A while back when I had a good job I purchaced some Focal Utopia 165w3's {their top of the line 3 way system}. I had planned on getting McIntosh Amp's, ah but that good job I mentioned?
Well, I don't have it anymore and would like to get an amp/amps that would still do my Focal's justice. The guy at the stereo store said that without an exspensive amplifier my Focal's would sound terrible. Is this true? And are there any reasonably priced amp's that would sound good with these speakers? Thanks a bunch! Bill....

 

The guy at the store is an idiot. Any well designed amp delivering clean power to the speakers will sound fine.

 

Thank you LS1 Rules, By clean power do you mean low distortion? Any recommendations on a brand?
thanks again, Bill...

 

Go with brands that have established reputations. Stay away from knock off brands like Kenford, Rockwood, Sound Storm and low budget amps like Profile, Pyramid, etc.

 

Thanks Again LS1 Rules, I'm really clueless when it comes to stereo stuff. I will go check out some amps tomorrow... Bill...

 

yup, any high quality amp will do. Also, I would look for at least 100wrms for those as well...or at I would use at least that much if I had Focal Utopia...but I've only got Focal Polykevlars

 

Thanks a bunch for the 'feedback'.... & HAPPY NEW YEAR! Bill...

 

I also would recommend around 100WRMS. How much you looking to spend on the amp? Are you planning on powering rear speakers as well?

 

...Firebirdude, I really don't want to spend more than a couple of hundred bucks. Any ideas on a make/model? I believe the McIntosh is something like $500 or so. This would be just for the amp for the 6 front speakers. Sub-wolf and 2 rear fill speakers would/could be off of a separate amp. Thanks a bunch I think I'll go see how U.S.C is doing.... Bill...

 

I personally MUST have matching amps. That's a huge pet peeve of mine. What brand is your sub amp? And when you say "the front 6 speakers" you are talking only about the 3-way Utopia's correct? If that's the case, then you only need a 2-channel amp. And that opens up the market like you wouldn't believe. There are a ton of cheap 2-channels out there. Your best bet might be Rockford Fosgate. The POWER551S can be had for around $175 and it'll give you 140WRMSx2@4ohms. Now that's the power line. The equal punch amp (501S) can be had for even a few dollars cheaper! If you're really looking to pour on the power.... check out the 851S. You can pick one up for about $280 and it'll do 215WRMSx2@4ohms. And the Punch 801S goes for around $250! Now, I don't think even the all mighty Utopia line could take 215 all day every day for too long. So back off on the gain a little and give yourself some headroom. That will no doubt decrease distortion.

Oh and while surfing around today, I found that Autotek's Street Machine amps are going cheap on Ebay. The SX2300 will give you 250WRMSx2@4ohms! All for $198! And don't throw Autotek in the same pile as Pyramid, Rockwood and Profile. These really do output rated power. Just ask around the boards, you'll see. Autotek's Mean Machine line was widely used when they first hit the streets back in the day.

 

....yes by '6 front speakers' I meant the 3 way Utopia's so I only need a 2 way amp. I have not gotten any of my amps yet so I can also get a Fosgate or Punch sub amp. But I could use a 4 channel amp so that I could also run the 2 rear speakers. Thanks a bunch, Bill....

 

I looked at focal subs and found them expensive although they did sound sweet. I'm going with JL Audio speakers and amps. Shop on-line for the best deals. Do a Google or Yahoo search for the best deals on car audio.