Lightning Audio amps, are they good?

E31 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2003, 05:40 PM

I was looking for an amp to run a 10" sub from JL Audio (10W6AE). Is the Lightning Audio amps good? I was looking at the B2.350.1 amp. Any input would be nice.

CarCrazed4Life · #2 (**permalink**) 03-20-2003, 06:03 PM

Lightning audio...um nah. I really wouldn't. If your on a budget... remember your looking for an amp that does about 300 RMS in a 3 ohm conifg.

an MTX 4250 @ $170 (ebay price) would be more the plenty. The specs:
~275x1 @ 3 ohms @ 12.0v
~315x1 @ 3 ohms @ 14.4v

If you are pushing close to 13.2v you'll be (mathmatically) at 295 RMS...which is plenty close to 300 RMS. Its small too. Those lightning audios go for about $130 on ebay...pay the extra $40, but get a better amp.

E31 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-20-2003, 06:24 PM

Thanks! I wanted to know since I was comparing an Alpine amp (MRP-200), so more like apples and oranges. I guess I'll go with the Alpine one then, if it is better for my application.

CarCrazed4Life · #4 (**permalink**) 03-20-2003, 10:18 PM

The MRP-F200 is a 4/3/2 channel config amp. You need something at mono. It does 40x4 @ 4 ohms @14.4v. 50x4 @ 2 ohms @ 14.4v. Bridged it does 100x2 @ 4 ohms. However almost any alpine multi-channel amp can't be bridged and have a load lower then 4 ohms. You need a 3 or 12 ohm load. This amp won't work.

Find a mono amp or 2 channel that can be bridged mono @ 2 ohms and push about 400 @ 2ohms. Most likely it will push 200 @ 4 ohms. Just a rule of thumb. My MTX recommendation still stands unless you look at an Alpine V12 MRD-M500 ($285)

E31 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-21-2003, 07:44 AM

You have been the greatest help, thanks. I will get an MTX 4250D amp as you suggested. I need this amp since I already have a JL Audio 300/4 in my 8 running 4 (5 1/4 Infinity and Polk audio) 4 stock tweeters and 2 stock mids. Needless to say that there is no bass response. That is why I want to install this sub in the center compartment where the med kit is inside my car. It has been done, so it does fit. So I needed this amp to run a sub. I will also install a Kenwood kdc-mp919 head unit.
One last question, which is better, the Rockford Fosgate Punch 400S amp or MTX 4250D amp? I will get the one you suggest since you have experience and I don't.

CarCrazed4Life · #6 (**permalink**) 03-21-2003, 08:57 AM

Well if you have a JL Audio 300/4...why not consider getting a 250/1 JL amp to compliment your amps. It will look much cleaner. Might be pricier, book will deff look nicer together. Just a plan b.

m3racer36 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-21-2003, 09:33 AM

i used to work at best buy lightning audio is the same thing as rockford

capone28 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-21-2003, 10:40 AM

what about a JBL i hear they are good and that is what i am going to buy. probably a 1200.1 off ebay for 200 bucks. u can get a 600.1 for way cheaper just llook around.

E31 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-21-2003, 10:44 AM

CarCrazed4Life....the reason is that you wont see the amp anyways. The trunk of my 8 on the inner left is a panel that drops down where the phone module and stock amp was. The new amp is there now with no phone module. I was trying to see if there would be a compatible amp that would do the same job, but less expensive since it not for looks. I will consider the JL since it looks like it has a higher quality to it.

m3racer36..... did not know that, thanks.

CarCrazed4Life · #10 (**permalink**) 03-21-2003, 05:44 PM

m3racer36...They might be owned by Rockford...but i think its a little stretch to say they are the same. the amps have different ratings such as important ones like signal to noise ratio (RFs are higher-Higher the signal, better strength against background noise) and RF has lower THD (Harmonic Distortion - how much change in integrity of signal when amplified...lower the better)

Rockford now owns MB Quarts...does it mean MB quarts and Rockford speakers are the same? If they were...good bye german engineered speakers.

CarCrazed4Life · #11 (**permalink**) 03-21-2003, 05:51 PM

E31...I looked at my spec book...here are the specs:

JL audio 250/1 - S/N Ratio > 95 db.
MTX 4250 - S/N Ratio > 100 db
Both amps have a THD less then 0.1% which is unaudible to the human ear.

btw MTX now owns Xtant...but there is still a difference.

E31 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-22-2003, 01:37 PM

CarCrazed4Life....thanks again, you really know your stuff! I will post the results and pics when the system is complete.

CarCrazed4Life · #13 (**permalink**) 03-22-2003, 02:26 PM

no problem...glad to help. been doing car audio for a while...you learn your stuff quick if u want to compete in that market.

Charlie.

boost-inside · #14 (**permalink**) 03-22-2003, 04:24 PM

MTX and Xtant have been the same company for many years. And yes you can tell becuase the are both very unreliable. MTX amps are like the RF, they will play loud but sound like shit. For a nice small affordable amp look at the memphis line.

CarCrazed4Life · #15 (**permalink**) 03-23-2003, 12:22 AM

Sorry but the memphis line gots even worse specs... And to say unreliable...I would like to here your argument as to why. I've had the least returns with Xtant Phoenix Gold's titanium and Zapco amps. MTX is a real nice clean amp too, just most cars installed with mtx don't go through as much detail for a clean install as the xtants would (more expensive amps, more expensive installs)...which is where you get the idea lower budget amps sounds liks ass....go ahead pick up mobile sound and audio...and read up on blaupunkt's class t amps. They sound just as clean and half the ssize...who says budget = shit.