Out of curiosity, what output wattage/ch do you get with this amp. Is it a 2ch or 4.

Take it easy on those tires!! Twice in 18 mo

 

Barry: I (obviously) have the Xplod 1631's as speakers, so I figured since the head unit was pretty darn cool looking and had as good a spec as any other similarly priced unit, what the heck. Besides, it has a perfect-colored SILVER face when the face is flipped down, and a blend-in black when up

cd: Yikes, buddy, what are you doing to those poor S-02s? I haven't had a problem yet (knock on wood), but of course, I'm a wuss driver

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by stbrnd

Quote:

Out of curiosity, what output wattage/ch do you get with this amp. Is it a 2ch or 4.

It is advertised as a 400 watt amp. Depending upon how you measure it you can call it 2X200 down to 2X37. It is plenty of power for two 6.5 speakers.
http://www.phoenixgold.com/zx400ti.html

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Barry WY Silver/Black '01
[B]Here are some questions for Chris and Pinky.

Chris, why did you mount it on wood covered with foam.

 

Chris,
The Phoenix Gold zx400ti is a very, very nice unit. I've been reading up!
My stereo shop wants $525 for the amp and about $80 for the install plus about $35 for Sound Gate speaker level to line level converters.
Does that sound reasonable?

Any regrets?

Pinky, any more comments on adding the amp before replacing the head?

Barry

 

Barry, I will add that I am very happy with my MTX 2120 amp added to the stock head unit. I ran the car with upgraded speakers (Infinity 62.1i) for several months before adding the amp. What a difference with the added clean power! Although it may not be an optimal setup, sound quality (especially at higher volume settings) is vastly improved. You can always do it in stages - add the amp now and if you later choose to add an aftermarket headunit, the only thing you'll lose money on is the line level converter (which I used in my installation as well, and recommend). Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll be thrilled with the improved sound.

 

My 2c:

I went with an Alpine amp (the MRV-T407) and I'm extremely happy with it. It is part of their top of the line range, has speaker level input, which removes the need for an adapter if you want to keep the headunit and I think I paid around $200USD for it.

As for install location, I also used the spare tyre but went a different route from Chris. I did not like the idea to have the tyre unclamped, help only by wedges, so I installed the amp on a board, like on "stilts", allowing enough freespace to operate the screwed tyre clamp that holds board and tyre in place. It's a somewhat convoluted install, but it works and has been healthy so far (+1 year). I use to have pictures of this, and if I can find them, I'll post them.

An audio dealer I visited recently was installing amps right at the end of the passenger foot well, under the carpet. It looked like a clean install but I wouldn't know about heat dissipation (it may actually be a bonus in those cold winter nights ). Anyway, another place to consider.

BTW, please check http://www.s2000online.com/forums/showthre...7333#post127333 for a clean and potential solution for keeping the dash controls with Alpine headunits.

 

Chris,
The Phoenix Gold zx400 ti looks awesome, and seems like overkill for a two speaker (or two speaker and subwoofer later) installation. The guys at my local stereo shop LOVE the zx400 ti, have several in stock, and would love to sell it to me for $525 plus line level adapter ($35) plus cabling kit ($65) plus labor for install ($80).

It looks like the $200 Alpine MRV- T407 would do the same job. It includes speaker level inputs. I doubt I would ever notice a difference. The same stereo shop guys would gladly order one for me. They made comments about "Japanese made" and "no fan" "not the same quality as the Phoenix Gold" but I wonder if this is all sizzle and no substance. My BEST ham radio equipment is Japanese. My ears are not THAT sophisticated.

If I get an amp, and if the zx400 ti plus speaker level converter is better, I'd spend the extra $350 without a regret. It certainly looks beautiful.

Everybody here uses the Sound Gate converter since Sound Gate is local to Sheridan.

I haven't made any decision on what to do next. The stock system suits me fine for normal listening except for top down interstate driving. I just have the stock head and the Kenwood Excelon KFC xr600 speakers. NO STEREO will cancel the wind noise under those conditions.

I'm still considering going the head replacement route instead of the amp route too, just because the installation seems cleaner and more reversible. I'm trying to get ahold of the Alpine KCE 865B adapter which might or might not solve the aux controls problem.

Concerning heads, I'm just too conservative. I haven't found one with a display I like. All the "modern" ones seem too busy. I want a simple display that shows the time loud and clear and then just displays supplimental information on demand.

Inspite of owning a convertible I like to see the time on my dash, not on my wrist.

I did peek inside the spare tire yesterday and was shocked at all the space there.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Barry WY Silver/Black '01 [B]Chris,