Eclipse A4100 vs Kenwood 8404 vs Infinity 475a

Fountainheader · 9th May 2009, 08:39

Plunging into ICEy waters dint take too much of a time. Got a few friends coming down from the US at the same time, so thought I'll order separate items through each of them.

1st Step : Already ordered the Infinity Kappa 60.9cs Components.

Now I am looking for a decent amp in the 130-170 USD segment. The Eclipse 4-channel costs around 135, Kenwood 8404 at 140 and Infinity at 170.

Now the Qns

1: Is it really worth paying 30 USD more for the Infinity ? From what I have read on the forums, the 8404 is an awesome amp.

2: Any idea on the Eclipse ? Is it a very old non-selling model now ? Why is it that I just saw 1 Civic on this forum (non-member) with the amp.

3: Is the Kenwood 8401 available in India ? If yes, is it worth getting the amp from the US ? I guess the 8404 retails at 9990 here. Not sure of the Infinity. Guess its close to 12k

4: I have a 3rd friend who's coming down. Apart from the amp and the comps, is there anything else I can order ? I am not looking at changing the HU. Will save and order the Eclipse 7200 or the 5030.

5: Or shall I give up on the amp and order the 7200 MKII at 400 USD ?

I listen mainly to rock/classic rock/metal. Would like to hear the bass guitar and vocals better.

navin · 9th May 2009, 10:07

Infinity Kappa 60.9 components deserve a better amp that even the 475. Maybe the Harman Kardon CA470 or DLS CA40 or even JL's G series should be considered.

BTW since we are on the topic of Harman, their Woodbury outlet has released what might be their last car audio equipment in the Kappa series of amplifiers (Kappa 1, 4, 5). Dont ask my prices or availability. That is Sam's department.

Disclaimer: Harman's CA series of car amps available today do not share anything but model numbers with the CA series that were available in the 80s.

sathee46 · 9th May 2009, 10:29

The kappa components are the best you can get in the price range they are available. I was just checking out the Kappa amplifiers, the Kappa 4 is really good. It's a class D amplifier and the cost wont be much compared to the 475a

frankmehta · 9th May 2009, 10:41

Beats me why anyone would even mention the 8--x series in even the same breath as the other two amplifiers you have mentioned. I'm not saying they're crap, well they're quite close to that, but they're absolute targetted at an audience that can afford nothing else. Quality wise, i mean, there's not much to distinguish between the amps in this power range and price bracket. My honest advice. PLEASE do not consider the Kenwood for the set of components you've mentioned. The 475a is a good choice. The hk ca 470 amp which navinji mentions is out there among the better amps. Please, i repeat please, the 8404 is one of the value for money options. But there's not much to them. The eXcelon series of amps is what is good. Great ones. Many of em :-)

panky12345 · 9th May 2009, 11:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankmehta

PLEASE do not consider the Kenwood for the set of components you've mentioned.

Very True.. Kenwood 8401 or 8404 are puny amps, which would deliver a mid-oriented sound only.

Fountainheader · 9th May 2009, 12:14

Guys thanks a lot for the suggestions

The Harman CA470 is really out of my budget. Don't think I can allocate that much just for an amp right now. Especially given the fact that I am on a step-by-step ICE upgrade from the current ZXi OEM stuff.

Guess I'll go with the Infinity for now. Need to then start saving for the Headunit, which I think in all prob will be the 7200MKII

abhinav.gupta88 · 9th May 2009, 12:37

7200MKII and thinking of kenwood when considering others.
Get something better.
If not a 4 channel, go for a good 2 channel

Try if you can source Harman Kardon: CA280E - 2/1 channel amp

110w x 2 at 4 ohms and 160w x 2 at 2 ohms.
So basically you will be giving around 110ws to your compos/speakers(They run at 4 ohms)

nitrous · 9th May 2009, 14:41

Since you're getting stuff down, I suggest you get best ICE for your money.
Harmon_bro has the infinity 475A amp. Check with him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FH

Need to then start saving for the Headunit, which I think in all prob will be the 7200MKII

I have something special for you in this department

9th May 2009, 08:39	#1
Fountainheader Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 1,501 Thanked: 13 Times View My Garage	Eclipse A4100 vs Kenwood 8404 vs Infinity 475a Plunging into ICEy waters dint take too much of a time. Got a few friends coming down from the US at the same time, so thought I'll order separate items through each of them. 1st Step : Already ordered the Infinity Kappa 60.9cs Components. Now I am looking for a decent amp in the 130-170 USD segment. The Eclipse 4-channel costs around 135, Kenwood 8404 at 140 and Infinity at 170. Now the Qns 1: Is it really worth paying 30 USD more for the Infinity ? From what I have read on the forums, the 8404 is an awesome amp. 2: Any idea on the Eclipse ? Is it a very old non-selling model now ? Why is it that I just saw 1 Civic on this forum (non-member) with the amp. 3: Is the Kenwood 8401 available in India ? If yes, is it worth getting the amp from the US ? I guess the 8404 retails at 9990 here. Not sure of the Infinity. Guess its close to 12k 4: I have a 3rd friend who's coming down. Apart from the amp and the comps, is there anything else I can order ? I am not looking at changing the HU. Will save and order the Eclipse 7200 or the 5030. 5: Or shall I give up on the amp and order the 7200 MKII at 400 USD ? I listen mainly to rock/classic rock/metal. Would like to hear the bass guitar and vocals better.
	() Thanks

9th May 2009, 10:07	#2
navin Team-BHP Support Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 25,176 Thanked: 9,264 Times	Infinity Kappa 60.9 components deserve a better amp that even the 475. Maybe the Harman Kardon CA470 or DLS CA40 or even JL's G series should be considered. BTW since we are on the topic of Harman, their Woodbury outlet has released what might be their last car audio equipment in the Kappa series of amplifiers (Kappa 1, 4, 5). Dont ask my prices or availability. That is Sam's department. Disclaimer: Harman's CA series of car amps available today do not share anything but model numbers with the CA series that were available in the 80s.
	() Thanks

9th May 2009, 10:29	#3
sathee46 BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 465 Thanked: 8 Times View My Garage	The kappa components are the best you can get in the price range they are available. I was just checking out the Kappa amplifiers, the Kappa 4 is really good. It's a class D amplifier and the cost wont be much compared to the 475a
	() Thanks

9th May 2009, 10:41	#4
frankmehta Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,000 Thanked: 3,577 Times View My Garage	Beats me why anyone would even mention the 8--x series in even the same breath as the other two amplifiers you have mentioned. I'm not saying they're crap, well they're quite close to that, but they're absolute targetted at an audience that can afford nothing else. Quality wise, i mean, there's not much to distinguish between the amps in this power range and price bracket. My honest advice. PLEASE do not consider the Kenwood for the set of components you've mentioned. The 475a is a good choice. The hk ca 470 amp which navinji mentions is out there among the better amps. Please, i repeat please, the 8404 is one of the value for money options. But there's not much to them. The eXcelon series of amps is what is good. Great ones. Many of em :-)
	() Thanks

9th May 2009, 12:14	#6
Fountainheader Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 1,501 Thanked: 13 Times View My Garage	Guys thanks a lot for the suggestions The Harman CA470 is really out of my budget. Don't think I can allocate that much just for an amp right now. Especially given the fact that I am on a step-by-step ICE upgrade from the current ZXi OEM stuff. Guess I'll go with the Infinity for now. Need to then start saving for the Headunit, which I think in all prob will be the 7200MKII
	() Thanks

9th May 2009, 12:37	#7
abhinav.gupta88 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Delhi , India Posts: 4,092 Thanked: 325 Times View My Garage	7200MKII and thinking of kenwood when considering others. Get something better. If not a 4 channel, go for a good 2 channel Try if you can source Harman Kardon: CA280E - 2/1 channel amp 110w x 2 at 4 ohms and 160w x 2 at 2 ohms. So basically you will be giving around 110ws to your compos/speakers(They run at 4 ohms)
	() Thanks