DS18 G3600.4D GEN-X 4-Channel Full-Range Class D Amp vs Hifonics A2500.5D
Buy the DS18 G3600.4D if you want a compact 4-channel full-range amp with very low distortion and high headroom for door speakers and components. Buy the Hifonics A2500.5D if you need one amp to run four speakers plus a subwoofer, since its fifth channel and subwoofer output save wiring and space. The Hifonics is cheaper: $199.99 at Best Buy as of October 28, versus $265.00 at Walmart for the DS18 as of October 31.
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DS18 G3600.4D GEN-X 4-Channel Full-Range Class D Amp
Choose the DS18 G3600.4D if you run four full-range speakers or components and want 0.01% THD, 93 dB SNR and a small 12" x 5" x 2" footprint.
Pros
- Very low 0.01% THD and 93 dB SNR for clean, quiet playback.
- Compact 12" x 5" x 2" chassis at 4.5 lb fits tight installs.
- 3600 W peak rating gives headroom for full-range speakers.
- Runs on 2-ohm loads with low-level inputs and sturdy terminals.
Cons
- Only 4 channels, so a subwoofer needs a separate amp.
- 300 W RMS is far below the 3600 W peak figure.
- Costs about $65 more than the Hifonics.
What separates them
| DS18 G3600.4D GEN-X 4-Channel Full-Range Class D Amp | Hifonics A2500.5D | |
|---|---|---|
| Channel count | 4 channels | 5 channels |
| Peak power | 3600 W peak | 2500 W max |
| RMS power | 300 W RMS | Not stated; 2500 W is max power |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.01% | < 0.05% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 93 dB | > 85 dB |
| Subwoofer support | No dedicated sub channel | Subwoofer output plus 2 pairs of pre-amp outputs |
| Size and weight | 12" x 5" x 2", 4.5 lb | 17.75" x 7" x 3.5", 8.25 lb |
| Price |
Price history
$273.03$199.99
- DS18 G3600.4D GEN-X 4-Channel Full-Range Class D Amp: lowest $265.00 on Oct 31 at eBay.
- Hifonics A2500.5D: lowest $199.99 on Oct 28 at Walmart; $199.99 on Oct 31.
Prices at every store
DS18 G3600.4D GEN-X 4-Channel Full-Range Class D Amp
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
- CrutchfieldCheck price at Crutchfield
Hifonics A2500.5D
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Lowe'sCheck price at Lowe's
Specs compared
| Spec | DS18 G3600.4D GEN-X 4-Channel Full-Range Class D Amp | Hifonics A2500.5D |
|---|---|---|
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.01 % | < 0.05% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 93 dB | > 85dB |
| Brand | DS18 | — |
| Rms power rating | 300 W | — |
| Channels | 4 | — |
| Impedance | 2 ohm | — |
| Peak audio power handling | 3600 W | — |
| Rec. use | Car, Hardware | — |
| Size | 12" x 5" x 2" | — |
| Color | Black | — |
| Rec location |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a full system with a subwoofer?
- The Hifonics A2500.5D. Its fifth channel and subwoofer output drive a sub without a second amp, and it has two pairs of pre-amp outputs for expansion.
- Which sounds cleaner at high volume?
- The DS18 G3600.4D on paper. It rates 0.01% THD and 93 dB SNR against < 0.05% and > 85 dB for the Hifonics.
- Is the DS18 worth the extra money?
- Only if you need four full-range channels and value the lower distortion and smaller size. The Hifonics costs $199.99 at Best Buy as of October 28 versus $265.00 at Walmart for the DS18 as of October 31.
- Which is easier to fit in a tight install?
- The DS18. It measures 12" x 5" x 2" and weighs 4.5 lb; the Hifonics is 17.75" wide and 8.25 lb.
- Does either amp have Bluetooth?
- Only the Hifonics lists Bluetooth 5.0. The DS18 lists low-level inputs and high-quality terminals, with no Bluetooth.
- Which has more real power?
- The DS18 states 300 W RMS; the Hifonics states only a 2500 W max figure. Compare RMS ratings before deciding, since peak numbers are not sustained output.