Legacy LA630 amp - should I use it?

[chatbreaker]

Went to the pawn shop, and the only 4 channel amp they had for less than 100 bucks was a legacy LA630 (advertised 600W peak, probably more like 40-50 watts per channel RMS)

I only paid $30 for it, so I'm not going to be too upset if it doesn't work, but does anyone have experience with "budget brand" amps? I haven't had a chance to hook it up yet, since my wiring kit is in the mail yet, but I'm just trying to get an idea what to expect.

Right now I'm running the stock head unit with aftermarket pioneer speakers, no model number on the speakers, they came in a walmart box with a head unit (which the previous owner took out of the car).

I've got a Pioneer AVH-P4400BH deck that I'm going to install sometime soon, and then I'm going to rewire the speakers to all run through the 4 channel amp in the trunk.

I'm hoping for improved sound quality, no need for insanely loud speakers since I'm not doing competitions or anything. Just want some clear sound at a reasonable volume without (too much) distortion.

Opinions?

[Russosaur]

Google the rms per channel on the amp. I know cheap pioneers can't handle much power so be aware of that. I haven't done car audio in a while and haven't heard of the legacy brand. What I would do it put the new HU in see if its got the volume and clarity you want if not hook up the amp.

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[chatbreaker]

I cant find any specs, that's why I'm rounding down and guessing 40-50 watts rms per channel. Most entry level speakers (pioneer, kenwood, etc) are rated at 50 watts rms per speaker at 4 ohms, so I'm going to assume that's what these speakers are. Like I said, there's no specs on the speakers at all, all I could find was the dxt-x2669ui box in the trunk, but I couldn't find any info on the specific speakers. Regardless, even if this amp only puts out 25 watts per channel, it's gotta be better than what the head unit's doing, right? Just my two cents, I'll find out this weekend when I wire it all up.


Also, according to car audio forums, the best thing about this amp is that it makes a good boat anchor.

[Russosaur]

Haha, sounds right. My cheap pioneers are maybe 25w rms or 35w rms. You'd be surprised, my kenwood HU puts out if I remember 25x4 rms, but it all depends on the HU. I know mine was the CEA compliant so it should actually make what it says.

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[chatbreaker]

my head unit advertises MOSFET 50W x 4, but idk if that's rms or max. regardless, an amp couldn't hurt anything... plus it'll get me all set up for upgrading down the road, the RCA cables and speaker wires will be back in the trunk in case I decide to swap amps some time. Idunno, I guess I'll hook it up and if it doesn't work, I'm only out 30 bucks.

[Russosaur]

That 50x4 is probably max/peak. True that and like you said if you want to upgrade its super simple. Just don't skimp on the power/ground wires

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[chatbreaker]

bought a 4 gauge set off of ebay, I don't ever plan on going much bigger than 1000 watts because I don't want to mess with buying a new alternator. In the short term though, probably 500 watts RMS including a sub. I'm gonna get a crossover too, not sure why but I feel like I need one. Lol.

[Russosaur]

Im running 500rms through some beefy 4ga for my subs. You shouldn't need a crossover, the HU probably has a HPF setting. But hey its your system, just do the research.

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[chatbreaker]

yeah, the head unit has a decent EQ in it, but I want to be more selective about which frequencies reach which speakers.