Best amp for entire system.

[teejayy]

Hi guys,
I am trying to buy an amplifier to power my entire system, this comprises of standard HU, using the Audiocontrol LC6i as a LOC, i have Vibe 12" enclosed sub and vibe rear coaxils and vibe front components.
I am choosing between the Hertz EP5 amplifier and the Harman Kardon 5 channel amp. Currently I can get both for about £170, ( $249 ).
I appriciate you probably dont know much about Vibe but they are a UK audio company, fairly good quality.
Maybe in the future ill be able to afford the stuff sqcomp and derickveliz2 are putting in their system.

Just any thoughts on the two amps would be appriciated!

Thankyou in Advance,

teejayy.

[teejayy]

Got some specs for you all....
Hertz EP5
Output Power (RMS):
60W x 4 + 160W x 1 @4-ohm
95W x 4 + 250W x 1 @2-ohm
3 channel mode: 190W x 2 (4ohm) + 160W x 1 (4ohm)
190W x 2 (4ohm) + 250W x 1 (2ohm)
Filters & Controls:
A Channels: Full / Hi-pass / Lo-pass: 40 - 150Hz @12dB/Oct
B Channels: Full / Hi-pass / Lo-pass: 40 - 150Hz @12dB/Oct
C Channels: Lo Pass 40 - 150Hz @24dB/Oct
T.H.D. (100Hz @4-ohm): 0.08%
Bandwith A & B (-3 dB): 7 - 60Hz
Bandwith C (-3 dB): 7 - 150Hz
S/N Ratio (A weighted @1V): 98dBA
Damping Factor A & B Channel (100Hz @4-ohm) :100
Damping Factor C Channel (100Hz @4-ohm) :200
Pre-In sensitivity: 0.3-5Volts
Pre-In impedence: 15 kohms
Speaker-In sensitivity: 1.4-24Volts
Speaker-in impendence@ 5kOhms
Power supply voltage: 11 - 15Volts
Idling current: 1.5A
Idling current when off: 0.04mA
Consumption @4ohm, 14.4VDC: 44A
Remote In: 6-15 VDC - 1mA
Remote Out: 12 VDC - 50mA
Automatic Turn On/Off with speaker in
Fuse: 3x30A
Dimensions (mm): 240 x 450 x 54

Harman Kardon 5 channel
5/4/3 MULTI channel amplifier
Power Output (4 Ohms): 55W RMS x 4 + 200W RMS for BASS channel
Power Output (2 Ohms): 80W RMS x 4 + 320W RMS for BASS channel
Crossovers:
Front: Low Pass/High Pass/Off - 12dB/Oct
Rear: Low Pass/High Pass/Off - 12dB/Oct
Sub: Low Pass - 24dB/Oct
Variable Subsonic (12dB/Oct.) : Including EQ (sub)
Signal-to-Noise (dBA) 102dBA (reference rated power into 4 ohms)
THD 0.06% (rated power at 4 ohms)
Frequency Response 10Hz - 100kHz and 13Hz - 320Hz (-3dB)
80Amp Fuse Rating
Wired Bass controller included
Dimensions (L x W x H) 234mm x 534mm x 62mm

[pennyracer]

hk is a sound quality amp cant go qrong with hk i run arc audio myself and i am very happy with it

[teejayy]

I was concerned mainly with the output of the HK amp, would 5w rms loss compared to the Hertz for the coaxils and components make a massive difference?

@ pennyracer, Chears for the rapid response! Thats exactly what im going for, i dont really want something that will blow my mind SPL wise. Its all about SQ! When space is a premium am i right in thinking one amp for entire system is better?

[teejayy]

I was concerned mainly with the output of the HK amp, would 5w rms loss compared to the Hertz for the coaxils and components make a massive difference?

@ pennyracer, Chears for the rapid response! Thats exactly what im going for, i dont really want something that will blow my mind SPL wise. Its all about SQ! When space is a premium am i right in thinking one amp for entire system is better?

[sqcomp]

Having installed the Hertz offering, they're strong amplifiers. I wouldn't hesitate to use the Hertz.

[swidd]

I'm very happy with my PDX-5, but I've never owned anything else to compare with.

[bzinn 1]

Its a shame Elemental Designs does not still sell the NINe.5.....it is a great amp and can run 3/4/or 5 channels,crossovers built in for every channel,and it pushes way more power than advertised......now I just gotta figure out how to fit it into the car......lol......it is about 29" long....

[teejayy]

That seems to be a reoccouring problem with the yaris! It's a quality car though, massivly underrated in the UK! Can't wait to get my system in, i think I'm going to go with the HK amplifier, as the hertz one is second hand.. Can never be too sure if the previous owner had the same love for ICE as we all do!
Thanks for everyones help!

[H3LlIoN]

Originally Posted by swidd

I'm very happy with my PDX-5, but I've never owned anything else to compare with.

I second pdx. They are clean and clear, and damned near impossible to hook up incorrectly, in case you have no idea what you're doing.

[swidd]

I actually have a hard time imagining how a sound system could sound any better than with my PDX, SPX and Type R... (note: its my first system ever, I've never heard anything to compare with). I hear every tone clear and vivid, the bass blends and compliments as if I was driving around with a real kick-drum in the trunk, it sounds like a concert, only better... What else is there to hear?

I'm very impressed by how joyful it is to drive around with a system, so I'm open for suggestions on how to make it even better. This sound stuff is really awesome.

[H3LlIoN]

I guess I should have added that I am a professional audio installer, and I've heard many different combinations of audio components, and I vote for PDX.

[derickveliz2]

If I had to buy amps for my yaris I would go like this

1st... HERTZ

2nd... Alpine

3rd... Pioneer

Depends on budget, I know you are asking for a 5 channel amp, but I read my name and I felt like writing something, What ever you do, will be better than stock!

[pariahdecss]

Another vote for the PDX5 - super compact and a good amount of headroom for my modest needs

[Bluevitz-rs]

No matter what the brand, I always look at the THD level. The lower the number the better sound quality will be.

[sqcomp]

Ouch, Derick puts the Pioneer last!

Hey Derick, put one of these in:



You can put 10 Volts to it too!

Oh yeah, it's only as much as my deck. Chump change. :P

[teejayy]

Originally Posted by Bluevitz-rs

No matter what the brand, I always look at the THD level. The lower the number the better sound quality will be.

That would lead me to believe that the HK amp is better than the Hertz? Seeing that the HK is 0.06% THD compared to the hertz at 0.08% THD. The HK amp also has a higher Signal to Noise Ratio. Its strange I cant afford a PDX here.. Not the new one anyway.

[derickveliz2]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

Ouch, Derick puts the Pioneer last!
:P

Sorry that was a typo!



1st... Pioneer.

2nd... Pioneer.

3rd... Pioneer.



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