HornyFrog07

Okay, so I'm considering upgrading the power to my door speakers. I'm running a Clarion VX-401 HU, Infinity Kappa 680.9cs components in the front and 682.9cf's in the back doors. In the middle, I've got an original Alpine KTP-445 that I hardwired into the system about a year back. When I did it, I was running Kicker 6x8's in all 4 doors and I could tell a little more power to the music (i.e. volume on 10 instead of 12) but no big improvement to speak of.

So, a year later, I'm basically bored with what I've got and I'm wondering if it'd be worth it to upgrade to a "real" amp? The speakers are all just short of 100w RMS, so I've been looking at something like this http://www.jlaudio.com/xd400-4-car-a...plifiers-98261 (off amazon for $150 less). I'd prefer to keep it in the 250 or less range. Anybody have some guidance for me?

Largefarva

Since you're already running an aftermarket amp with all those pre-amp outputs you would see a pretty good gain in sound quality over using the Alpine amp you currently have. While both amps are class D, you'll have a cleaner more powerful signal with that JL amp because it doesn't have to "work" as hard as the Alpine one, especially since you'll be able to use the pre-amp outputs with vs. speaker level inputs of the Alpine. I say go for it....I would if I were bored and felt the need for better sound.

Edit: just saw you said you need to keep it in the $250 price range. It's going to run up the cost, but I highly advise getting a quality amp wiring kit. You can get them at sonicelectronix.com for reasonable prices. Or look them up there and google to see if you can get a better price elsewhere. Hope this helps.

JoeBoost

Also that amp at 12v is only putting out 60wX4 @4 ohms. I would look for something 75w to 100w/ch.