Amplifier recommendation

[ScottReeve]

Here's my system:

Alpine CDA 9857 HU

Front: Boston Acoustics RC61 components
Rear: Boston Acoustics RM6 coaxials

This is in a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder

Initially, I had an Alpine 3553 4-channel amplifier hooked up (in 2-
channel mode) with the HU powering the rear speakers. That was the
first time I had the amp running in 2-channel mode. In the past, it
was always in 3 or 4 channel mode without any problems. It did not
run right: the sound was sometimes very faint and not there at all
sometimes - all the while the rear speakers were going fine, so
obviously there's something wrong with the amplifier.

I'm considering hooking up the amp in 4-channel mode and just using 2
of the 4 channels to power the front speakers.

I would also consider just getting a new 2-channel amplifier, the Sony
XM-2002GTR comes to mind (I see that it's available for $150 shipped),
that's basically my price range.

Any suggestions? Keep the Alpine (if I can get it to work
correctly)? Go with a new 2-channel?
Maybe get a new 4-channel amp and run all four speakers..

Thanks,

Scott

[Ted Rude]

I am not a big Sony fan, they are way over rated wattage and THD wise. You can get an MTX TC4004 new shipped for about $200, or a factory reconditioned unit shipped for $110. It's rated at 50 watts per channel rms at 4 ohms, and 100 watts per channel at 2 ohms at 1% THD. The actual output, according to birth certificate supplied with amp, shows 74 watts rms per channel at 4 ohms and 126 watts per channel at 2 ohms both at .022 THD. I have run this amp to power MB Quart componets up front, and Polk componets in the rear for 1 1/2 years and it's never missed a beat. I push it hard almost all the time. It's a regular Timex, with excellent tech support if needed. I own 4 MTX's all together and 2 old Phonix Gold Titanium series amps. ( the PG amps being the BEST amps I've ever had and still put out SQL sounds second to none.) :cool: L8R Ted

[s3sqguy]

Check your input selector switch and how you have the RCAs hooked up. I
had one (3527) and if you sum the channels with one set of RCA it will
do that. Move all the switches make sure its not dust. I like the older
alpines myself but there are many good amps out there. I prefer to buy
them used and get better name older ones, so far I have had no
problems. I have a dead 2002gtr here, it is 2x200rms and 1x500 at 4
ohms, 2x250@2ohms, you can get them for about 100 refurbed. I can't
really recommend them unless they are cheaply bought. There are some
kickers on ubid, not a bad amp. You can even check out local pawn shops
and see if they will deal with you. I bought a couple of good 300x1rms
amps for $40 each but that was early in spring before stereo season.
There are lots of good amps on ebay if you know what you are looking
for, if you don't then buy from the companies. There were MTXs on there
all the time a little while ago, also infinities. They were demo or
whatever but tested and pretty new, if DOA you can return them. There
are kickers and others too.


--
s3sqguy