Recommendations for cheapish amp?

[PeteE30Tourer]

Got chatting to a bloke (sorry, didn't catch the name!) at the recent meet in Croydon about improving my sound system and he recommended installing an amp. Thing is, i've no idea about these things so i'm looking for some further advice.

I've fitted Infinity 5.25" in the front and 6x9s in the rear from the same manufacturer, but i'm driving them all from a fairly decent Clarion head unit, though it's a few years old now.

I'm not looking for tarmac shaking sounds, but i'm told an amp would improve the sound quality, which i like the sound of.

I'm not on a big budget here and dont want to change the speakers i've already installed.

So what amp would you recommend for Ԛ£50 to Ԛ£100 and where's the best place to buy from? Any good online car audio stores?

[e30_Turbo]

You need to work out how speakers your wanting run, I assume 4 and I'd suggest ether pro-plus of fusion as they are good but also cheap.

Best bet is to search the back of car mags as they always have good bargains in there.

50w x 4 will make such a diff over a poor headunit strangling itself.

Good luck.

[Dom]

careful you don't melt the infinities though, they can go a tad soft

[M5pilot]

Small Rockford Fosgate from ebay. Excellent sound quality.

[placey]

pete

probably me that you spoke with unless it was someone else. (?)

i'd check ebay for a 4 channel effort from alpine personally. their v12 range is very good and one or my favourites for the money.

the mrv-f407 is an excellent choice if you can find one within your budget, the mrv-f405 is the equivalent from the year before and also a very good perfomer.

for your budget it needs to be used - any decent branded kit will be a massive improvement as fozzymonster said. it'll take a little time and effort to install mind.

paul

[fowler]

Hello pete it was me you spoke to about the amp and that at the croydon meet.
both the suggestions are good but what is your budget?
give me a pm with your no and i will talk you through some

[Jimbob]

Agreed with Sal, a small Rockford Fosgate amp really does do the trick.
But also Paul the local ICE guru is correct in saying an Alpine V12, they rule also, both amps will fit your budget but the Rockford is easier to get hold of I think.

[PeteE30Tourer]

Thanks for the tips guys. As i said in my original post, i'm not looking for top-notch hi-fi here that rattles the bones and my budget has to stay below Ԛ£100 and preferably nearer the Ԛ£50 mark. It just seems to make sense to take some of the strain off the head-unit and let a dedicated amp do the work.

Is it worth getting a second hand one off ebay? I've never used this, so i'm not confident that i wont be sold one that's knackered.

[Jimbob]

Personally I wouldn't use eBay for an amp, unless it's a brand new one still in the box, no second hand stuff. Your local paper would be a good idea, I remember in my first car I got a brand new Rockford Fosgate Punch sub and amp (100w rms) for Ԛ£40!

[placey]

pete

i bought 2 of my current amps from ebay with no problems or regrets, i have sold some bargain amps on there before now too. have a look at...

mrv-f353 and

mrv-f307 - still with its original box and

mrv-f407 - salisbury

for alpine examples. if you have doubts about ebay then sooner or later one will come up within travelling distance and you can check it out before parting with any monies.

also your local freeads is a great idea.

amps don't really get knackered - they either work or don't so worry not about the secondhandness of an amp. another consideration in this equation is cabling - you need to budget at least 20 for a starter amp cabling kit and it's going to take some work to fit and cable up.

paul

[placey]

pete

this might suit you for location, budget and everything...

clicky

paul