ICE for my Linea

[pranava999]

Am hoping I get a few more replies for the previous post on a LOC or SP.

Coming to the amplifier I have shortlisted 4 as of now. Have not auditioned any of them simply because there's no way I can get all 4 auditioned at once and compare them keeping the speakers,wiring,etc constant; except for the JBL and Infinity. So am hoping the ICE experts and Audiophiles here could give me their opinions based on experience. AM not sure of the prices as well.

• Ground Zero - 4100 HP4
• Infinity reference - 475A
• JBL - GTO1004
• Blaupunkt - GTA 480

[DerAlte]

Pranav, just check the data sheets of these amps. Some of these might support speaker level inputs directly, so no need to buy external LOCs. Don't worry about SQ, it will not be substantially compromised by down-converting.

Of the amps you have listed, Blaupunkt GTA480 is around 8K. GTA1004 about 11K and the Infinity about 13K. Check with B&T about the price of the GZ amp.

Don't be in a hurry on SPs - first get used to a system without SPs, and then decide what you want to correct with an SP.

[pranava999]

Thanks DerAlte for the input.
Have gone through the data. The data sheets for the GZ and Infinity ref are not to dissimilar but I think I would prefer the Infinity reference as it is a little more powerful at 75wRMS per channel as compared to the GZ thats about 65wRMS and a higher signal to noise ratio.
However have heard that the amp does heat up a lot and both the models don't have speaker level inputs. Guess will go in for the LOC.

[Bass&Trouble]

Originally Posted by pranava999

However have heard that the amp does heat up a lot and both the models don't have speaker level inputs

Which amp heats up a lot? There is nothing wrong with the heat sink of any amp heating up. That's where the heat generated in the amp exits from. As long as the amp doesn't hit thermal protection and stall, there's nothing wrong.

GZ has speaker level inputs.

[pranava999]

Originally Posted by Bass&Trouble

Which amp heats up a lot? There is nothing wrong with the heat sink of any amp heating up. That's where the heat generated in the amp exits from. As long as the amp doesn't hit thermal protection and stall, there's nothing wrong.

GZ has speaker level inputs.

AK with respect to heating was referring to The Infinity.Read a few reviews on Crutchfield for the Infinity. Did not mean to say there are heating issues just wanted to know if there is such as issue. Thanks for the input.

Glad to know the GZ has speaker level inputs.My bad! Was referring to the German owner's manual pdf file on GZ's website as I could not find the 4100HP4 on hermit's website. Could have missed that. Thanks for the clarification.

[pranava999]

Infinity Ref 475A

RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels)75 x 4 Peak Power Output, (Watts x Channels)117 x 4Power at 2 Ohms, (Watts x Channels)90 x 4Bridged Power, (Watts x Channels)180 x 2Minimum Impedance Bridged 4, Minimum Impedance Unbridged 2, Best Frequency Response10-100k Hz, THD at Rated RMS Power1%, Signal to Noise Ratio 85 dB, Input Voltage14.4v, Features - Amplifier Class AB, Low-Pass Crossover Frequency 32-320 Hz, Low-Pass Slope (dB/octave)12, dBHigh-Pass Crossover Frequency 32-320 Hz, High-Pass Slope (dB/octave)12 dB, Bass Boost 0-6 dB, Bass Boost Frequency 50 Hz, Fan Cooled - No, Fuse Rating 35 x 2, Speaker Level Inputs -No, Preamp Outputs 1 pair, LED Power Indicator -Yes, Width (inches)9Height (inches)2-11/16Depth (inches)14-3/4


Model GZIA 4100HP

RMS Power @ 2 ohm 4x100w, 1% THD CEA Standard CEA-2006-A 4 x 65 W RMS Power @ 4 ohm, 1% THD CEA Standard CEA-2006-A Bridged I'm guessing is 4 V, 1% THD 2 x 210 W, Dampfungsfaktor > 70, Signal to noise Ratio 80 dB, X-over Weiche HP / LP 40 . 3000 Hz / 30 . 250 Hz, Bass boost 0 / +6 / +12 dB, Bass boost Frequenz 60 Hz, Phase shift -- Frequenzgang 10 Hz . 30 kHz, Eingangsempfindlichkeit 0,2 . 6 V , Kanaltrennung 60 dB THD < 0.1, Abmessungen B x H x L mm 280 x 240 x 50, Abmessungen B x H x L inch 11.02�g x 9.45�g x 1.97�g , Speaker level inputs - Yes

[pranava999]

Infinity Ref 475A + Illusion EL 6.2 components+ Illusion 52 coaxial = Sounds good?

[DerAlte]

Sounds brilliant, Pranav. At what price are you getting the 475?

[pranava999]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

Sounds brilliant, Pranav. At what price are you getting the 475?

Have not yet found out DA. But I'm guessing it's around the 12-13k mark.Will be calling up the JBL dealer today to find out.

[wannabe loser]

Originally Posted by pranava999

Infinity Ref 475A + Illusion EL 6.2 components+ Illusion 52 coaxial = Sounds good?

Hey Raghu,
Long time mate. Hope you're doing well.

Won't it be cheaper to go with a soundstream amp? And also to retain the stock coaxials for the back?

Just my $.02.

[pranava999]

Hey WBL yes the sound stream is definitely cheaper but quite liked the Infinity Ref and am getting a good deal on it. So most probably will go with it.

Have decided not to retain the stock rear fills. Have postponed the idea of a sub woofer for the near future and, till then I want to power the rear speakers, so better off getting a good pair of 5.25" coaxials, cause once I am done with the install am not going to upgrade for a few years to come, except for a sub woofer . (Touch wood)

[panky12345]

pranav: dont go by any so-called review on crutchfield.. i'm myself a victim of a brand (no it doesnt qualify being called as a brand!) called audiobahn!

[nitrous]

The stock speakers are riveted to the doors. Will be quite a job to get them off.
The stock speakers are also mounted on plastic baffles. Make MDF baffles for your new speakers using the factory ones for the shape.

[pranava999]

Originally Posted by panky12345

pranav: dont go by any so-called review on crutchfield.. i'm myself a victim of a brand (no it doesnt qualify being called as a brand!) called audiobahn!

Hi Panky what are you referring to with regards to the crutchfield reviews? The Amp or any other piece of equipment?

Originally Posted by nitrous

The stock speakers are riveted to the doors. Will be quite a job to get them off.
The stock speakers are also mounted on plastic baffles. Make MDF baffles for your new speakers using the factory ones for the shape.

Thanks Nitrous. So how did the installer manage getting the rivets out? Sounds like something to worry about in terms of possible damage if not careful

[pranava999]

Seems like there is an alternate way to connect an amp to the stock HU. Have read about it on a FIAT forum for the GP with a Blaupunkt fact. system. Instead of using a high low converter an option is Preamp-Out Adapter Cable ISO / RCA. This could work.Available in India from Blaupunkt.

Also if an amplifier has speaker level inputs,would I need a high low converter in the first place?