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On a side note: Why is this particular amp so expensive? MSRP on it is $359. Granted I paid less for it but I see cheapo amps in the much higher power rating for less. Is it a quality amp? The guy at the audio place reccomended it.



Lots of things come into play. For example:

S/N (signal to noise ratio). The higher the ratio, the better.

IMD (distortion rating). The lower the number the better.

Channel separation. The higher the number the better.

Etc, etc, etc...and you can drive yourself nuts.

Alot of auto amps are rated in "peak power" which is a crock. Basically can pump out 100 watts but only on peaks...and with lots of distortion. RMS rating is a continuous rating where an amp can pump out continuous power and still meet it's specs.

So...you could have a 1000 watt peak power amp that sounds crummy compared to a 50 watt RMS rated amp.

Audio also has ALOT of voodoo science.

1998 Sportage - Gone.
2004 Honda Civic Coupe.
2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara - She got it.