Which Sub Amp

[philh]

Parts Express 250W Plate Amp $128
This high performance amplifier has all the power and advanced features that you've been looking for! The adjustable phase control provides flexibility in subwoofer room placement allowing you to "shift" the phase and fine tune the subwoofer's output to their particular room environment. Until now, this feature was only found on high-end subwoofer systems costing thousands of dollars!

Specifications: • Measured power output: 180 watts RMS into 8 ohms @ .1% THD, 272 watts into 4 ohms @ 0.2% THD • Signal to noise ratio: 101dB (A-weighted) • Dimensions: 10-3/8" W x 10-7/16" H x 3-1/4" D • Enclosure cut out: 9" W x 9-1/4" H • Voltage: Selectable, 115/230V, 50-60 Hz, 450W
High-Power Class AB Amplifier
Variable Phase Adjustment
Rumble Filter
High-Pass Filter for Satellite Speakers
Auto On/Off Circuit
Gold plated connectors

Madisound Keiga 300W Plate Amp $225
．Discrete high current drivers and output devices.

．Low pass frequency adjustable.

．Woofer level control.

．Phase invert switch control.

．Auto on/off control.

．Provide high level and low level in/out.

．Binding post high level in/out terminal.

．Output protection circuit with relay.

．IEC power socket.

．LED power indicator.

．Master power switch.

．AC 115V/230V switchable.


　 　
　 SPECIFICATIONS

Power output @ 4 Ohms 300W

T.H.D. 0.08%

S/N ratio @ rated power 85dB

Input sensitivity @ low level 75 mv/100Hz

@ high level 3.5 v/100Hz

Input impedance 22 kW

Variable low pass freq. 50~100 Hz

Dimension WxHxD 250x250x115 mm

 

[JohnA]

You could check out the BASH amp at PE for $239.87

BASH patented amplifier technology was developed to offer extreme amounts of power without the wasted heat and energy of traditional amplifier designs. Add to this an intelligent circuit design, and you get benefits such as extremely low distortion and high signal to noise ratios. The combination of clean output and high power makes the BASH amplifiers some of the best sounding subwoofer amplifiers on the market.

Features: 50 to 150 Hz low-pass crossover, 0 degree or 180 degree phase, line level inputs, speaker level inputs, line outputs, master on/off switch, auto on.

Specifications: 500 watts RMS @ .5%THD into 4 ohm load. Signal to noise ratio 105 dB A-weighted, Dimensions: 12" W x 8" H x 3-1/2" D.

 

[Spiffyfast]

You could check out the BASH amp at PE for $239.87

BASH patented amplifier technology was developed to offer extreme amounts of power without the wasted heat and energy of traditional amplifier designs. Add to this an intelligent circuit design, and you get benefits such as extremely low distortion and high signal to noise ratios. The combination of clean output and high power makes the BASH amplifiers some of the best sounding subwoofer amplifiers on the market.

Features: 50 to 150 Hz low-pass crossover, 0 degree or 180 degree phase, line level inputs, speaker level inputs, line outputs, master on/off switch, auto on.

Specifications: 500 watts RMS @ .5%THD into 4 ohm load. Signal to noise ratio 105 dB A-weighted, Dimensions: 12" W x 8" H x 3-1/2" D.

Now thats a heck of an amp, have you thought about just using a 2 channel amp and getting an external crossover (if you receiver doesnt have one for a sub) and then just bridging it? Might be able to get something with a little more power and run a passive sub with it, it would also cut down on placement issues needing a power outlet right next to the sub.

 

[9f9c7z]

I like Spiffy's idea....that’s what I did, a passive sub and a bridged 2-ch amp. I prefer dragging around another speaker cable instead of the interconnect and power cables. Also, I am not keen to putting an amp inside a sub’s box for a couple of reasons.

But if I were to consider a plate amp it would be this one at 273w/8ohms (540w/4oms) $300 or his bigger brother (1kw amp):

http://www.*****************/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-806

I would not even consider a plate amp that was not fully enclosed in a metal box like the one I linked above. The amp you mention from PartsExpress is NOT enclosed. I believe the MadiSound (Keiga) amp only has a plastic enclosure…not good enough, but of the two amps you listed it would be preferred.

 

[philh]

I like Spiffy's idea....that’s what I did, a passive sub and a bridged 2-ch amp. I prefer dragging around another speaker cable instead of the interconnect and power cables. Also, I am not keen to putting an amp inside a sub’s box for a couple of reasons.

But if I were to consider a plate amp it would be this one at 273w/8ohms (540w/4oms) $300 or his bigger brother (1kw amp):

http://www.*****************/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-806

I would not even consider a plate amp that was not fully enclosed in a metal box like the one I linked above. The amp you mention from PartsExpress is NOT enclosed. I believe the MadiSound (Keiga) amp only has a plastic enclosure…not good enough, but of the two amps you listed it would be preferred.

Why the metal enclosure.

Couple of reasons for another plate amp, power in it's present location is available, it was easier to drag the RCA cable (which I already had) over to the sub and currently out of CAT 5 cable to make another speaker cable Also, all the electronic equipment is located in one side of the entertainment unit. Have a 4" 120VAC fan to blow air out, but didn't want to add another heater.

If I went external bridged amp, which brand / model should I be looking at under $250?

 

[hifiman]

What about the Buttkicker amp? Lots of bump for the price.