Hi Guys

I have a very modest audio system in my Lancer.

Pioneer DEH-P5650 Head Unit
Clarion SRS1626 Components in the Front
Pioneer 6inch 3-ways in the rear (Cant remember the model)

Anyway, I am just looking at maybe boosting the quality in the front a wee bit by adding a 2 channel amp to power the components. So, as my system is already quite modest and I do not require the bees-knees of amps, what would you recommend as a nice simple 2 channel amp to power the splits for around the $150 mark.

I can see Jaycar's cheapest one is $189:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AA0420&CATID=24&form=CAT&SUBCATID=595
but Ryda have a little Clarion one on sale for $117:
http://www.ryda.com.au/Clarion-APX2121-2-Channel-Car-Amplifier-p/apx2121.htm

What do you think? Anywhere else I should be looking, or other brands I should be looking at? I did look in our "For Sale" section, but couldn't see anything suitable.

Cheers

J

I have the predecessor of that Clarion amp.

Not bad amps for entry level, just remember to include shipping plus wiring, its about $200 all up if you install.

Perhaps have a look at second hand models?

Thanks Ers

Oh I should also mention, the head unit does have 2 sets of RCA outs, so I am not against the idea of running a 4 channel amp either, unless the price will go up considerably.

Cheers

J

If you can hold off and just get a 4channel.....

Its easier to do now, rather than down the line - need a 4 channel wiring kit to go with it.

I was literally just about to post an amp that would suit your needs (and in your price range) in the FS section

It's a response AA-0423
2X100 wrms

Looked after very well, gain never went over half because i only ran 40 watt speakers.
Selling due to upgrade.


Shoot me a PM if you're interested, otherwise i'll post up in the FS section.

I have a Pioneer GM3300T I'm not using anymore which is as new, bought it back around April last year, still got everything to go with it, box, manuals etc. Its about on par with the Clarion you've linked to.
http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/products/25/29/182/GM-3300T/specs.html

Give's you another option to consider at least anyway.

Thanks for all the help guys.

J-Flo and Lugo, what kind of prices are you after? Also, which of those two is the better amp? I can see that the Pioneer has a bit more oomph (and appears as new) but I dont know anything about the Response.

Cheers

Jimmy

Response is the name of all the jaycar amps you were looking at :)
I've PM'd you a price.

Pioneer is 2x60w RMS @ 4ohm, 2x75w RMS @ 2ohm, just incase you were looking at the peak figures.

I'll Pm you regarding price.

Thanks Guys, PM's replied to.

Cheers

J

Little update, after looking at the instructions for my head unit last night, I realised that it has an input for a CD stacker which can also be used as an aux input!! I had no idea, so am now on eBay looking at Ipod cables that plug into the Pioneer IP-Bus connection - woohoo

One question for you knowledgeable chaps though - some of the cables allow you to wire in an earth and a live, so you can charge your IPOD. Question is, would 12V DC from the cars wiring fry the IPOD?

e.g.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PIONEER-IP-BUS-2-iPOD-CABLE-CD-iB100-GB-INPUT-DEH-APPLE_W0QQitemZ270400829534QQcmdZViewItemQQptZOthe r_MP3_Player_Accessories?hash=item3ef525385e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1| 293%3A1|294%3A50

Cheers

J

Anyone? Please?

It does not say it Charges the Ipod, nor does the Mark 11 version. Ipods charge on 5 volt. 12 will kill it ASAP.

This one does:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PIONEER-IP-BUS-iPOD-3-5MM-HEAD-PHONE-PLUG-ADAPTER-CORD_W0QQitemZ370214510594QQcmdZViewItemQQptZOther _MP3_Player_Accessories?hash=item5632812002&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65:1|66:2|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:2|294: 50

As does this:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PIONEER-IP-BUS-HEAD-PHONE-JACK-ADAPTER-MP3-iPOD-CD-RB10_W0QQitemZ270417665867QQcmdZViewItemQQptZOther _MP3_Player_Accessories?hash=item3ef6261f4b&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65:1|66:2|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294: 50

There are loads similar, from various sellers.

But yeah, I thought it was 5v too, thats what it says on my Belkin car charger, thats why I was askin the experts on here ;)

Thanks shoot.

This one doesnt look like a bad option:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PIONEER-IP-BUS-HEAD-PHONE-JACK-ADAPTER-MP3-iPOD-CD-RB10_W0QQitemZ370214511113QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_A udio_In_Dash_Receivers?hash=item5632812209&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65:1|66:2|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294: 50

Because I can plug it into the IPOD dock connector when I've got plenty of battery, then switch to the 3.5mm adapter when my battery is going, and stick it on charge with the belkin.

Cheers

J

It does not say it Charges the Ipod, nor does the Mark 11 version. Ipods charge on 5 volt. 12 will kill it ASAP.
Just an update on this.

Apparently, all Ipods will charge from 12V, because that is the voltage that firewire provides. The Iphone 3G was the first device to stop 12V charging and only charge up on 5V (USB).

http://www.applegazette.com/iphone/you-cant-charge-the-iphone-3g-on-ipod-audio-systems/

Cheers

J

Well I ended up buying the one with the 3.5mm headphone jack as well as the ipod connector.

It arrived today, so has gone straight into the Lancer. Ran the cable up the centre console and out of the armrest compartment.

Couldnt be happier with the sound quality.

Cheers

J