amps though, so I have them way hidden away.

 

[96Pirate]

@ar240owner If you are looking for a good deal I just got a Wet Sounds HT-4 for $220 at Crutchfield. I don't think you can beat that price for the quality. Whether JL Audio is superior I cannot say. Others may be able to. I just know it was a great deal for what I needed.

Mike

 

[Jasonsbiz74]

I had two RF 400 amps, (actually 3 one brand new in the box on the floor in my office). Both would shut down after only a short time on the water. The first one would sometimes only last an hour tops on hot days and finally one day never turned back on (it was only 2 weeks old). I sent it back to RF for repairs and in the meantime my dealer gave me a JL 400/4 to use while mine was out. After a few weeks RF sent me a refurb and I threw it back in the boat. Same thing on the next one. Now I know it was getting really hot in that box where the amps where mounted but come on only an hour or two with the new one. We actually would bring our portable Bose on the boat with us. After I thought about it, the JL never quit while I was using it so I ordered one and haven't had a problem since. I have 2 of those beautiful JL 400/4's now and they are amazing. I wouldn't buy anything else. Wetsounds makes great equipment too but I think dollar to dollar the JL is the way to go. But if youre looking for a RF 400 I have one sitting on my floor in the box never used that I will give you a great deal on. ..... and marine grade amps are the way to go. Happy boating

 

[redthumper9]

While I don't have anywhere near the technical knowledge of others on here, I can speak from a bit of experience. My first system in my AR240 consisted of three Rockford marine class D amps. While I would consider them a mid grade budget minded amp, I never had one problem the season that I used them. I am also on the coast of NC where the heat and humidity are relentless in the summer. Not once did one ever cut off or fail. With that said, if I could afford to go with JL or Wet Sounds, I would certainally do it. Their build quality and attention to detail is legit. I'm in the process of finishing my 3rd system in my boat now with everything being primarily Wet Sounds with JL cabin speakers. Let's just say I'm impressed and haven't even finished tuning. Point is, JL and Wetsounds are top quality, and their price reflects that. Certainally spring for those if you can......but if budget is what you are after......I'd have no problem recommending the Rockford line.

 

[Jasonsbiz74]

I have a RF 400 for sale if you want to purchase one. Brand new in the box, never used. Message me and we can work out a deal

 

[viggen]

Rockford makes good stuff, i sold and used their products for several years. To me they aren't a SQ oriented company but they do make quality stuff. As with anything, products can have issues and I wouldn't discredit them just from that experience. It's a product I will never own due to SQ not reliability

I would also consider JL's HD line of marine amps, debatable if it's worth the extra money or not but might be worth looking into. Alpine also has a marine line, less power vs JL HD line but also at a cheaper price point.

I am one of those people who like feeding speakers more power then they are rated for

 

[bobbie]

@ar240owner Get the javelin amp by exile to match your towers!

 

[redthumper9]

I ran the Javelin and the xm30.2 from Exile last year and they were great amps. IMO, Exile is a great company and Brian is great to work with. Plenty of power and seemed to be very well made. The only skeptical thing I can say about the Javelin is that is has a cooling fan. That tells me that the internals are more susceptible to moisture because they are not completely sealed. Maybe in fresh water, it would work out ok. I know plenty out there that use regular "car " amps and are completely happy for years. I am, however, in salt water..

 

[OdoHinton]

The JL Audio XD400/4 will also supply you with the exact output voltage during set-up in order to achieve that 200 watts free of distortion.Other advantages are:a higher-switching-speed, lower-distortion, high-efficiency Class D design.A studio grade front end with more accurate crossover functions and smoother filters.
The ability to add a remote zone control without having to add an EQ.
All terminals at one end for a clean install.

pcb prototypes

 

[ar240owner]

I got this !!! For the
Money it is amazing !!!!! Small and compact ran it all weekend with 0 issues !!! The new tower speakers sound awesome !!!!! http://mbquart.com/na1-400-2/

 

[ar240owner]

And it was always cool to the touch every time I felt it after playing it for a long time !!!! Very impressed by it !!!!

 

[Benny Sibbitt]

Not sure if anyone here would have any advise for me?
I have a complete JL Audio system
6 M650 speakers
2 tower 770 Speakers
1 10" woofer Speaker
2 amps - JL Audio 600/6 and a 200/2

I want to install 2 mid cabin speakers, do I need another amp or need to swap out an amp?

 

[viggen]

Depends, if you want independent control of the volume of those new speakers then either a additional amp or rewriting the other speakers so the new two locations get their own channel.

If you do not want seperate control you can use your existing amps to power the speakers.