#1505420 - 06/10/08 11:17 AM
Zapco, JL, or Xtant
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Raw Power
SD Newbie
Registered: 03/03/08
Posts: 6
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Hello,
I am trying to replace my Alpine MRP-450 with a better amp to run my JL 10W3 in a sealed box. My preference leans towards sound quality. With that in mind which of the four following amps would be best.
Zapco 500m
Xtant6.1
Xtant100.1
JL500/1
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
_________________________
2005 Accord LX
JL VR525 csi components in front
JL VR600 cxi coaxial rear deck
Eclipse 5443 HU in cubby
Eclipse 2301 DSP
JL 10W3v2-D2
Eclipse 3640 Amp
Alpine MRP-450 Sub amp
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#1505617 - 06/10/08 02:52 PM
Re: Zapco, JL, or Xtant
[Re: Raw Power]
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TtownCLS
Dream it Design it Build it
Team SoundDomain
Registered: 11/02/08
Posts: 655
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I personally would go with the Zapco, but why the old model? The REF 500.1 would be the current model to look at. I have the REF 500.1 in my competition system and it definitely lives up to it's name. I also have a bunch of nice trophies that agree with me. 
Not that the others are bad amps. I just have personal experience with the Zapco. It has taken a beating in competition this year and has come through with 8 first place wins along with putting me in the top 10 for 4 different open class shows. It's hard to argue with results like that.
Make sure you buy from an authorized dealer. The support you get is worth more than the savings of buying un-authorized off the internet. If you need the name of an authorized dealer, let me know. There are plenty of outstanding retailers, and reps to deal with all across the U.S.
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#1505673 - 06/10/08 04:23 PM
Re: Zapco, JL, or Xtant
[Re: TtownCLS]
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Raw Power
SD Newbie
Registered: 03/03/08
Posts: 6
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Thanks for the advice. I was looking at the old model simply because there was one NIB on e-bay. Currently my entire system is an E-bay system (except the Alpine). I have been careful to try and buy stuff that did not seem shady. I know there is risk but it has been fun. I purchased my Old 10w1 and Alpine amp at Tweeter before turning to better stuff from e-bay. I am in North Western Harford county MD and work in Baltimore and would consider visiting an authorized dealer if you can recommend one. Not an impulse shopper at all!
_________________________
2005 Accord LX
JL VR525 csi components in front
JL VR600 cxi coaxial rear deck
Eclipse 5443 HU in cubby
Eclipse 2301 DSP
JL 10W3v2-D2
Eclipse 3640 Amp
Alpine MRP-450 Sub amp
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#1505686 - 06/10/08 05:07 PM
Re: Zapco, JL, or Xtant
[Re: Raw Power]
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keep_hope_alive
Snooch to the Nooch
SD I chew on Mike Tyson's ear
Registered: 24/04/07
Posts: 8646
Loc: Quad Cities, IL
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i purchased a lot on ebay used - saved a ton of money on some classic gear in mint condition.
new gear is always best purchased through an authorized dealer.
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#1507462 - 08/10/08 11:44 PM
Re: Zapco, JL, or Xtant
[Re: TtownCLS]
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keep_hope_alive
Snooch to the Nooch
SD I chew on Mike Tyson's ear
Registered: 24/04/07
Posts: 8646
Loc: Quad Cities, IL
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to answer your question - i would choose Zapco over JL and Xtant.
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#1507603 - 09/10/08 08:24 AM
Re: Zapco, JL, or Xtant
[Re: keep_hope_alive]
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Raw Power
SD Newbie
Registered: 03/03/08
Posts: 6
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Thanks, That dealer did not show up on the Zapco website. I'll definetly drop by.
_________________________
2005 Accord LX
JL VR525 csi components in front
JL VR600 cxi coaxial rear deck
Eclipse 5443 HU in cubby
Eclipse 2301 DSP
JL 10W3v2-D2
Eclipse 3640 Amp
Alpine MRP-450 Sub amp
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Top
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#1508180 - 09/10/08 06:42 PM
Re: Zapco, JL, or Xtant
[Re: Raw Power]
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TtownCLS
Dream it Design it Build it
Team SoundDomain
Registered: 11/02/08
Posts: 655
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Glad to help. Their website lags the current dealers a bit. The guys who run the show are top notch though and will help any way possible. They are a bit overwhelmed sometimes, but are truly interested in giving the public the best amplification and processing available. They are one of only a handfull of manufacturers who actually show up at competitions to see how their products are doing in the real world.
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#1509474 - 13/10/08 04:25 AM
Re: Zapco, JL, or Xtant
[Re: TtownCLS]
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Raw Power
SD Newbie
Registered: 03/03/08
Posts: 6
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I have one more question you may be able to help me with. My Eclipse 2301 processor has a single mono sub output. How would I connect that to the Zapco balanced line transmitter and then to the amp. I assume I just connect it to one side or the other of the line transmitter but the word Balanced has me wondering.
Thanks
_________________________
2005 Accord LX
JL VR525 csi components in front
JL VR600 cxi coaxial rear deck
Eclipse 5443 HU in cubby
Eclipse 2301 DSP
JL 10W3v2-D2
Eclipse 3640 Amp
Alpine MRP-450 Sub amp
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Top
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#1509478 - 13/10/08 05:47 AM
Re: Zapco, JL, or Xtant
[Re: Raw Power]
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TtownCLS
Dream it Design it Build it
Team SoundDomain
Registered: 11/02/08
Posts: 655
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You would just use one of the RCA connectors on the line transmitter and set the amp to left or right input depending on which one you use. You could also use a Y connector so you don't have an extra rca laying loose in your wiring, then you would set the amp to L+R sum. The balanced transmitters will need a DIN cable to plug into the amp. All these settings will also be dependant on which amp you get. These amps have a lot of flexibility, which means they can be complex to set up for a first time user. That's one of the reasons Zapco prefers you use a dealer that can make sure it's done right.
Balanced inputs have been used for a long time in professional recording equipment and high end Home Audio. You don't have to have left and right to get balanced.
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#1509604 - 13/10/08 10:36 AM
Re: Zapco, JL, or Xtant
[Re: TtownCLS]
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keep_hope_alive
Snooch to the Nooch
SD I chew on Mike Tyson's ear
Registered: 24/04/07
Posts: 8646
Loc: Quad Cities, IL
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exactly.
"Balanced" means you have three wires carrying the signal instead of two. two of them are the signal - but one wire is 180deg out of phase with the other. any noise picked up on the cable is equal on both wires. at the receiver you invert the out of phase signal - giving a 3dB gain in signal and almost -80dB rejection of any noise. that is why it's so popular in professional audio with long run lengths.
i have a working balanced line transmitter and receiver design using Analog Devices OP275 opamps and 1% 1/4W resistors. it's simple and very effective - capable of 18V signals. if anyone wants it let me know.
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