Here is the situation.

Just bought a 2003 Jetta GLI VR6. It had the factory option for the Monsoon sound system, which included an amp in the trunk powering the components in all four doors. The previous owner put in an aftermarket Double Din Kenwood DDX418. It isn't the best deck but does what I need to right now. The mids and highs sound better than what I expected, but I am missing the lows. I am not looking to shake the neighborhood. I just want to hear a more full sound that can handle my varied taste in music. I listen to everything from Squirrel Nut Zippers, to the Gravediggers.

What I think might work, would be pairing up a Sundown SAX 125.2 with a SA-8 with the dual 2 ohm voice coil. I would bridge the amp and run the coils in series to get about a 4 ohm load. I think they reccomend a .3 cubic foot box for sealled, and like a .6 for ported. I think I would end up making both boxes to see which one worked best.

My question, is this a good pairing? Would the SA-8 be underpowered? Does someone have something better used or b-stock (Sundown only) that would fit my budget of $400?

Sounds like you thought this out. Pairing a 125.2 with an SA-8 would be a great low powered package. I would preferably go ported with the SA series as they seem to shine best ported. But building two different boxes that small will be very good comparison to see what your ears like best.

Go for it and good luck!

Now that I look through the forum a bit more, I see a 500D in the works? Any release date set for that little monster?

You can't go wrong with either amp... I'd go with the 500D being that it would serve the purpose of powering the subwoofer more efficiently "feature" wise... Both will work ...

Now that I look through the forum a bit more, I see a 500D in the works? Any release date set for that little monster?

No eta available yet on the new SAE-500. But another option is to go with the SA-8 would be this amp.

From what I've read the sa8 sealed does well with punchy bass like rock and stuff but not so well with hip hop and what not. I had one in a t-line and it sounded great, got pretty loud too. The only reason why I sold it was to get a sa12. If I were you I'd run a sa10 sealed because I believe it would be a little more musical.

Edited September 13, 201114 yr by B_I_B

Here is the situation.

Just bought a 2003 Jetta GLI VR6. It had the factory option for the Monsoon sound system, which included an amp in the trunk powering the components in all four doors. The previous owner put in an aftermarket Double Din Kenwood DDX418. It isn't the best deck but does what I need to right now. The mids and highs sound better than what I expected, but I am missing the lows. I am not looking to shake the neighborhood. I just want to hear a more full sound that can handle my varied taste in music. I listen to everything from Squirrel Nut Zippers, to the Gravediggers.

What I think might work, would be pairing up a Sundown SAX 125.2 with a SA-8 with the dual 2 ohm voice coil. I would bridge the amp and run the coils in series to get about a 4 ohm load. I think they reccomend a .3 cubic foot box for sealled, and like a .6 for ported. I think I would end up making both boxes to see which one worked best.

My question, is this a good pairing? Would the SA-8 be underpowered? Does someone have something better used or b-stock (Sundown only) that would fit my budget of $400?

Why sundown only?

Have you thought about the IA 500.1?and maybe a Dcon 10.

Just asking. I know the SSA store is having a hell of a deal on that amp right now.

I did see that deal, and might pick that up. No real reason to go with Sundown only, except I have researched a lot on the Sundown brand.

Also I noticed that the Sundown equipment normally doesn't stick around for long in the For Sale section.

So if I want to upgrade later, I have an easier time getting money from my old system.

I had some old Kicker amps, back when they were a decent brand.

Because of what they have grown to, I could barely give them away.

Just found what I didn't like about the IA 5.1. It doesn't have a remote level control. I am married and have a son, and my bass level preference is way different than my wife's. Is she hears any boom, her ears only hears static and it bothers her. Sometimes when I have a cold, I can't talk to her too close because my voice gets lower. Going back to search for something Sundown.

It would be a good day if I could find a Sundown 125.2 or even a 100.2 and 2 SA-8s (a 2ohm(for the car) and a 4ohm(garage)) for $400 shipped.

Just my 2 cents.....I think with the 125.2, the E8 would pair better with it. If you want to stay with the SA8 then I would suggest getting two b stock and grabbing the saz1000 from db-r, as they have one and only one for $208.00. Whichever way you decided to go, I know you will be happy.

Edited September 13, 201114 yr by total mayhem