[James Chang]

I have a coupe with L7 and am planning to swap the OEM sub with SWS-8.

Which amp is the best for those SWS-8s? I don't mind to pay a few more dollars to get the best match, I feel it's a worthwhile investment.

Thanks!

[VP Electricity]

This is not James Chang of MobileTV, is it?

If you have the means to tune one, a Zapco DC200.2 or 350.2 and a BLT high-power speaker-level adapter, and 2-ohm SWS-8, would be your best choice in my opinion.

The 200.2 makes 80 or 90WPC into the 2 ohm load.

The DSP section gives you digital crossover control, along with a 10-band parametric equalizer. You can fine-tune the performance of the SWS-8, but only with a PC to run the tuning software, and an audio analyzer to determine all the optimum tuning.

The SWS-8 seems to be relatively inefficient, although it is loud in these ported boxes, so tuning in the upper end of its range requires a little more power (hence the 2 ohms andd potentially the 350).

[amlebede]

Really any 2-channel amp that pushes the RMS or slightly above the RMS that is not Walmart quality. Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio, Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer, etc.. are good brands. XXX, PYLE, Pyramid, etc.. are bad.

Rockford Fosgate 400-2 is a good amp. That is assuming you are running two SWSs like most people do.

[James Chang]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

This is not James Chang of MobileTV, is it?

If you have the means to tune one, a Zapco DC200.2 or 350.2 and a BLT high-power speaker-level adapter, and 2-ohm SWS-8, would be your best choice in my opinion.

The 200.2 makes 80 or 90WPC into the 2 ohm load.

The DSP section gives you digital crossover control, along with a 10-band parametric equalizer. You can fine-tune the performance of the SWS-8, but only with a PC to run the tuning software, and an audio analyzer to determine all the optimum tuning.

The SWS-8 seems to be relatively inefficient, although it is loud in these ported boxes, so tuning in the upper end of its range requires a little more power (hence the 2 ohms andd potentially the 350).

No, I am not that James of Mobile TV.

I am pretty handy, but my god, this is way over my ability. I am going to show your massage to a professional installer to see if they can follow it.

Thanks!

[James Chang]

Originally Posted by amlebede

Really any 2-channel amp that pushes the RMS or slightly above the RMS that is not Walmart quality. Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio, Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer, etc.. are good brands. XXX, PYLE, Pyramid, etc.. are bad.

Rockford Fosgate 400-2 is a good amp. That is assuming you are running two SWSs like most people do.

You made it so much easier for me to shop for the amp, thanks!

[James Chang]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

This is not James Chang of MobileTV, is it?

If you have the means to tune one, a Zapco DC200.2 or 350.2 and a BLT high-power speaker-level adapter, and 2-ohm SWS-8, would be your best choice in my opinion.

The 200.2 makes 80 or 90WPC into the 2 ohm load.

The DSP section gives you digital crossover control, along with a 10-band parametric equalizer. You can fine-tune the performance of the SWS-8, but only with a PC to run the tuning software, and an audio analyzer to determine all the optimum tuning.

The SWS-8 seems to be relatively inefficient, although it is loud in these ported boxes, so tuning in the upper end of its range requires a little more power (hence the 2 ohms andd potentially the 350).

Looked up your advise and your website several more times, very impressed with your knowledge and experience. If I am in the U.S., I would surely be your customer. But I am in China now, what I can do is to ask friends to buy equipment in the U.S. and bring it to China for me. I don't think my local installer can do the job you described. My question is: Can I skip the adaptor, just hook up a pair of 2 ohm SWS-8s to Zapco DC350.2? Will it be good enough for amateur music lover, like myself?

Thanks!

[VP Electricity]

Thanks for the kind words.

If you want to have local installation without complication, I suggest you get the adapter (it makes things simpler) but buy a simpler Zapco amplifier. For simple installation, get a Reference 200.2 or 350.2 rather than a DC series. The Reference series is much simpler and lower in cost, and does not have the DSP processing. It is still a very good sounding amplifier.

The I-Force 2100 is also good and can work with the same adapter.

Many amplifiers have speaker-leel inputs, but they are questionable with the woofer channels of the BMW amplifier. Some people get OK results, but the possiblity of damage to the amplifier is a real concern.

China is an unknown market for me. I know it is a large country, but you might contact efunroom, as he is in China and has done similar research. I do not know where in China he is located.

[VP Electricity]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/member.php?u=32974

[amlebede]

I wouldn't use a speaker level input. Most people choose to use PAC LOC-2s.

[James Chang]

Originally Posted by amlebede

I wouldn't use a speaker level input. Most people choose to use PAC LOC-2s.

Thanks Amlebede, but I have to ask: what is "PAC LOC-2s"? Many thanks,

James

[amlebede]

Originally Posted by James Chang

Thanks Amlebede, but I have to ask: what is "PAC LOC-2s"? Many thanks,

James

It is a simple tool to convert speaker level inputs to RCA inputs.

It is pretty useful considering:
1) you can add universal bass knob like the LC-1 easier.
2) many amplifiers either do not support speaker level input or do not work well with them.

Some people choose to get signal processors although e90post users generally think it is often not necessary.

[James Chang]

Originally Posted by amlebede

It is a simple tool to convert speaker level inputs to RCA inputs.

It is pretty useful considering:
1) you can add universal bass knob like the LC-1 easier.
2) many amplifiers either do not support speaker level input or do not work well with them.

Some people choose to get signal processors although e90post users generally think it is often not necessary.

Thanks again, Amlebede