5 or 6 channel amp, need help....

[txbonds]

I'm struggling to pick amps. I've got a zapco z100c2 on the way, but am thinking strongly about just going with a 5 or 6 channel amp for simplicity. I like musical, warm sound, not just loud. Will be using two 8 inch subs, 6.5 components in front and 6.5 fill in rear.

Within the range of the following based on some new prices found at a few places, how do you pair these down for a simple system and what other options am I leaving out?

Alpine PDX-5 = 75x4 + 300x1 = $399
Helix H500 Esprit = 65x4 + 200x1 = $599
JL Audio 500/5 = 100x2 + 25x2 + 250x1 = $599
Memphis 16-MCH600 = 55x4 + 100x1 = $399
Zapco Ref650.6 = 50x6 = $729
Rockford Fosgate Power 1000 Ltd = 50x4 + 300x1 = $499
Phoenix Gold Roadster 66 = 75x4 + 400x1 = $850

My preference is cheaper rather than more expensive, but I want a nice sound as well. The fosgate limited 1000 seems like good price to features ratio, but not sure how refined it would sound.
Any input appreciated.

[Ray Kane]

Originally Posted by txbonds

Alpine PDX-5 = 75x4 + 300x1 = $399
JL Audio 500/5 = 100x2 + 25x2 + 250x1 = $599

FIFY

[czechm8]

The Alpine should be a good amp. Really small for the power. I just picked up two of the PDX amps to try in my shop install and I"ve been impressed so far.
You might also consider the Elemental Designs NINe.5 amp. They are closing it out @ $350. I'ts a beast of an amp and does more than rated power since its rated at 12.5 volts. Here's the specs:

Model Name : NINe.5 Amplifier

RMS Power @ 12.5v : Front Channels
4 x 100 @ 4Ohm @ 0.05%THD
4 x 55 @ 8Ohm @ 0.05%THD
4 x 175 @ 2Ohm @ 0.05%THD
2 x 350 @ 4Ohm @ 0.05%THD

RMS Power (Subwoofer Channel) @ 12.5v :
1 x 250w @ 4Ohm @ 0.09%THD
1 x 450w @ 2Ohm @ 0.09%THD
1 x 600w @ 1Ohm @ 0.09%THD

[Rick NE]

The alpine is a Class D amp. I can't speak to the others except the JL with is a hybrid Class D and AB.

The nice thing about the class D amps is that they are small and generate very little heat, compared to the class AB.

For the 399 price tag, I would go with the Alpine for certain.

[bbolton]

Originally Posted by Rick NE

The alpine is a Class D amp. I can't speak to the others except the JL with is a hybrid Class D and AB.

The nice thing about the class D amps is that they are small and generate very little heat, compared to the class AB.

For the 399 price tag, I would go with the Alpine for certain.

ditto...I have a an Alpine amp for my components and love it. Very clean power for the money.

[txbonds]

I actually ended up buying an arc mini 125.2, and have an alpine 4.100 arriving on Friday that I bought for $196 shipped in mint condition - missing the cross over cover only.

That said, after doing some test fittings with the arc mini, which is roughly half the size of the pdx4.100, and taking more measurements, I don't see anywhere that the pdx is going to fit in what I ended up doing system design wise.

I'm putting all my amps on the front end, which on an 06 DC is limited space wise, so what I'm probably going to do is just get another Arc Mini instead. I've been trying to sell the alpine on another forum but no such luck. I'll have it in hand on Friday though, and if no one offers me what I'm looking for for it, then I may just try to force fit it into the front of the center console somehow.