Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Sony amp w/ built in EQ

Hey guys I was just wondering what you have heard of the Sony XM-404EQX. I know that many of you will say that Sony is over rated and that Alpine is the way to go, but I was just wondering what you had to say about this fella' some links: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1368456089 http://www.epinions.com/content_24941530756


Please note that I do not know all too much about audio yet but I am learning. I bought that after a friend recomended it to me. My system is still new and I have not tweaked everything yet but it is coming. Hopefuly it will sound a bit better when I adjust the crossovers and the eq and and and

Thanks guys - Murph

i'm not trying to diss sony, but their new Xplode line of things suck. Back when they had Mobile ES, they were actually pretty good. Honestly i'd just wait to find a better deal with a better amp. I'm sure you'll find something within the same price range (if not cheaper), and a whole crap load better. Just my .02

edit: I just seen the price, and for $25?? that's pretty cheap.. but as i said.. i'd rather save up a little more and get something better

WEll I already got the amp. I think I paid in the neighborhood of $190 (do not hold me on it) Looking back I prolly would have gotten something else. My friend has a Clarion which sounds pretty nice. I was just wondering if anyone here knew any specific information about them. I guess I just hooked by the fact that it has an EQ and two crossovers and a couple of other awitches.

My HU is a CDX-C760 which is before the Sony explode stuff. I love my ES and I recomended my friend to get a used ES above a new explod because of the looks and probabally sound quality (although some xplods are ES). It would seem that Sony finally killed the ES though which is sad. The reason why I like the mp3 changer so much is that I can keep my old ES and play mp3s.

My friend that will be getting a system for his Jaguar will probally be getting a sony matrix display (730) and getting the mp3 changer. He wants a sony and also needs mp3 readability. AS you can see the sony mp3 players are a$$ ugly.

M'eh my 2 cents

Mike

Well... you could have done much worse - its actually good enough to power a low-end system.

What you have is enough to power standard 6x8 aftermarket speakers to a good volume level. If you try to drive component speakers with this amp, you might find that the music doesn't have sufficient dynamic range - it could sound flat or not very lifelike.

If you find your amp doesn't have enough juice, save up your pennies and get a Alpine MRV-F407, which is probably one of the best 4 channel amps ever built. If you're using a sub, MTX makes a five channel amp which has plenty of power and fits on the wide half of the 60/40 split on a Contour rear seat. In both cases, ignore the printed spec go with what's printed on the "birth certificate" that comes with the amp (my MTX is twice the factory specs at 54x4 + 180x1 RMS @ 4 ohms and 12.5v).

You should be able to get either one of these amps new for under $400 or buy a used one for $200-280 on eBay. I got my MTX used on eBay for $191.50. (Tip: save the box and packing materials from your Sony amp in case you decide to sell it at some time in the future.)

Remember, when you are installing any high powered amp, don't skimp on the wiring - especially the amp kit and RCA cables. You're amplifying whatever signal ends up back there, so make sure it's a clean one!

Finally, in the unsolicited tip department, If you want a great head unit, try the Pioneer DEH-P9300, which you can pick up online for about $375. Among its many other talents, it's AutoEQ will automatically set a flat EQ curve for your car. It also looks good in a Contour/Mystique dash. Highly recommended.

Happy Tweaking!