Are Helix Amps any good?
Former Moderator
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,852
Likes: 1
From: New York
Helix are some of the best amps out there. However, they are not high power amps, but the sound quality is phenominal. Xtant has nice amps as well. However, before you were talking about kicker amps....these amps are like a yugo and a ferrari. Two completely different ballgames.
Former Moderator
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,852
Likes: 1
From: New York
The kickers are the Yugo bro. There simply is absolutely no comaprison between these amps. Helix are are in the top 5 amplifiers produced...where as the company that produces Helix....the top of their line BRAX amplifiers are THE best amplifiers produced by man today. However, amps to power a good system in an s2000 with BRAX amps would cost as much as the car...he he...But again....if you like sound quality, dont even look at the kickers and get the Helix....you wont be sorry. However, they are not rated with much power....so dont expect to rattle the block. (Unless you get like 2 or 3 of them) If you get a good deal on Helix, dont pass them up.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,657
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From: CA.WA.[TX].VA
What brands should I be looking at that would be considered high end without breaking the bank. I think I'd like to stick with stuff that can't be bought at Circuit City and can only be goten at a stereo installer.
[Deck] Nakamichi In-dash Casette Deck
[Amp] Soundstream Picasso Amp
[Fronts] Focal Polyglass
[Sub] JL Audio W0
You should able to get all this under $1k easily and you can still tell people you have a Nak Deck, Soundstream Amp, Focal Components, and a JL Audio Sub
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,584
Likes: 1
From: Baton Rouge, LA
honestly -- spend more money on your speakers before you spend more money on your amps...
a great amp will only ever sound mediocre on mediocre speakers, but a mediocre amp will still sound quite good on great speakers. your speakers are your primary interface between your electronics and your ear... they will limit your overall sound quality more than your amplifier will...
a great amp will only ever sound mediocre on mediocre speakers, but a mediocre amp will still sound quite good on great speakers. your speakers are your primary interface between your electronics and your ear... they will limit your overall sound quality more than your amplifier will...
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,584
Likes: 1
From: Baton Rouge, LA
no, i'm not trying to slam the Kicker components... i was shopping in that same price range and they were on my list to demo... i've heard them and they are decent speakers, just not the ones for me. if you like them -- that is really what is important (and you are getting a good price on them).
but, i would encourage you try to listen to as many speakers as you can... i'd try some Focal Access or Polyglass as well (if you haven't already) as they are also in the price range. i was quite surprised by the Eclipse components, and the infinity stuff is worth a listen (though i didn't prefer it over the Focal), along with the Polk gear, MB Quart, and other manuf. don't settle on just your 1st or 2nd set of speakers you've demoed. (and for demo'ing - see my other post where i outlined good demo techniques)
but back to answering your point - before i spend $500 on an amp and $200 on speakers, i'd go out and listen to $500 speakers and try some $300 amps. you'll probably be floored at the sound quality difference you'll get.
mgiang7 mentions the point of diminishing returns... and he's dead right. generally speaking - at the price points we're discussing - if you double the price on what you pay for your speakers, you get a phenomenal upgrade in sound. if you double the price on your amp, the average listener may notice an audible sound quality difference. and that's coming from someone who supposedly has a 'trained ear.' unless you're under almost perfect listening conditions, chances are - you won't hear the audible improvements between a good amp and a great amp, without someone pointing it out to you... but even if left alone, you will easily recognize the differences between good speakers and great speakers.
and on top of that -- if you look at the S2000 as a soundstage - it sucks. wind noise, engine noise, gear noise, etc. a sound quality improvement in amps will barely be noticable - a sound quality improvement in speakers will clearly be heard.
now (from what i remember - correct me if i am wrong) if i remember right, you're planning to use the factory head unit for this... if you are looking at amps that cost big dollars, you're just amplifying a poor and noisy signal. before putting any money in a fancy amp, i'd go w/ your current choices and replace the headunit with your savings.
i hope this helps and doesn't just confuse matters more. if we sorta knew your budget, that could probably help us help you distribute it best...
but, i would encourage you try to listen to as many speakers as you can... i'd try some Focal Access or Polyglass as well (if you haven't already) as they are also in the price range. i was quite surprised by the Eclipse components, and the infinity stuff is worth a listen (though i didn't prefer it over the Focal), along with the Polk gear, MB Quart, and other manuf. don't settle on just your 1st or 2nd set of speakers you've demoed. (and for demo'ing - see my other post where i outlined good demo techniques)
but back to answering your point - before i spend $500 on an amp and $200 on speakers, i'd go out and listen to $500 speakers and try some $300 amps. you'll probably be floored at the sound quality difference you'll get.
mgiang7 mentions the point of diminishing returns... and he's dead right. generally speaking - at the price points we're discussing - if you double the price on what you pay for your speakers, you get a phenomenal upgrade in sound. if you double the price on your amp, the average listener may notice an audible sound quality difference. and that's coming from someone who supposedly has a 'trained ear.' unless you're under almost perfect listening conditions, chances are - you won't hear the audible improvements between a good amp and a great amp, without someone pointing it out to you... but even if left alone, you will easily recognize the differences between good speakers and great speakers.
and on top of that -- if you look at the S2000 as a soundstage - it sucks. wind noise, engine noise, gear noise, etc. a sound quality improvement in amps will barely be noticable - a sound quality improvement in speakers will clearly be heard.
now (from what i remember - correct me if i am wrong) if i remember right, you're planning to use the factory head unit for this... if you are looking at amps that cost big dollars, you're just amplifying a poor and noisy signal. before putting any money in a fancy amp, i'd go w/ your current choices and replace the headunit with your savings.
i hope this helps and doesn't just confuse matters more. if we sorta knew your budget, that could probably help us help you distribute it best...