[Auriga]

Hi Everyone,

While there are many amplifier threads in the Ask the Gurus section, most of them are quite old and I am not sure if bumping them result in an infraction. So I am creating a new thread instead. If mods feel that this can be merged to any existing thread, please go ahead and so so.

I need your inputs in making the right selection of amplifier for setting up ICE in my car. The car in question is a 2009 Honda City ZX. The current audio system in the car is an Alpine CDE-9845EM head unit (2 pairs of pre-outs) with four stock speakers. I am toying with the idea of upgrading ICE step by step (budget permitting) and my thought process right now is as follows:

Phase I
-------
1. Front components
Option a> 2-way components within 6K-7K band (JBL GTO 608c, Morel, Illusion, Auditor)
Option b> 2-way components within 9K-10K band (Infinity reference, RF Prime, anything else?)
Option c> 3-way components (Auditor if on budget, Access, Hertz or DLS if I inherit a fortune)
2. 4 Channel amp to power the components (Rockford Fosgate Prime R300-4, Focal SOlid 4, JBL GTO, Hertz, anything else?)

Phase II
--------
1. 12" sub - JBL/RF Punch
2. Bridge the two rear channels of my amp to power the sub or buy a mono (RF Prime 500-1, Focal Solid 1)

Phase III
---------
1. Upgrade the rear coaxials to infinity / RF prime coaxials only if the current stock rear fills are a huge drawback

Now my problem is I am unable to decide what components to go for. I am tempted to go 3 way but it seems doing a 3-way correctly is tough and my HU does not have TA or equalizers. Also I am not sure if the NHC is the right car to do a 3-way. I have already bought a RF Prime 300-4 from Satya which is yet to be unpacked. So he has offered to change it for any amplifier I select. Given my dilemma right now I am not sure whether to swap the R300-4 with focal solid 4 or something similar or retain it. I don't wont to buy amplifiers again and whatever I buy should have significant reliability, longivity, local support and upgradability to meet future needs (say if I move from a GTO 608c today to a better2-way or a 3-way later). Keeping that in mind, is the R300-4/R500-1 an adequate bet or should I invest in a Solid-4/Solid-1 combo?

Your inputs would be most welcome

[Auriga]

Just an update. I have got the Focal solid 4 amp. Now iw ould like to hear about your advise and experience regarding what components would go best with this amp in a NHC.

[zulfi hansi]

you are not changing the Alpine HU, are you sure you can install the Sub, etc with this HU.

[navin]

Originally Posted by Auriga

Alpine CDE-9845EM head unit (2 pairs of pre-outs)

Option c> 3-way components

1. 12" sub - JBL/RF Punch
2. Bridge the two rear channels of my amp to power the sub or buy a mono (RF Prime 500-1, Focal Solid 1)

I am tempted to go 3 way but it seems doing a 3-way correctly is tough and my HU does not have TA or equalizers. Also I am not sure if the NHC is the right car to do a 3-way.

Keeping that in mind, is the R300-4/R500-1 an adequate bet or should I invest in a Solid-4/Solid-1 combo?

Before you go choosing speakers have you heard the speakers in option a, b, or c.

If you are doing this piece meal I would suggest getting the best front components you can afford, then adding a 4 ch. amp., and finally a subwoofer and monoblock.

Alongside the Infinity Reference and RF Prime (which I assume you have heard) listen to Boston (SC), JL Audio (C2), Focal (A1), DLS (C6) etc..

3 way in a car like the NHC requires extensive modifications to the front doors so I would not recommend it.

Lastly I have not heard the RF amps but the Focal amps are good VFM.

[rajneeshbankura]

dear Navin, can you please tell whether i can order Infinity Kappa products on Amazon US site and whether they can ship them to India or not? i am trying to place an order for Infinity Kappa Four 4 channel amp but it is nowhere available in India. it is visible at Amazon.com site but when i go to payment section, it says the products can not be delivered to my address.

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by rajneeshbankura

... whether i can order Infinity Kappa products on Amazon US site ... Infinity Kappa Four 4 channel amp but it is nowhere available in India. ...

Talk to the Harman / JBL / Infinity distributor for your city - they should be able to get you one. The problem must be of logistics.

Buying from US and getting it shipped to India is dicey - you may land up paying more CIF price than the Indian price. There are other US online stores that ship to India - Amazon vendors may not.

[SolidSnake]

Infinity Kappa , Digital Designs , Focal Polyglass ( may be little bit expensive) are all very good options .
Go to a popular installer in your city and audition the components if possible . Get the one which you like the most .
Even Kenwood components are very good , IMHO . Purely depends on your listening tastes.