Ultra-Compact Amplifiers
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Jersey
Ultra-Compact Amplifiers
Hello All,
I'm trying to put together a list of ultra-compact amplifiers suitable for a small car like the S2K.
I'm not exactly sure what the max. dimensions are that we can wedge into that access panel on the passenger side of the dashboard - maybe someone can provide some useful info.
I've ordered an Alpine Power Pack and plan to install it this weekend. This was a no brainer in terms of Power, Size, and Price. I'm hoping this will satisfy my urge for power (running 90W RMS x 2,) but we shall see.
I figured it'd be useful to have a list like this for future reference. Please offer suggestions in the thread and I will add them.
2-channel Amps
Massive Audio BX2
Rockford Fosgate Punch PBR200X2
Arc KS125.2BX
PPI i350.2
4-channel Amps
Rockford Fosgate Punch PBR200X4
Alpine Power Pack KTP-445U
Biketronics
http://www.biketronics.com/categories/Amplifiers/
Biketronics makes some really impressive-looking amps in terms of power per cubic inch (obviously designed for motorcycles) but it's a pricey leap for a brand that's totally unfamiliar to me.. Anyone have any experience?
I'm trying to put together a list of ultra-compact amplifiers suitable for a small car like the S2K.
I'm not exactly sure what the max. dimensions are that we can wedge into that access panel on the passenger side of the dashboard - maybe someone can provide some useful info.
I've ordered an Alpine Power Pack and plan to install it this weekend. This was a no brainer in terms of Power, Size, and Price. I'm hoping this will satisfy my urge for power (running 90W RMS x 2,) but we shall see.
I figured it'd be useful to have a list like this for future reference. Please offer suggestions in the thread and I will add them.
2-channel Amps
Massive Audio BX2
- 120 W x 2 @ 4 ohm
- 240 W x 2 @ 2 ohm
- 480 W x 1 @ 4 ohm
- 5.0" x 6.3" x 1.6"
Rockford Fosgate Punch PBR200X2
- 100 W x 2 @ 4 ohm
- 150 W x 2 @ 2 ohm
- 300 W x 1 @ 4 ohm
- 4.25" x 6.75" x 1.56"
Arc KS125.2BX
- 70 W x 2 @ 4 ohm
- 125 W x 2 @ 2 ohm
- 250 W x 1 @ 4 ohm
- 4.8" x 8.25" x" 1.7"
PPI i350.2
- 115 W x 2 @ 4 ohm
- 175 W x 2 @ 2 ohm
- 350 W x 1 @ 4 ohm
- 5.38" x 5.5" x" 1.88"
4-channel Amps
Rockford Fosgate Punch PBR200X4
- 75 W x 4 @ 4 ohm
- Not Bridgeable
- 4.31" x 6.94" x 1.56"
Alpine Power Pack KTP-445U
- 45 W x 4 @ 4 ohm
- 90 W x 2 @ 4 ohm
- 7.88" x 2.56" x" 1.5"
Biketronics
http://www.biketronics.com/categories/Amplifiers/
Biketronics makes some really impressive-looking amps in terms of power per cubic inch (obviously designed for motorcycles) but it's a pricey leap for a brand that's totally unfamiliar to me.. Anyone have any experience?
Joined: Aug 2010
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Pioneer PRS-D800, street price only like $160, 2ch digital 125W RMS x2 @ 4ohm, 10" x 2" x 4-1/8", looks slick to boot
I have the bigger 4ch digital amp from Pioneer feeding 200W RMS into each door speaker, excellent price/performance, maybe the best I've come across.
I see you're a new owner...the consensus on amp placement is the spare tire area or beside. Lot more space and still keeps things tidy and out of sight.
I have the bigger 4ch digital amp from Pioneer feeding 200W RMS into each door speaker, excellent price/performance, maybe the best I've come across.
I see you're a new owner...the consensus on amp placement is the spare tire area or beside. Lot more space and still keeps things tidy and out of sight.
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,139
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The Pioneer PRS-D800 is one sweet amp and really an amazing performer for the price. It does not have any built-in crossovers, so you need to make sure that works for your application. Since you don't seem to be running a sub, seems like it will suit you fine. Definitely the best quality and SQ of anything you've listed.
I'm not a fan of Massive amps due to their AB amps. They claimed more than they can do and had overheating issues and they would never admit to a problem and just kept you running around in circles in search for a resolution. Their class-D amps look nice (first time I looked at them). They're very close to size of similar competitor amps which leads me to think they use the same boards and made in the same plant as the PPI Ion and Polk amps (just like the PPI/Polk/etc. larger class-Ds), which isn't a bad thing. But they're a bit pricey for what you get IMO. The specs aren't much better than the PPI i350.2 while costing 2x the price. The PPI is definitely the better bang for the buck between these 2.
The Rockford PNs are PBR300. Those are really cool for their super small size. I've played with them and sound good, but they have a very limited crossover and they get HOT!!! They're not class-D, but more a class-G...has an AB output stage and uses 2 voltage rails that it automatically switches between. Nice, but I wouldn't run it unless you have good ventilation or forced cooling (fans).
The PPI Ion series has caught my eye. Looks nice and uber small with good power. They have a 4-channel version too, I think i320.4. The size and layout look very similar to the Massive versions, so it may be likely they use the same board/design and come from the same plant. Based on price (the PPI is half the price) and experience with both brands, I'd go for the PPI between the options you listed.
There's also the Polk Audio PA D2000.2. Again, looks very similar to the Massive and PPI Ion versions, so may be from same design/mfr. The difference with the Polk (vs. the Massive) is their specs are much better, so it seems Polk paid a bit extra to upgrade the base design. But the amp doesn't cost much more than the PPI version. The thing I like about the Polk is the very wide crossover that allows you to use it in an active setup. Something to consider.
Most of these new class-D amps come from the same designer/mfr. A contract mfr like this provides any customer willing to order a minimum order quantity the standard designs and will offer upgrades with different performance and sometimes different location of controls if the buyer is willing to pay for them. The same methodology is used for other commodity electronics products.
So, built-in crossovers and features for the price, I'd go PPI i350.2. Willing to put a bit higher budget and good features with flexible crossover and better performance, Polk PAD200.2. Pure performance, Pioneer PRS-D800 (it really is a nice amp, but a good bit longer than the PPI...but did I mention it's a really nice amp?).
I'm not a fan of Massive amps due to their AB amps. They claimed more than they can do and had overheating issues and they would never admit to a problem and just kept you running around in circles in search for a resolution. Their class-D amps look nice (first time I looked at them). They're very close to size of similar competitor amps which leads me to think they use the same boards and made in the same plant as the PPI Ion and Polk amps (just like the PPI/Polk/etc. larger class-Ds), which isn't a bad thing. But they're a bit pricey for what you get IMO. The specs aren't much better than the PPI i350.2 while costing 2x the price. The PPI is definitely the better bang for the buck between these 2.
The Rockford PNs are PBR300. Those are really cool for their super small size. I've played with them and sound good, but they have a very limited crossover and they get HOT!!! They're not class-D, but more a class-G...has an AB output stage and uses 2 voltage rails that it automatically switches between. Nice, but I wouldn't run it unless you have good ventilation or forced cooling (fans).
The PPI Ion series has caught my eye. Looks nice and uber small with good power. They have a 4-channel version too, I think i320.4. The size and layout look very similar to the Massive versions, so it may be likely they use the same board/design and come from the same plant. Based on price (the PPI is half the price) and experience with both brands, I'd go for the PPI between the options you listed.
There's also the Polk Audio PA D2000.2. Again, looks very similar to the Massive and PPI Ion versions, so may be from same design/mfr. The difference with the Polk (vs. the Massive) is their specs are much better, so it seems Polk paid a bit extra to upgrade the base design. But the amp doesn't cost much more than the PPI version. The thing I like about the Polk is the very wide crossover that allows you to use it in an active setup. Something to consider.
Most of these new class-D amps come from the same designer/mfr. A contract mfr like this provides any customer willing to order a minimum order quantity the standard designs and will offer upgrades with different performance and sometimes different location of controls if the buyer is willing to pay for them. The same methodology is used for other commodity electronics products.
So, built-in crossovers and features for the price, I'd go PPI i350.2. Willing to put a bit higher budget and good features with flexible crossover and better performance, Polk PAD200.2. Pure performance, Pioneer PRS-D800 (it really is a nice amp, but a good bit longer than the PPI...but did I mention it's a really nice amp?).
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 47
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From: Jersey
Pioneer PRS-D800, street price only like $160, 2ch digital 125W RMS x2 @ 4ohm, 10" x 2" x 4-1/8", looks slick to boot
I have the bigger 4ch digital amp from Pioneer feeding 200W RMS into each door speaker, excellent price/performance, maybe the best I've come across.
I see you're a new owner...the consensus on amp placement is the spare tire area or beside. Lot more space and still keeps things tidy and out of sight.
I have the bigger 4ch digital amp from Pioneer feeding 200W RMS into each door speaker, excellent price/performance, maybe the best I've come across.
I see you're a new owner...the consensus on amp placement is the spare tire area or beside. Lot more space and still keeps things tidy and out of sight.
Thanks for the input. Yes - I am a proud new owner - 1 month and 2.2k miles
I'm trying to keep it as close to stock as possible (it will fade, it always does) for now and I'd sort of like to keep my spare tire. Based on your advice, I did just read that there is a secret area next to the spare tire (behind some carpet?) that can fit a small amp - can you tell me anything more about it?
That Pioneer amp is a real beauty for $160 - What sort of speakers are you driving with it? What have you compared it to?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 47
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From: Jersey
The Pioneer PRS-D800 is one sweet amp and really an amazing performer for the price. It does not have any built-in crossovers, so you need to make sure that works for your application. Since you don't seem to be running a sub, seems like it will suit you fine. Definitely the best quality and SQ of anything you've listed.
I'm not a fan of Massive amps due to their AB amps. They claimed more than they can do and had overheating issues and they would never admit to a problem and just kept you running around in circles in search for a resolution. Their class-D amps look nice (first time I looked at them). They're very close to size of similar competitor amps which leads me to think they use the same boards and made in the same plant as the PPI Ion and Polk amps (just like the PPI/Polk/etc. larger class-Ds), which isn't a bad thing. But they're a bit pricey for what you get IMO. The specs aren't much better than the PPI i350.2 while costing 2x the price. The PPI is definitely the better bang for the buck between these 2.
The Rockford PNs are PBR300. Those are really cool for their super small size. I've played with them and sound good, but they have a very limited crossover and they get HOT!!! They're not class-D, but more a class-G...has an AB output stage and uses 2 voltage rails that it automatically switches between. Nice, but I wouldn't run it unless you have good ventilation or forced cooling (fans).
The PPI Ion series has caught my eye. Looks nice and uber small with good power. They have a 4-channel version too, I think i320.4. The size and layout look very similar to the Massive versions, so it may be likely they use the same board/design and come from the same plant. Based on price (the PPI is half the price) and experience with both brands, I'd go for the PPI between the options you listed.
There's also the Polk Audio PA D2000.2. Again, looks very similar to the Massive and PPI Ion versions, so may be from same design/mfr. The difference with the Polk (vs. the Massive) is their specs are much better, so it seems Polk paid a bit extra to upgrade the base design. But the amp doesn't cost much more than the PPI version. The thing I like about the Polk is the very wide crossover that allows you to use it in an active setup. Something to consider.
Most of these new class-D amps come from the same designer/mfr. A contract mfr like this provides any customer willing to order a minimum order quantity the standard designs and will offer upgrades with different performance and sometimes different location of controls if the buyer is willing to pay for them. The same methodology is used for other commodity electronics products.
So, built-in crossovers and features for the price, I'd go PPI i350.2. Willing to put a bit higher budget and good features with flexible crossover and better performance, Polk PAD200.2. Pure performance, Pioneer PRS-D800 (it really is a nice amp, but a good bit longer than the PPI...but did I mention it's a really nice amp?).
I'm not a fan of Massive amps due to their AB amps. They claimed more than they can do and had overheating issues and they would never admit to a problem and just kept you running around in circles in search for a resolution. Their class-D amps look nice (first time I looked at them). They're very close to size of similar competitor amps which leads me to think they use the same boards and made in the same plant as the PPI Ion and Polk amps (just like the PPI/Polk/etc. larger class-Ds), which isn't a bad thing. But they're a bit pricey for what you get IMO. The specs aren't much better than the PPI i350.2 while costing 2x the price. The PPI is definitely the better bang for the buck between these 2.
The Rockford PNs are PBR300. Those are really cool for their super small size. I've played with them and sound good, but they have a very limited crossover and they get HOT!!! They're not class-D, but more a class-G...has an AB output stage and uses 2 voltage rails that it automatically switches between. Nice, but I wouldn't run it unless you have good ventilation or forced cooling (fans).
The PPI Ion series has caught my eye. Looks nice and uber small with good power. They have a 4-channel version too, I think i320.4. The size and layout look very similar to the Massive versions, so it may be likely they use the same board/design and come from the same plant. Based on price (the PPI is half the price) and experience with both brands, I'd go for the PPI between the options you listed.
There's also the Polk Audio PA D2000.2. Again, looks very similar to the Massive and PPI Ion versions, so may be from same design/mfr. The difference with the Polk (vs. the Massive) is their specs are much better, so it seems Polk paid a bit extra to upgrade the base design. But the amp doesn't cost much more than the PPI version. The thing I like about the Polk is the very wide crossover that allows you to use it in an active setup. Something to consider.
Most of these new class-D amps come from the same designer/mfr. A contract mfr like this provides any customer willing to order a minimum order quantity the standard designs and will offer upgrades with different performance and sometimes different location of controls if the buyer is willing to pay for them. The same methodology is used for other commodity electronics products.
So, built-in crossovers and features for the price, I'd go PPI i350.2. Willing to put a bit higher budget and good features with flexible crossover and better performance, Polk PAD200.2. Pure performance, Pioneer PRS-D800 (it really is a nice amp, but a good bit longer than the PPI...but did I mention it's a really nice amp?).
Interesting - thanks for all of this great info. Second recommendation (2/2) for the Pioneer PRS-D800. Is this thing really that good? $160??
It's definitely bigger than I originally intended. But I will eventually fold and give up a little bit of usable space for a bigger (but still small) amp.
The Polk you mentioned also looks great - again a little larger at 8-1/4"L x 6-3/4"W x 1-13/16"H but still really tiny - and again $160.
I have a US Acoustics USB4085 laying around collecting dust - maybe I will put that to work
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From: SoCal/Norcal
One side of our trunk has our spare tire and the other side has a REALLLLLY tight spot to possibly put an amp depending how small it is. I was planning on trying to put my Alpine PDX-F4 amp which isn't THAT big in that spot but its just too tight for my liking. The gas tank creates a hump on that side of the trunk. I've never seen the compact amps that you listed so I don't know if those will fit in the small area next to the spare tire.
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Jersey
Nope - Alpine CDE-147BT and HAT Imagine I61-2
The Power Pack would work with your stock head unit, but you'd need to cut/splice the factory stereo wiring quite a bit - unless you could find a short male/female harness somewhere or build one.
I would recommend ditching the stock head unit.
Joined: Dec 2004
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Yeah, the stock head unit is horrible. Actually, the whole stock audio system in the S is horrible. Bad peaks in certain frequencies, huge distortion at high volumes. Good (very good) head units are available for under $100. Fry's had the JVC 730BT for a while for about $70 or $80, tons of features, good DACs, 6 pre-outs with good voltage level, USB and even bluetooth.
I have a Zapco sitting on the board that sits over the tool kit. I've been meaning to make a custom plexi top piece with a couple of fans for it so I can put things in the trunk on top of it, but never got to it (and lost my plexi). But that's a potential option also. Or mount the amp vertically somewhere. These small class-Ds don't heat up so vertical mounting is fine.
Unless you have separate processing (to use the Pioneer), the Polk is a very nice choice. I prefer active XOs to passive ones provided with components.
I have a Zapco sitting on the board that sits over the tool kit. I've been meaning to make a custom plexi top piece with a couple of fans for it so I can put things in the trunk on top of it, but never got to it (and lost my plexi). But that's a potential option also. Or mount the amp vertically somewhere. These small class-Ds don't heat up so vertical mounting is fine.
Unless you have separate processing (to use the Pioneer), the Polk is a very nice choice. I prefer active XOs to passive ones provided with components.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 24,771
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From: Stanmore
I have an Alto Mobile ADP amp hidden away nicely, along with a JL 250/1. It all sits on top of the fuel tank.
Here it is hidden away:
4x75 bi-amped. Not sure if they are still available, but I've seen some very cheap second hand.
Here it is hidden away:
4x75 bi-amped. Not sure if they are still available, but I've seen some very cheap second hand.
