Clarion amps?

[NoRotorNoMotor]

I have owned numerous Clarion Pro Audio decks and I really like them, but I have never owned a Clarion amplifier. I have owned JL, Soundstream, PPI, Orion and A/D/S amps and was wondering how the Clarions compare with them SQ wise?

The amp will be powering a set of A/D/S 236is 6.5" components. I would love to get another A/D/S to power them, but my budget is too low and they are extrememly hard to find anyway.

100 watts x 4 would be optimal, but again budget doesnt permit spending more than about $100 on an amp right now

The Clarion model I am looking at is the APX4240:

Features
MOSFET power supply
Built-in variable low-pass or high-pass crossovers
50-300 Hz crossover frequency
Line or speaker level inputs
2 ohms stereo/4 ohms mono stable
Gold-plated input and output terminals
GLIIC (Ground Loop Isolation Input Circuit) for noise rejection
Bass Extender 0, 6, 12 dB boost control at 50 Hz
CEA-2006 compliant specifications
Multi-Channel Amp Specifications

Amplifier Type: Multi-Channel
RMS Power @ 4 Ohms: 60W x 4 @ 14.4V
THD at 4-Ohm RMS Power: <0.1%
Bridged RMS Power @ 4 Ohms: 180W x 2 @ 14.4V
Speaker Level Inputs: yes
Preamp Outputs: no
Built-In Crossovers: HP/LP
Bass Boost: 0, 6, 12 dB
Frequency Response: 20-30,000 Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio: >85 dB
Dimensions: 13 L x 10 7/8 W x 2 3/4 H

Basically it comes down to whether or not this amp be able to make my A/D/S speakers shine like they should?

 

[chuyler1]

Clarion does a great job with head units but I have never met someone who can vouch for their amplifiers. I think they make them to simply fill out their product line. I'm sure they will be better than say Audiobahn, but I don't think they will be comparable to a/d/s, JL, PPI, or Orion.

If you are on a real tight budget, take a look at some of the Aura amps at www.partsexpress.com. People at www.diymobileaudio.com said they work great for the price.

Otherwise, I would try to get a lower level amp from a better brand. (The JL e seriese, the DLS Classic or Reference series, etc...)

 

[FoxPro5]

If you can pick that Amp up for 100 bones I'd say go for it.

 

[NoRotorNoMotor]

ok thanks, i had read about the aura recently and completly forgot about them

what would you recommend 2 or 4 channels? will it make any difference on sound quality? my a/d/s can run both ways through the crossover, just a few wire snips needed

seems the 150x2 would be give me 25 extra watts per speaker for the same price as the 50x4

 

[NoRotorNoMotor]

If you can pick that Amp up for 100 bones I'd say go for it.

the clarion would be $105 shipped, BNIB with 30 day money back guarantee

 

[chuyler1]

2ch vs. 4ch...

It depends on where you plan on mounting the tweeters. If they will be close to the drivers then the 2ch will be fine. However, with 4ch you can set the gain on the tweeters independent of the woofers. I know the crossovers prolly have some sort of attenuation but it never seems to be enough when you have tweeters mounted high. Having the 4ch also opens up the possibility of running active...ditching the passive crossovers for an active crossover (stand alone or on the head unit). This will allow you to play with the crossover point and the woofers will get a little more power without the passive crossover sucking up power.