BA System Amp Update Question - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Jwhen · 08-09-2013, 03:31 PM

Hey guys,

I'm new to the audio stuff and I've been browsing the site for a while now and I'm interested in getting rid of the "muddyness" from the BA system in my Camaro.

I see that some of you guys recommend replacing the factory amp and seeing how that sounds before buying new speakers. My question is this, what's the practical difference between an amp I see mentioned here often the JL XD 400/4 (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136XD40....html?tp=35782) and an amp like the RF R300-4 (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R300...tml?tp=35782)?

Basically is it truly worth triple the money and why? BTW I haven't decided it's down to these two amps, the Rockford amp is just an example for my question.

Thanks,

Jwhen

Glen e · 08-09-2013, 03:36 PM

build quality, specs, reliability...what's the diff between a camaro and a corolla?

Jwhen · 08-09-2013, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glen e

build quality, specs, reliability...what's the diff between a camaro and a corolla?

Haha, good point. But the spec's don't seem all that far off from one another (at least to a novice like me), is the JL XD 400/4 really worth that much money?

Jwhen · 08-09-2013, 03:43 PM

I guess a better question is, is the difference between the two amps worth the $280?

I just don't have much experience with amps, would I notice the difference?

45thCamaro · 08-09-2013, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jwhen

I guess a better question is, is the difference between the two amps worth the $280?

I just don't have much experience with amps, would I notice the difference?

I am also looking to purchase that amp, but the price tag has me on hold for now.

Glen e · 08-09-2013, 03:58 PM

crutchfield way overpriced on the xd400:

http://www.amazon.com/XD400-Audio-4-...ords=xd400%2F4

436SS · 08-09-2013, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glen e

crutchfield way overpriced on the xd400:

http://www.amazon.com/XD400-Audio-4-...ords=xd400%2F4

Although Amazon is cheaper, they are not an "authorized" seller of JL products. Meaning, if something goes wrong with the amp, JL Audio wont honor the waranty.

Also OP, many people also buy the XD400 because it fits perfectly in the spot where the factory amp is.

darkrider01 · 08-09-2013, 05:22 PM

The "Prime Series" amps from RF are really bad. There are much better amps than the Prime Series in their price range.

Check out the Massive Audio NX4, or the Alpine MRP-F300, or Alpine MRV-F300 if the JL is out of your budget.

If you're a fan of RF, check out the Punch series amps. They at least do rated power and are still pretty clean. If you can afford it, go for a RF Power T400-4. On the stock speakers, the T400-4 was awesome.

Good luck!

Glen e · 08-09-2013, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 436SS

Although Amazon is cheaper, they are not an "authorized" seller of JL products. Meaning, if something goes wrong with the amp, JL Audio wont honor the waranty.

Also OP, many people also buy the XD400 because it fits perfectly in the spot where the factory amp is.

search the amazon seller and tell me what you find...2 years is more than enuf warranty for me...and it does not fit "perfectly" there is approx 2 x1 inches left for longer amps on the board....I certainly did not buy it because "it fit"...I bought it becasue it's a damn good amp, however other amps as said above are just as good...

Camaroshark · 08-09-2013, 08:15 PM

I bought the JL XD 400... Because its worth every penny.

Big_b16 · 08-09-2013, 11:26 PM

If you're not concerned with the warranty too much...ebay premium sellers have that amp for much cheaper. I gave it a try and the one i got was brand new and works flawlessly.

cp1178 · 08-10-2013, 12:30 AM

There's nothing wrong with the Prime series amps, just took my R300-4 out of my LS before I traded it in, had it in almost 3 years running my two fronts and sub and it sounded great,not a single issue. I know JL is a better quality amp by far, just felt the need to defend the Prime series a bit lol.

suzook · 08-10-2013, 08:46 AM

Bottom line is even that "crappy" Rockford amp will blow away the stock junk. BTW....Rockford makes some nice amps...but I agree with another poster here that you should go with the punch line.

Jwhen · 08-12-2013, 09:59 AM

Just wanted to say thanks, everyone. I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet but the information is much appreciated!

08-09-2013, 03:31 PM	#1
Jwhen Drives: 2010 2LT-RS Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Raleigh NC Posts: 8	BA System Amp Update Question Hey guys, I'm new to the audio stuff and I've been browsing the site for a while now and I'm interested in getting rid of the "muddyness" from the BA system in my Camaro. I see that some of you guys recommend replacing the factory amp and seeing how that sounds before buying new speakers. My question is this, what's the practical difference between an amp I see mentioned here often the JL XD 400/4 (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136XD40....html?tp=35782) and an amp like the RF R300-4 (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R300...tml?tp=35782)? Basically is it truly worth triple the money and why? BTW I haven't decided it's down to these two amps, the Rockford amp is just an example for my question. Thanks, Jwhen

08-09-2013, 03:36 PM	#2
Glen e Retired from Car mfrs.... Drives: 2LT RS/HR-V Join Date: May 2013 Location: /Fort Lauderdale Posts: 10,044	build quality, specs, reliability...what's the diff between a camaro and a corolla? __________________ Glen CLICK HERE for detailing a new car: detailing for non detailers CLICK HERE for how to rinseless CLICK HERE for EASY wheel sealant

08-09-2013, 03:58 PM	#6
Glen e Retired from Car mfrs.... Drives: 2LT RS/HR-V Join Date: May 2013 Location: /Fort Lauderdale Posts: 10,044	crutchfield way overpriced on the xd400: http://www.amazon.com/XD400-Audio-4-...ords=xd400%2F4 __________________ Glen CLICK HERE for detailing a new car: detailing for non detailers CLICK HERE for how to rinseless CLICK HERE for EASY wheel sealant

08-09-2013, 05:22 PM	#8
darkrider01 Aural Assault Vehicle Drives: 2010 IBM 2SS/RS, 2015 Sierra Denali Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Garner, NC Posts: 792	The "Prime Series" amps from RF are really bad. There are much better amps than the Prime Series in their price range. Check out the Massive Audio NX4, or the Alpine MRP-F300, or Alpine MRV-F300 if the JL is out of your budget. If you're a fan of RF, check out the Punch series amps. They at least do rated power and are still pretty clean. If you can afford it, go for a RF Power T400-4. On the stock speakers, the T400-4 was awesome. Good luck! __________________ My amplifier pop/click/thump solution thread Power Mods * K&N Typhoon CAI, Flowmaster American Thunder cat-back exhaust, Hurst Short Throw Shifter Exterior Mods * Black Phantom Grille * 22" T.I.S. 537MS wheels w/ Nitto INVO rubber * OEM body kit Suspension Mods * BC Racing Coilovers * Lakewood Strut Tower Brace Audio Mods * Stinger SPP 2250 Battery * Mosconi 6to8v8 w/ RCD * Pioneer AVH-X7500BT * Scosche Dash Kit * 2 - Mosconi AS200.4 * 2 - JL Audio 13W6v2 * Focal 165KRX2 Power (active) * Mosconi Gladen One 240.2 * Rockford Fosgate Power T1692

08-09-2013, 08:15 PM	#10
Camaroshark Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS RJT, 6speed Join Date: May 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 887 View My Garage	I bought the JL XD 400... Because its worth every penny. Attached Images __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS, LS3 - 6 speed. Mods, Magnaflow exhaust with resonator delete. ******** 12" stealth box subwoofer kit, Kicker 400 mono amp, JL XD 400/4 amp.

08-09-2013, 03:43 PM	#4
Jwhen Drives: 2010 2LT-RS Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Raleigh NC Posts: 8	I guess a better question is, is the difference between the two amps worth the $280? I just don't have much experience with amps, would I notice the difference?

08-09-2013, 11:26 PM	#11
Big_b16 Drives: 2013 2SS/RS Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Niceville, FL Posts: 13	If you're not concerned with the warranty too much...ebay premium sellers have that amp for much cheaper. I gave it a try and the one i got was brand new and works flawlessly.

08-10-2013, 12:30 AM	#12
cp1178 Drives: 2013 Camaro 1SS/RS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: texas Posts: 14	There's nothing wrong with the Prime series amps, just took my R300-4 out of my LS before I traded it in, had it in almost 3 years running my two fronts and sub and it sounded great,not a single issue. I know JL is a better quality amp by far, just felt the need to defend the Prime series a bit lol.

08-10-2013, 08:46 AM	#13
suzook Drives: camaro Join Date: May 2013 Location: Stony Brook,NY Posts: 1,756	Bottom line is even that "crappy" Rockford amp will blow away the stock junk. BTW....Rockford makes some nice amps...but I agree with another poster here that you should go with the punch line. __________________ 2016 2SS,A8,NAV,NPP,MAG Ride,Sunroof Hyperblue/JetBlack

08-12-2013, 09:59 AM	#14
Jwhen Drives: 2010 2LT-RS Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Raleigh NC Posts: 8	Just wanted to say thanks, everyone. I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet but the information is much appreciated!