Two Questions: Best Security System? Best 5.1 Amp?

[AZFlyingDiver]

Hey Folks,

Let me know what you think about the following for my '96 JGC:

1. What's the best aftermarket security system / security approach? I heard an ignition/fuel kill is really the most effective way to go - all the other stuff (alarms, sensors, etc.) is easily bypassed by a professional (supposedly).

2. What's the best 5.1 amp? Ideally I'd like one that has 100Wx4 @ 4 ohms plus 300Wx1 @ 4 ohms, or thereabouts. I replaced the factory Infinity speakers with new Infinity Kappa 62.5i (75W RMS, 225W peak - they are GREAT) at all 4 doors and I'm shopping for a sub or two. I'm thinking about a 5.1 amp instead of separate ones for the mains and the sub(s), to save space and wiring hassles. Right now everything is going through the factory Infinity Gold amp (120W, I think - no sub yet). One amp I'm looking at is a Lightning Audio S5.700 (75Wx2 @ 4ohms front; 50W @ 4 ohms rear; 200W x1 @4ohms sub) for about $339.

Any thoughts are appreciated!!

Thanks,
Tony

[Dsilver]

Tony, I have the Clifford Matrix RSX 3.5 Alarm system on my '04 JGC, and it works great, it was quite expensive, but you get the two-way clicker that works up to like a 2 mile radius from your car, and lets you know if anything is going on.

[Dsilver]

I have 2 Xtant Hexagon 10's run by one 1000W Xtant Chrome, dual fan amp and it sounds great, and from what I have heard Xtant is great stuff, and Im glad to hear that the Infinity Kappa 62.5i's sound nice because I am thinking of upgrading to them someday too.

[Dsilver]

Also, consider getting a 100x4 or so amp to run your Infinity Kappa's, it will make them sound even better, I have a 100X4 Xtant amp that Im going to use for mine, I just dont have the money for the Infinity Kappa's right now.

[AZFlyingDiver]

Thanks for the advice! The Kappa's do sound great - even with the stock Infinity Gold amp (I really liked how the aimable tweeters enhanced the highs - really crisp now). I'm definitely going to get an amp upgrade for them. Meanwhile, I'll look into that Clifford Matrix security system. Did you do the install and if so, any quirks to know about? Thanks again!

[Dsilver]

No, I didn't install it, I got it from Best Buy and I think the install was free, or really cheap, but the alarm system isn't, you can get it at Ultimate Electronics too, and the price may have dropped since I got it, but its really cool cause you can add on auxiliary features, like back up battery, glass break mic, etc...

[AZFlyingDiver]

Well I found an Alpine amp:
4 x 50W RMS, plus 1 200W RMS
I'm told 50W will be plenty to drive my Kappa's, but then again I've also been told that the best way to size an amp is to get MORE power (1.5x to 2x more; or divide total RMS by 0.75) than rated for the speakers - more speakers are blown supposedly by underpowered amps with volume turned way up and the speakers clipping to the point they eventually destroy themselves. Any comments from the experts out there? I'm thinking I need about a 100W x 4 amp to properly drive the Kappa's I have (rated at 75W RMS; 225W peak). Oh, everything I mentioned is for wiring at 4 ohms...

[AZFlyingDiver]

I didn't get the Alpine, opting for a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X650D: 1200W of 5-channel power. I got a smokin' deal at Ultimate Electronics because the line is discontinued this year (a $749 MSRP amp for $330!!). Needless to say, I'm real happy, especially because it fits in so well with my components. I'll let y'all know how the install turns out...

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by AZFlyingDiver

I didn't get the Alpine, opting for a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X650D: 1200W of 5-channel power. I got a smokin' deal at Ultimate Electronics because the line is discontinued this year (a $749 MSRP amp for $330!!). Needless to say, I'm real happy, especially because it fits in so well with my components. I'll let y'all know how the install turns out...

Dude, I'd went for the ALpine over the Kenwood. I stopped selling KW because of serious quality concerns. As far as space savings and wiring woes to opt for a 5 channel amp, well, it's actually all the same. I personally like to sell multiple amps because it is more versital that way and also better life. Usually I lose money on it though since 5ch amps require some serious $$ to get a nice one.

Alarms, go anything from DEI. They are the best. You should be able to get a Python or Sidewinder piece that's the same as DEI's Clifford for much less money. Take a look... www.directed.com
take a look at their audio too! I have the 1500d running a CompX 12" in a .3cu/ft box then a 300d running DEI componets. Everyone can't get over the simplicity and power that I have. I have hit in the low 130's already and should hit close to 140db once I dial things in. I just love it for the crisp, clean sound it has!

Oh, I have the Python 1600xp to protect the above in my Jeep Liberty Limited.

[Dsilver]

Yeah I agree the alpine would be nicer, but if your wanting a great deal, that kenwood sounds pretty good for the price, so it's really up to you, and poncho is right, you might be able to get a similar alarm to mine, for less, it maybe just has less optional add-ons and stuff, cause DEI owns all those brands so I guess in theory, they are all the same.

[ponchonutty]

Dsilver, actually yes they are all about the same thing. Well, as long as you are looking at all the same models. The brains and remotes are all the same. It's just different packaging and warranties. Even the cheap off the shelf stuff like BOA and Rattler stuff is the same thing. Yeah, I wish that I could get the premium out of my Python stuff like those that sell Clifford!

[AZFlyingDiver]

hey poncho and dsilver - thanks for the great advice... i'm still going for the kw - it was just too good of a deal to pass up, i guess. i know about the rep, but i'm hopin' that their excelon line fares better - seein' as it's supposed to be their flagship (and i've had no prob with the head unit i've had for over a year)... as for the security sys - i'll now definitely go for somethin' from DEI... thanks again!!

[sofast]

I have the Autopage rs750LCD and its the best I have had yet. Has two way Lcd remotes so that you know when your ride is being victimized. You can check it out at http://www.autopageusa.com . Clifford and Viper have the same setup at http://www.directed.com . Those 3 alarms are the best

[Dsilver]

Yeah, I have the Clifford one and it is really nice.

[AZFlyingDiver]

thanks, all - the kw amp is in (!) and is kickin' the inifinty kappa's really nicely. i put it in where the spare tire location is (i took the spare tire out, deciding that the temp spare was a piece of cr*p anyway and seeing as how I hve roadside assistance coverage). i built a custom amp rack that fit right over the robber bumper (a great mounting bolt was there i could use) and also covered up the bracket for the spare tire bolt - looks real clean and i can reverse the install without any problem if i want.