Best amp to pair with my subwoofers?

[Kevin Elliott]

Hello everyone, and thanks for showing interest in my thread.

I'm naive about car audio and I was curious what amp I should purchase.

I currently have 2 12" 1800w Planet Audio, 900rms.

http://www.planetaudiousa.com/auto/car-audio-sound-system-auto-stereo-single-voice-coil-subwoofer-planet-audio-ac12d/

I don't want to purchase an amp and then find out I could have spent 20 dollars more and got something that was actually much better.

I have been looking into a 5000w mono amp from Planet Audio. On ebay It's only $140 so it caught my eye. Then doing some research I found out that the ratings lie and that's what lead me to this forum.

The amp link is here: http://www.planetaudiousa.com/auto/car-audio-sound-system-auto-monoblock-amplifier-planet-audio-ac5000-1d/

The reason I was considering that amp is because if it's hooked up @ 4 ohm, it's pushes 1800w. divided in half is 900 (because of the 2 subs), so that would push the subs to the max.. I think.

If anyone could direct me to a nice bang for your buck amp that would push my subs to the max, please tell me.

I am looking to spend no more than 160 dollars for an amp to match my subs.

[Kevin Elliott]

Doing some Googling, I came up with this site..

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/Matching-Subwoofers-Amps/2-Planet-Audio-AC12D-90011

Sounds promising to me.. I just don't know what I'm looking for still.

If it's a 4 ohm sub, then should I be looking at an amp that runs the correct rms at 4 ohm? Any info now would be awesome!

Like would I be better getting an 1800 rms @ 1 ohm, or 1800 rms @ 4 ohm to power my 2 - 900 rms subs?

[Broke_Audio_Addict]

Since they are dual 4 ohm subs you would wire them in parallel to 1 ohm so you want something that puts out the power you're looking for at 1 ohm. Now I'm not familiar with those subs so I'm not sure if they actually take that power maybe someone else here will know.

You're not going to find a good amp that does 1800 rms for $160 or less.

[Broke_Audio_Addict]

Also do you plan on electrical upgrades? if no I'd run less than 1800 watts

[Souldrop]

Those subs don't really look like they can handle 900W RMS a piece. Maybe someone can chime in, but I wouldn't feel comfortable running more than 300-400W tops to them. They are dual 4 ohm so you can either wire them to 1 or 4 ohm. It will be easier to find power at 1 ohm. Like Broke said, for 1800W RMS at 1 ohm, it's going to cost some money for electrical. Not to mention it's going to be hard to find a true 1800W RMS amp that's not dirty power for <160.

I would buy a Rockford Fosgate prime 750 or a Soundqubed 750 and call it a day.

You could do any of the amps listed on sonic. People seem to like Hifonics and Audiopipe. Don't expect full power, but maybe you're not getting ripped off as bad as with some of the other brands.

[Kevin Elliott]

So since I don't have top of the line subs, then I really shouldn't worry about needing an amp that does exactly what it says, you know what I mean?

If I buy the planet mono 5000w amp, and even though specs says it does 4 ohm @ 900 rms, and it really does 700, I should be okay? I mean the amp is only 140 bucks..

Right now I am running a Power-Acoustik-OV2-1600. 4 ohm @ "310 rms". That's quoted because I am saying that from what specs say, not what it has been really tested with people. I have been for about a month and a half without problems. Sure it's old school, but it was free. I guess atleast doubling my wattage would be sufficient.

On another note, when do I start to worry about the electrical stuff? I've read about car alternators not being able to handle certain amps, but I have no clue.

Thanks for your inputs!

[Broke_Audio_Addict]

Usually if your under 1000 watts you can get away with the stock alt and an upgraded under hood batt and the big 3 won't hurt either but that's up to you. I would stay away from the planet audio amp and try to find something more reliable.

Can you up the budget at all?

[Souldrop]

It claims 1800W at 4 ohms, but seriously doubt that as it doesn't explain how they rate their power. I would look at some reviews http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Audio-AC5000-1D-5000-watts-Monoblock/product-reviews/B003GSLE1M/ref=cm_cr_pr_hist_1/183-6335907-5708351?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

Judging by the review it looks like you may be buying a ticking time bomb. pony up a bit more cash and get a overall more dependable amp. Also one of the 5 star reviews claimed they only put out 600W RMS lol. If your willing to take a gamble, it's ultimately your money. I wouldn't have high expectations and I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't last very long, but you may get lucky and be perfectly happy.

[MrSkippyJ]

it claimed 3500 watts RMS, only requires a 160 amp fuse and recommends a minimum of "4 gauge or heavier wire"

OP avoid that amp.