Expert: Cleggsan - 9/3/2009

Question
Hi there,
I Wanted To know about the best Suitable 4channel Amp for Pioneer TS-W1208D4 subwoofer.

Voice Coil: 4-Layer, Long Voice Coil
Watts MAX. Music Power: 1400 Watts
Watts Nominal(Rated) Power Handling: 400 Watts
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 180 Hz
Sensitivity: D2 (91dB) / D4 (92dB)
Ohm Rating: D2 (1 or 4 ohm) D4 (2 or 8 ohm)

Kindly help me in finding a better a better amp for this sub.
At present i'll be installing only 1 sub but you please tell me an amp which would be suitable for 1 or even for 2 subs in future(if i add one more sub).
Please tell me amps from the brands JBL,KENWOOD,PIONEER,ALPINE because rest might not be available in my city.
Thanks
Akash Saxena

Answer
The loudspeaker is always the weakest link so far as fidelity is concerned.  The amplifier, so long as it is a basically good design is so much more "perfect" in its reproduction of the audio signal that it does not effect the sound quality nearly as much as say a "poor" speaker versus a good one.  Therefore, pay most attention to the installation of, cabinet construction, for the speaker.

I don't like to make equipment recomendations because there are so many subjective factors involved.  Cost, size, reliability, ease of installation, features you want (that maybe others don't need) acoustics of the vehicle,  power system of the vehicle (like does it already have a heavy duty alternator) mounting space for the amp, etc.  You will need to decide all these factors on their merits.  Normally, where possible, I suggest you purchase from a nearby retailer that will allow return/exchange if the first amp doesn't quite hit the mark.  If you buy online it is more difficult to do exchanges and returns.

All that being said,  just about any amp with a good reputation and sufficient power should do the job reasonably well.  Be careful to get one that has the capability of driving the DVC subs (at 2 Ohms when coils are connected in parallel).  Impedance matching is very important.  The big rule here is do not place a load on the amp that is lower than the rating of the amp; doing so can cause overheating and blow out to the amplifier.

For subs, I like to recommend the Class D type because they run efficient, taking less power than AB amps, from the battery and most of them have builtin crossover networks for the subs.

I think you will do jut fine.  The Pioneer speakers should give you some awesome, gut wrenching performance.

C