New Amp!!!!

[Nick and Tina]

Hi guys!!! Haven't posted in a while. I bought a new house on Lost Lake
on Camano Island and have been doing LOTS of house projects and fishing (I
CAN FISH FROM MY OWN DOCK, HOW COOL IS THAT?!).

I got a killer deal today at a garage sale. A Phoenix Gold QX180.2. They
wanted $20 but I said since I couldn't test it I would only give them $5.
THEY TOOK IT, AND IT WORKS PERFECTLY.

I'm going to replace the Jensen amp that's driving my Infinity tweets with
this PG amp (not that I've had any trouble with this Jensen amp, but what
the hell, the SQ very well could be a bit better).

My stereo still ROCKS HARD!!!!

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2359697

MOSFET

[Matt Ion]

Nick and Tina wrote:
> Hi guys!!! Haven't posted in a while. I bought a new house on Lost Lake
> on Camano Island and have been doing LOTS of house projects and fishing (I
> CAN FISH FROM MY OWN DOCK, HOW COOL IS THAT?!).

I hate you now. :P

> I got a killer deal today at a garage sale. A Phoenix Gold QX180.2. They
> wanted $20 but I said since I couldn't test it I would only give them $5.
> THEY TOOK IT, AND IT WORKS PERFECTLY.
>
> I'm going to replace the Jensen amp that's driving my Infinity tweets with
> this PG amp (not that I've had any trouble with this Jensen amp, but what
> the hell, the SQ very well could be a bit better).


Nice score!

[Nick and Tina]

Hey Matt! How's it hanging?

Hope all's well. We certainly had our share of HEATED debate.

Take care,

Nick

"Matt Ion" > wrote in message
news:7jddi.34428$1i1.13663@pd7urf3no...
> Nick and Tina wrote:
> > Hi guys!!! Haven't posted in a while. I bought a new house on Lost
Lake
> > on Camano Island and have been doing LOTS of house projects and fishing
(I
> > CAN FISH FROM MY OWN DOCK, HOW COOL IS THAT?!).
>
> I hate you now. :P
>
> > I got a killer deal today at a garage sale. A Phoenix Gold QX180.2.
They
> > wanted $20 but I said since I couldn't test it I would only give them
$5.
> > THEY TOOK IT, AND IT WORKS PERFECTLY.
> >
> > I'm going to replace the Jensen amp that's driving my Infinity tweets
with
> > this PG amp (not that I've had any trouble with this Jensen amp, but
what
> > the hell, the SQ very well could be a bit better).
>
>
> Nice score!

[Nick and Tina]

And look, my wife made me change my handle because she posts to several
newsgroups and didn't like "MOSFET" as a name. :(

I'm sure there's a way to set up two newsgroup accounts (and two handles)
but I'm WAY too lazy to figure it out.

Nick

"Nick and Tina" > wrote in message
m...
> Hey Matt! How's it hanging?
>
> Hope all's well. We certainly had our share of HEATED debate.
>
> Take care,
>
> Nick
>
> "Matt Ion" > wrote in message
> news:7jddi.34428$1i1.13663@pd7urf3no...
> > Nick and Tina wrote:
> > > Hi guys!!! Haven't posted in a while. I bought a new house on Lost
> Lake
> > > on Camano Island and have been doing LOTS of house projects and
fishing
> (I
> > > CAN FISH FROM MY OWN DOCK, HOW COOL IS THAT?!).
> >
> > I hate you now. :P
> >
> > > I got a killer deal today at a garage sale. A Phoenix Gold QX180.2.
> They
> > > wanted $20 but I said since I couldn't test it I would only give them
> $5.
> > > THEY TOOK IT, AND IT WORKS PERFECTLY.
> > >
> > > I'm going to replace the Jensen amp that's driving my Infinity tweets
> with
> > > this PG amp (not that I've had any trouble with this Jensen amp, but
> what
> > > the hell, the SQ very well could be a bit better).
> >
> >
> > Nice score!
>
>

[Matt Ion]

Nick and Tina wrote:
> And look, my wife made me change my handle because she posts to several
> newsgroups and didn't like "MOSFET" as a name. :(
>
> I'm sure there's a way to set up two newsgroup accounts (and two handles)
> but I'm WAY too lazy to figure it out.

It just ain't the same without "MOSFET" ;)

What are you using for a newsreader?

[Nick and Tina]

OE

Can I have two handles?

Nick

"Matt Ion" > wrote in message
news:Tukdi.34363$NV3.18426@pd7urf2no...
> Nick and Tina wrote:
> > And look, my wife made me change my handle because she posts to several
> > newsgroups and didn't like "MOSFET" as a name. :(
> >
> > I'm sure there's a way to set up two newsgroup accounts (and two
handles)
> > but I'm WAY too lazy to figure it out.
>
> It just ain't the same without "MOSFET" ;)
>
> What are you using for a newsreader?

[Matt Ion]

Nick and Tina wrote:
> OE
>
> Can I have two handles?

Hrm, not really sure. I think it allows you to have separate profiles
for mail/news accounts. Under the File menu, check out the Identities
function.


> "Matt Ion" > wrote in message
> news:Tukdi.34363$NV3.18426@pd7urf2no...
>> Nick and Tina wrote:
>>> And look, my wife made me change my handle because she posts to several
>>> newsgroups and didn't like "MOSFET" as a name. :(
>>>
>>> I'm sure there's a way to set up two newsgroup accounts (and two
> handles)
>>> but I'm WAY too lazy to figure it out.
>> It just ain't the same without "MOSFET" ;)
>>
>> What are you using for a newsreader?
>
>

[Nick and Tina]

I installed the PG amp yesterday to drive my Infinity tweets (mounted in
sail panel) as I mentioned before.

Now in truth I noticed absolutely no difference in SQ between the Jensen and
Phoenix amp when playing music.

HOWEVER, I did notice the noise floor being a bit better with the PG amp.
With the Jensen amp there was always an INCREDIBLY faint alternator whine
(it was never audible when driving, only when parked, with all acceories and
lights on, CD player paused, ear right up to the tweeter and then you had to
rev the engine) though it was not a problem I ever worried about (also, I
was the only one who could ever hear it).

With the PG amp, there is no alternator whine, period; case closed....NONE.
So I guess for this reason alone, I'm glad I switched amps because, of
course, alternator whine tends to be most audible through the tweeters.

There MAY also be a bit less idle hiss with the PG amp, though both amps
have virtually none (even with the gains on the amps cranked to the top).

MOSFET

"Nick and Tina" > wrote in message
m...
> Hi guys!!! Haven't posted in a while. I bought a new house on Lost Lake
> on Camano Island and have been doing LOTS of house projects and fishing (I
> CAN FISH FROM MY OWN DOCK, HOW COOL IS THAT?!).
>
> I got a killer deal today at a garage sale. A Phoenix Gold QX180.2. They
> wanted $20 but I said since I couldn't test it I would only give them $5.
> THEY TOOK IT, AND IT WORKS PERFECTLY.
>
> I'm going to replace the Jensen amp that's driving my Infinity tweets with
> this PG amp (not that I've had any trouble with this Jensen amp, but what
> the hell, the SQ very well could be a bit better).
>
> My stereo still ROCKS HARD!!!!
>
> http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2359697
>
> MOSFET
>
>

[Nick and Tina]

> Now in truth I noticed absolutely no difference in SQ between the Jensen
and
> Phoenix amp when playing music.
>
CORRECTION:

After another week of listening I have concluded that the Phoenix Gold amp
produces what would best be described as a "crisper", more "etched" or
detailed sound. This was also confirmed by several friends and my
sister-in-law (who, unlike my wife, is really into sound quality and knows
her ****, for a girl, not to be sexist here....).

This does shoot a big hole in my "all amps sound the same as long as they
are operating within their low-distortion output parameters which does not
always corrospond with the manufactures' given specs, theory" (I feel I
always need to throw that in for the nitpickers). I guess things like
"slew-rate" and other more exotic specifications I don't fully understand DO
make a difference, even if more common specs. like THD, frequency response
at 1 watt/1 foot, S/N, dynamic range, ect. are fairly similar from amp to
amp. And, of course, construction quality is difficult for the average
consumer to discern from one amp to the next.

So, I guess I need to rethink this. BUT, the differences are VERY subtle
and they really take a well trained ear, EXCELLENT speakers, and a good
source to hear. We could hear the differences when listening to CD's, not
really MP3's, even those recorded at 320 k/bits. For instance, we had the
CD Monkey Business by The Black Eyed Peas which is recorded EXTREMELLY well,
AND we had the same disc ripped and burned at 320 k/bits. We heard detail
on the CD not audible on the MP3, but again, my wife could not hear a
difference nor could most people I would guess (it's VERY subtle).

Conclusion: I will now concede that differences in car amps MAY exist, but
how much is psycosomatic and how much is real will require more testing
(unfortunately, I TOLD my friends I had switched the Jensen amp for the
Phoenix Gold amp so this was in no way a "blind" test). But again, I really
do think I hear a difference.

I would LOVE to hear any thoughts on this matter.

MOSFET

[X-OvrDistortion[_7_]]

VBR is better. At 320 you are encoding even when there is nothing there
to encode.


--
X-OvrDistortion

[Captain Howdy[_2_]]

I told you so might be in order.

In article >, "Nick and Tina"
> wrote:
>> Now in truth I noticed absolutely no difference in SQ between the Jensen
>and
>> Phoenix amp when playing music.
>>
>CORRECTION:
>
>After another week of listening I have concluded that the Phoenix Gold amp
>produces what would best be described as a "crisper", more "etched" or
>detailed sound. This was also confirmed by several friends and my
>sister-in-law (who, unlike my wife, is really into sound quality and knows
>her ****, for a girl, not to be sexist here....).
>
>This does shoot a big hole in my "all amps sound the same as long as they
>are operating within their low-distortion output parameters which does not
>always corrospond with the manufactures' given specs, theory" (I feel I
>always need to throw that in for the nitpickers). I guess things like
>"slew-rate" and other more exotic specifications I don't fully understand DO
>make a difference, even if more common specs. like THD, frequency response
>at 1 watt/1 foot, S/N, dynamic range, ect. are fairly similar from amp to
>amp. And, of course, construction quality is difficult for the average
>consumer to discern from one amp to the next.
>
>So, I guess I need to rethink this. BUT, the differences are VERY subtle
>and they really take a well trained ear, EXCELLENT speakers, and a good
>source to hear. We could hear the differences when listening to CD's, not
>really MP3's, even those recorded at 320 k/bits. For instance, we had the
>CD Monkey Business by The Black Eyed Peas which is recorded EXTREMELLY well,
>AND we had the same disc ripped and burned at 320 k/bits. We heard detail
>on the CD not audible on the MP3, but again, my wife could not hear a
>difference nor could most people I would guess (it's VERY subtle).
>
>Conclusion: I will now concede that differences in car amps MAY exist, but
>how much is psycosomatic and how much is real will require more testing
>(unfortunately, I TOLD my friends I had switched the Jensen amp for the
>Phoenix Gold amp so this was in no way a "blind" test). But again, I really
>do think I hear a difference.
>
>I would LOVE to hear any thoughts on this matter.
>
>MOSFET
>
>
>

[Nick and Tina]

Yes, I suppose I deserve that......but then again, you're the guy who thinks
6x9's are the end-all-be-all.

MOSFET

"Captain Howdy" > wrote in message
...
> I told you so might be in order.
>
> In article >, "Nick and
Tina"
> > wrote:
> >> Now in truth I noticed absolutely no difference in SQ between the
Jensen
> >and
> >> Phoenix amp when playing music.
> >>
> >CORRECTION:
> >
> >After another week of listening I have concluded that the Phoenix Gold
amp
> >produces what would best be described as a "crisper", more "etched" or
> >detailed sound. This was also confirmed by several friends and my
> >sister-in-law (who, unlike my wife, is really into sound quality and
knows
> >her ****, for a girl, not to be sexist here....).
> >
> >This does shoot a big hole in my "all amps sound the same as long as they
> >are operating within their low-distortion output parameters which does
not
> >always corrospond with the manufactures' given specs, theory" (I feel I
> >always need to throw that in for the nitpickers). I guess things like
> >"slew-rate" and other more exotic specifications I don't fully understand
DO
> >make a difference, even if more common specs. like THD, frequency
response
> >at 1 watt/1 foot, S/N, dynamic range, ect. are fairly similar from amp
to
> >amp. And, of course, construction quality is difficult for the average
> >consumer to discern from one amp to the next.
> >
> >So, I guess I need to rethink this. BUT, the differences are VERY subtle
> >and they really take a well trained ear, EXCELLENT speakers, and a good
> >source to hear. We could hear the differences when listening to CD's,
not
> >really MP3's, even those recorded at 320 k/bits. For instance, we had
the
> >CD Monkey Business by The Black Eyed Peas which is recorded EXTREMELLY
well,
> >AND we had the same disc ripped and burned at 320 k/bits. We heard
detail
> >on the CD not audible on the MP3, but again, my wife could not hear a
> >difference nor could most people I would guess (it's VERY subtle).
> >
> >Conclusion: I will now concede that differences in car amps MAY exist,
but
> >how much is psycosomatic and how much is real will require more testing
> >(unfortunately, I TOLD my friends I had switched the Jensen amp for the
> >Phoenix Gold amp so this was in no way a "blind" test). But again, I
really
> >do think I hear a difference.
> >
> >I would LOVE to hear any thoughts on this matter.
> >
> >MOSFET
> >
> >
> >

[Captain Howdy[_2_]]

I'll take a good pair of 6x9's over a crappy low end component set any day.
When you add a more suitable amp to your subs, I'm sure you'll have more
thoughts on this matter.


In article >, "Nick and Tina"
> wrote:
>Yes, I suppose I deserve that......but then again, you're the guy who thinks
>6x9's are the end-all-be-all.
>
>MOSFET
>
>"Captain Howdy" > wrote in message
...
>> I told you so might be in order.
>>
>> In article >, "Nick and
>Tina"
>> > wrote:
>> >> Now in truth I noticed absolutely no difference in SQ between the
>Jensen
>> >and
>> >> Phoenix amp when playing music.
>> >>
>> >CORRECTION:
>> >
>> >After another week of listening I have concluded that the Phoenix Gold
>amp
>> >produces what would best be described as a "crisper", more "etched" or
>> >detailed sound. This was also confirmed by several friends and my
>> >sister-in-law (who, unlike my wife, is really into sound quality and
>knows
>> >her ****, for a girl, not to be sexist here....).
>> >
>> >This does shoot a big hole in my "all amps sound the same as long as they
>> >are operating within their low-distortion output parameters which does
>not
>> >always corrospond with the manufactures' given specs, theory" (I feel I
>> >always need to throw that in for the nitpickers). I guess things like
>> >"slew-rate" and other more exotic specifications I don't fully understand
>DO
>> >make a difference, even if more common specs. like THD, frequency
>response
>> >at 1 watt/1 foot, S/N, dynamic range, ect. are fairly similar from amp
>to
>> >amp. And, of course, construction quality is difficult for the average
>> >consumer to discern from one amp to the next.
>> >
>> >So, I guess I need to rethink this. BUT, the differences are VERY subtle
>> >and they really take a well trained ear, EXCELLENT speakers, and a good
>> >source to hear. We could hear the differences when listening to CD's,
>not
>> >really MP3's, even those recorded at 320 k/bits. For instance, we had
>the
>> >CD Monkey Business by The Black Eyed Peas which is recorded EXTREMELLY
>well,
>> >AND we had the same disc ripped and burned at 320 k/bits. We heard
>detail
>> >on the CD not audible on the MP3, but again, my wife could not hear a
>> >difference nor could most people I would guess (it's VERY subtle).
>> >
>> >Conclusion: I will now concede that differences in car amps MAY exist,
>but
>> >how much is psycosomatic and how much is real will require more testing
>> >(unfortunately, I TOLD my friends I had switched the Jensen amp for the
>> >Phoenix Gold amp so this was in no way a "blind" test). But again, I
>really
>> >do think I hear a difference.
>> >
>> >I would LOVE to hear any thoughts on this matter.
>> >
>> >MOSFET
>> >
>> >
>> >
>
>

[Nick and Tina]

> When you add a more suitable amp to your subs, I'm sure you'll have more
> thoughts on this matter.
>
I have a single thought when it comes to a new amp for my subs: CLASS D!!!!
I'd like to go either MTX or Alpine.

So in this regard, anyway, I think we are on the same page.

MOSFET

[Nick and Tina]

The 100 ampere Accuvolt was a fun toy as I used it only for the sub amp and
had the voltage set at 15.7. It was fun for about 6 months but I have since
taken it out.

It DEFINITELY increased the bass on my non-regulated Soundstream Ref. 700
(700 watts RMS/.05 THD at 14.4 volts 2 or 1 ohm bridged). These drive my
pair of 12" MTX MXS's (identical to 7500 series) in a slot ported enclosure.
My wife even noticed the huge increase in bass, and if she noticed it, I
KNOW it's real because she has no interest in this stuff and has a tin-ear.
But it
came with a cost.

Because I have found NO-ONE who makes HO alternators for a '99 Subaru
Forester (and trust me, I have CHECKED via countless internet and phone
inquires), I was finding I could actually (can you believe this?!?!?!) run
my Optima Yellow Top dead (or
nearly dead) when CRANKING low bass AND DRIVING over an extended
period!!!!!!!!! Of course, the Accuvolt,
like a cap, cannot produce current from thin air. I had my alternator
checked and it was operating fine, so that was certainly not the problem.
The Accuvolt was simply sucking my battery dry!

At lower bass levels, the battery wouldn't go dead and would stay charged
which begs the question........WHAT THE HELL IS THE POINT OF THE ACCUVOLT
(the bass would then sound the same as before)??????

If I competed in SPL contests (or had a very HO alternator that put out only
14.4 volts as my SS amp can handle 16 volts, no problem and put out MUCH
more than it's specified wattage (at that voltage level) I could see this
being a useful device.

I think I might try hooking it up to the car's ignition system (this is what
it was ORIGINALLY designed for, in particular Jacobs has a whole line of
racing ignition products) and see if a hotter spark will increase gas
mileage and performance.

However, this particular Accuvolt was designed SPECIFICALLY for the car
sound environment as it is capable of putting out 100 amperes at up to 16
volts. No racing car would EVER need that much current.

No.........this was your classic "cheater" device (like those incredibly
low-impedance
amplifiers back in the day when competitive classes were determined by
manufacture rated 4 ohm power).

My next purchase MUST be either a HO alternator or a Class D sub amp if I
truly want more bass..........long-term.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2359697

MOSFET

[Matt Ion]

Nick and Tina wrote:

> Because I have found NO-ONE who makes HO alternators for a '99 Subaru
> Forester (and trust me, I have CHECKED via countless internet and phone
> inquires), I was finding I could actually (can you believe this?!?!?!) run
> my Optima Yellow Top dead (or
> nearly dead) when CRANKING low bass AND DRIVING over an extended
> period!!!!!!!!! Of course, the Accuvolt,
> like a cap, cannot produce current from thin air. I had my alternator
> checked and it was operating fine, so that was certainly not the problem.
> The Accuvolt was simply sucking my battery dry!
>
> At lower bass levels, the battery wouldn't go dead and would stay charged
> which begs the question........WHAT THE HELL IS THE POINT OF THE ACCUVOLT
> (the bass would then sound the same as before)??????

The point is exactly what you used it for... the problem IS your
alternator: you were simply drawing more current than it could produce.
There's nothing "wrong" with the alt itself... it's just the "wrong"
one for the application. Your battery was running down because it was
discharging the needed current that the alt couldn't supply, and since
the system was maxing it out, it couldn't provide charging current to
the battery either.