Choosing an amplifier

TWYNBYZ

I agree with all of your points except regarding the power output of the HD900. Also while adjusting gain is essential with matching the voltage of the head unit, it does impact the overall volume of your system. So there is a relation.

Now about the HD900

The only way you'd get 500 watts is if you were to max out the source volume. Even then, with all 5 channels driven, the amp would have an issue producing that rating to the sub channel. In addition, the musicality of the amp will suffer. Lastly, the amp will become exhausted fairly quickly and go into protect mode. In the case of the HD, this means the amp will throttle back the volume until it cools down. That sucks!

Remember, I've had this amp and have experienced this issue. That's why I went with a multi-amp setup. Even my installer (who is one of the best in the country and a JL fanboi) advised that I stay away from the HD900 because of this very issue. As for the other HD amps, its good gear but just overpriced.

Again, I believe at the end of the day, having headroom is the key. If your sub can handle 500 watts, look for an amp that's rated close to 1000 watts. That way you know your getting 500 watts without straining your electrical system or the amplifier....

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2fast4thelaw

I completely agree with that statement but here is where that school of thought goes very wrong.

I am not excluding myself in this pitfall;

You get used to your system and then after a while it just doesnt seem as loud. It exactly the same as getting used to the power of your car, you want more power so you mod it. Then you then start tweaking and playing with your system and before you know it your pushing the limits of your equipment.

Simply stated, It is purely human nature to want more. and especially more for less, or better yet, free!

Thats why I am more on the conservative side of the fence.

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symple84

Not to thread jack but what's a good alternative to the HD900.5??? I'm looking to push Focal VR165 components and a 12" sub....

bigaudiofanat

Budget?

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symple84

No more than $700...

bigaudiofanat

WoofersEtc.com - PDX-5 - Alpine 5 Ch 600 Watt Digital Power Amplifier PDX5

WoofersEtc.com - PA1100.5 - Polk Audio 5 Ch 600 Watt Amplifier

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bigaudiofanat

If you are not running rear speakers you could get away with a 4 channel as long as it can run in 3 channel mode or a 3 channel amp.

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Baer383

I have a Alpine pdx 1.1000 driving the same sub and its more than enough.

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754 rwhp 747 rwtq

2fast4thelaw

OK, where did you come up with that hypothesis? The HD900 has its own dedicated power supply for the sub channel that is isolated from the other main channels. Also the amp gain is NOT a volume knob and has no correlation to power output. the gain is simply for balancing your line level from your source "headunit" to the amplifier. Any other use of the amplifier gain will only introduce distortion into your system which is why I think the HD900 amp didnt work well for you.

Rest assured that JL Audio amp was designed to run 900 watts rms within grueling tolerances at a bare minimum otherwise they would not put thier reputation on the line for thier flag ship car audio amplifier. If not, there would be a classaction lawsuit against them.

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Wicked CAS

Call me or pm me. I can hook you up with the HD900/5


For those having a problem with HD900/5, it is possible you do have your gain too high and running th eamplifier at a clipping point..

That will give you the impression you have more olume but at a cost of distortion.

Someone compared headroom to horsepower...
While I agree some overpower is good I would have to say overkill is bad.
If you have a 1000 RWHP car it is not as practical as an everyday driver at 500 RWHP.
Question is if you can buy the 1000 HP for the same price as the 500 HP car... Well I would say the answer is in the components that was used to assemble the motor (just like an amp).
Reputation of the company. Their history on rating their power levels compared to others.

And biggest question is do you have the supporting good and will power to keep it off the throttle (just like the gain control)

If anyone in this forum needs a JL AUDIO Component please PM me.
As a forum sponsor and Vendor I will make sure you ar all happy.

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