Infinity Kappa 100.1SE + 200w Class D amp vs Infinity Bass-link

[N1XRR]

Title says it all, what do you guys think? I'm not going for winning any competitions here, but I'd like to get more than stock bass thats sounds good. I'm not going for dB's, I'm going for response. I know you can tune a box to do basically anything you want...but which would be the better choice?

I already have the Infinity sub(was in my RX7 for about 6 months) and I'm really looking for a compact design. Both will be compact(to a point), but has anyone had any experience with the Basslink?

 

[Natey]

I can't tell you about the first choice, but I really like my Basslink. It won't bump the neighborhood, but it'll definately make the spoiler rattle!

 

[1sty]

Id do the sub amp combo. Basslink is nice for people that probably won't upgrade.

 

[MisterT]

I'd do the sub amp combo too. You can always get a dual voice coil sub and get the most out of a class d mono amp. Nowadays you can get subs designed for smaller boxes that sound incredible.

 

[N1XRR]

Indeed. I'm just worried that my lack of experience in building boxes will make it sound like crap.

Good news is I'll probably be able to get the amp withen the next few weeks because one of my friends is building the box I made to fit in the RX7's storage bins.

 

[MisterT]

If you go with a sealed box, you can get a decent MDF prefab enclosure that will work. I have one in mine until I can get a new one with a ported enclosure instead of sealed.

MiStEr T

 

[N1XRR]

Well, I had thought about going with a Q-Logic box, but its a generic box. Its not built for any specific sub and I'm worried about it sounding like complete crap.

By the way- I put my 4-ch Alpine amp, XM reciever and Alpine headunit in this weekend. These speakers sound pretty good now that they have some power running to them. Stock sub is almost non-existant over the other 4 speakers now.

One more question guys: Class-D sub amp(like: Alpine MRP-M350) or 2-ch amp bridged?(like: MTX Thunder8302)

Keep in mind I'm going for sound quality vs total power. Maybe someone has a suggestion on another amp for around $200(give or take $50 or so...I might be willing to even go up to $100 more) that puts out ~200-250w?

 

[hihoslva]

For amps, try a Lanzar. I'm running two of them - a Vibe 248 and Vibe 428, and they are a super super bargain.

I paid $130 each shipped from Ikesound.com

PS - I'm also using the Kappa subs - the 100.3dvc's - and the Vibe 248 pushes them nicely.

I took a chance with the Lanzar amps (read: cheap), and have been 100% satisfied. A total steal. Mine run at high volume for literally hours at a time occasionally, with no ill effects.

~HH

 

[MisterT]

Hey HH, not trying to noisy in, but that is the same with my EDesign subs. Good numbers but inexpensive. They sound great too! Just because it is not Alpine, JL Audio, or some other name brand doesn't mean it is crap. I know this and you know this. It's good to help another enthusiast out by saving some dough. Ever get your 3 way components in anyway? Just curious.

MiStErT

 

[hihoslva]

Hey HH, not trying to noisy in, but that is the same with my EDesign subs. Good numbers but inexpensive. They sound great too! Just because it is not Alpine, JL Audio, or some other name brand doesn't mean it is crap. I know this and you know this. It's good to help another enthusiast out by saving some dough. Ever get your 3 way components in anyway? Just curious.

MiStErT

No worries man - I have heard nothing but great reviews of eDesigns subs. Good prices, and excellent woofers - probably a step above the Infinity Kappas, maybe in line with something like the Perfect - maybe. But I think the Perfect costs a bit more. Anyway - I'm strongly considering eD for the wife's Jeep once I get around to buying her some new subs.

I'm never against off-brand stuff. For the price I paid for my Lanzar amps, it was worth a shot. I had figured that if they really sucked balls, I could off them on eBay for close to what I paid. But they are great amps, and a serious value.

3-way component setup is hopefully going to be soon. Too much work around the new house we just bought to even think of car stereo lately. But the wife wants to buy me the speakers for my birthday (July 16), so that'll give me incentive. I plan on trying another bargain I found - Planet Audio. I can get the 3-way comp set for around $140 - again, at that price, it's worth a shot. If they suck, maybe I'll step up to the Focal or JL or something. I hope to work on the pods soon - I can't wait to get ripping into those doors and do some fiberglass again!

~HH

 

[1sty]

Well, I had thought about going with a Q-Logic box, but its a generic box. Its not built for any specific sub and I'm worried about it sounding like complete crap.

By the way- I put my 4-ch Alpine amp, XM reciever and Alpine headunit in this weekend. These speakers sound pretty good now that they have some power running to them. Stock sub is almost non-existant over the other 4 speakers now.

One more question guys: Class-D sub amp(like: Alpine MRP-M350) or 2-ch amp bridged?(like: MTX Thunder8302)

Keep in mind I'm going for sound quality vs total power. Maybe someone has a suggestion on another amp for around $200(give or take $50 or so...I might be willing to even go up to $100 more) that puts out ~200-250w?

As the protegeclub alumny have totaly thread JACKED you .
Let me answer.

Sealed prefab boxes built of decent materials are usualy fine and a good price. I wouldn't try it with a ported or bandpass as they require alot of planning based the actual driver.
Since sealed boxes just need to be a certian air volume they are usualy ok for low powered installs. Just buy some silicone to seal up the box around the terminal cup and the joints if needed.

Class D amps have the advantage of being more efficient but at the price of SQ. Now very few people can actualy notice that SQ in subwoofers so I wouldn't worry about it. Or just get a JL amp as there class D's don't make the sq sacrifice AT ALL!
Just make sure you match the subwoofers final impedance to an amp that is most capable at that impedance.

The alpine MRP-M350 is a great amp for the $200, I suggest them all the time.

 

[N1XRR]

Thank you again "1st". I went out to tweeter yesterday and bought a MRP-M350 and threw my Kappa in an overly-large box(About 1 ft^3 instead of .6) No matter if its too large or not, it sounds 200% better than stock. This setup actually sounds very good now, can't wait till I can afford a set of Boston Acoustic's all around!

Michael

 

[1sty]

Damn!
I should have had you give them my employee number to write up the sale under .

Enjoy the amp and sub.
Just so you know often subs are speced for smaller boxes then optimum just so people will by them thinking they can save space. Its just one more statistic manufacturers exagerate to get more people to buy. Usualy a larger box is more accurate, more efficient and goes lower.