Is this Amp and Sub Combo good?

[xNiNjAx]

I've been thinking about purchasing a Kicker L7 12in sub with a MTX Thunder 8100D Mono-Black Class D. I'm somewhat worried about the amp since many people have been telling me to get the Phoenix Gold series instead. Please let me know if this is a good combo as I will be purchasing them soon. Thnx.

[zcs626]

yes go PG, or PPI.....

[Pribilof]

post the specs of each for us. you'll get better responses

[xNiNjAx]

MTX:
Power 12.5 VDC Input
2 Ohm Load 1000 w x 1 Low Level
4 Ohm Load 500 w x 1
Crossover(s)
Power 14.4 VDC Low Pass 40Hz-200Hz -
2 Ohm Load 1500 w x 1 Variable
4 Ohm Load 850 w x1 RCA Output
Low Pass Only
Dimensions
(with ISO Feet) Other Features
Compression Circuitry
17.8" x 9.75" x 2.1" Thunder EQ
45.2cm x 24.8cm x 5.3cm EBC2 Port

Kicker L7:
Size: 12 inch
Rec. Sealed Box Dims: 0.88 - 2.00 cu.ft.
Rec. Ported Box Dims: 1.75 - 3.25 cu.ft.
Free Air Usage: not recommended
Sensitivity: 86.9 dB
Frequency Response: 20-100 Hz
Recommended RMS Power: 750W
Peak Power Handling: 1500W
Impedance: Dual 4 ohms

[Pribilof]

that amp will be a hell of a match for that sub. Are you going for high SPLs or quality? From what you have chosen it looks like you want it louder over quality. Not to say any of that is low quality.... There are always some tradeoffs between different things. If I were you, I would also invest in a capacitor. We have 14.4 volt systems and at 2 ohm you can push 1500w peak from that amp. Go with 1 farad, that should be enough.

[xNiNjAx]

I definitely want it to hit hard since i listen to mostly rap and techno. Also, I'm not that familiar with systems. Exactly what is a capacitor, how does it help, and where can I get one? Thanks for all the quick responses.

[Pribilof]

You ought to be able to get a capacitor from any good audio shop that has mobile audio stuff. The general rule is ~1 farad per 1000w in your system. The cap takes some of the strain off your car's electrical system. Without a cap, if you turn your system way up your lights will dim and such. I myself probably need to get at least another farad on my system. I forget how much they cost, but get one from a good brand like phoenix gold or monster, they tend to hold charge better than cheaper ones.

[xNiNjAx]

Also, what type of enclosure would you recommend-sealed or ported? Is a R/T 316-12 MDF sealed enclosure any good?

[Pribilof]

hmm, I'm not really an expert on enclosures, but the sealed enclosure will allow a smaller box and tighter, more responsive bass. The ported will be louder but also not as crisp as the sealed. I would suggest a 1 cubic foot sealed box for this sub.

[FinalOne]

I wouldn't go with anything MTX...

When I worked for Circuit City, their rep told us that MTX is only good for power, but not for sound quality. You should get something that'll give you both.

[xNiNjAx]

But I thought that was the only purpose of the amp; to provide power to the speakers or subs. Doesn't the sound quality depend on the type of sub???

[Pribilof]

yes, but it also depends on the quality of the circuitry inside both the headunit and the amplifiers.

[FinalOne]

Trust me, don't go with MTX. The sound quality depends on everything...

For example, although the main part of sound quality comes from the subs, try putting top of the line subs with a crappy amp and see what happens. You will be brought to the lowest common denomenator. Your system will only sound as good as the worst part.

You can actually get about the same power, but much better sound quality from the new Sony 1200 watt amp. I strongly recommend not getting MTX.

[xNiNjAx]

Dude, are you sure about this? I was under the impression that Sony was one of the worst car audio companies around from the reviews I read.

[Impulse]

Originally posted by FinalOne
I wouldn't go with anything MTX...

When I worked for Circuit City, their rep told us that MTX is only good for power, but not for sound quality. You should get something that'll give you both.

So you would make a decision based on what a Circuit City rep told you? Thats funny. There is nothing wrong with MTX amps. I use them (and used many other amps as well) and they don't "sound" like anything, exactly how an amp should be. You really need to demo equipment and not just take someone's word for it.

[Pribilof]

IMO Sony stuff is pretty crappy.

edit: also, when I was building my system I listened to my Boston Accoustic subs hooked up to an amp by MTX, one by Rockford Fosgate, and one by Alpine. The Alpine one was much much cleaner than the others so I went with that even though it was more expensive. If loudness is mainly all that matters, go with MTX and save yourself some money. If you want loud, with better quality than MTX go RF.

[SouthSyde]

Go with MTX!!!! I have the 81000d to 2 eclipse 88120 and it sounds great. I have had PPI, Phoenix Gold, Arc Audio, Mc intosh, ADS, and the MTX sounds just as good on bass (not on mids and highs though). No one can actually HEAR a diference in bass between amps. Hope that helps.

[Pribilof]

Just go listen to a bunch of different setups. If you can't tell the difference, get whatever you want. Thats all anyone here is really trying to say. It's all a matter of personal preference anyway.

[xNiNjAx]

Yea I think I will stick to my original decision. Thanks for all the help!

[FinalOne]

I don't go based on what Circuit City reps tell me, I go based on what the MTX rep told me.

MTX is not made for sound quality, they're made for power. They never even claim to give good quality.