Is this a good amp or should I go another direction?

[Juiced190]

Is the Clarion marine APX 480m a good amp for $100 or should I go newer? Thanks

[wilhelmwake]

What are you planning to use it for? The answer depends a lot on that....

[Juiced190]

What are you planning to use it for? The answer depends a lot on that....

I'm audio illiterate, so I'm not really sure was thinking about powering some tower speakers.

[east tx skier]

I'm audio illiterate, so I'm not really sure was thinking about powering some tower speakers.

What is the RMS power rating of your speakers vs. the RMS power rating of the amp?

[Juiced190]

What is the RMS power rating of your speakers vs. the RMS power rating of the amp?

I haven't bought speakers yet. I saw the amp on craigslist and it looked like a good buy, obviously I have a lot to learn.

[east tx skier]

I haven't bought speakers yet. I saw the amp on craigslist and it looked like a good buy, obviously I have a lot to learn.

I don't know much, but when I have done my shopping, I try to consider what the speakers I have want and what the amp can produce. That's RMS power per channel, not peak power (think of RMS power as constant power). I try to get an amp that can produce just about what the speakers want. I have a 5 channel car amp in my closed bow that has been doing just what I wanted it to do for the past eight years with no issues.

Again, I must stress my lack of expertise on the subject. On the other hand, I installed it, it sounds good to my somewhat picky ears, and has held up well.

So the specs for this amp are as follows:


80W × 4 Into 4 Ohms, 20Hz-20kHz @ .05%THD

115W × 4 Into 2 Ohms, 20Hz-20kHz @ .2%THD

Variable Bass Extender, 0-15dB @ 45Hz

Adjustable -12db/Oct. High/Low Pass Crossover, 55Hz-550Hz

So you want to look at the resistance (ohms) of whatever speakers you're considering and the RMS power rating to see if this amp looks like it's a good fit.

[JRW160]

That's an old amp. FWIW, I sold the stock one out of my 2003 X-2 for $50 a couple of months ago.

[Juiced190]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the replies. I think I'll do a little more research before I drop hundred dollars on something that may not be the right fit.

[bsloop]

When buying a new system, start with your speakers, then work backward amps, head unit, wiring, batteries.

If you start in the middle, chances are you are going to end up with wasted components = wasted money and time. A novice especially will buy too small.

[mseller]

agree with bsloop.

most speakers can handle more power than what they are rated for too. just gotta adjust the gains properly.