Taramps TS 400X4 Car Audio Amplifier vs Stinger MT-1000.5
Buy the Taramps TS 400X4 if you need four channels of full-range power on a tight budget. It is $49.00 at Taramps USA, a fraction of the Stinger's $157.00. Buy the Stinger MT-1000.5 if you are powering a subwoofer and want a dedicated mono amp with a remote bass knob. The two are not direct substitutes: one is a 4-channel full-range amp, the other is a 5-channel/sub-focused amp.
Ask our shopping agent
Taramps TS 400X4 Car Audio Amplifier
1Choose the Taramps TS 400X4 if you are upgrading door speakers, tweeters or midranges on a small budget and want four channels with bridging for a modest sub.
Pros
- Four channels for $49.00, the lowest real 4-channel price found
- Class D design keeps heat and weight low at 0.99lb
- Bridging gives 2 x 200W RMS for a small sub later
- Wide 180mV to 4V input range matches stock and aftermarket head units
- Short-circuit protection and LED status indicators
Cons
- Crossover is fixed at 90Hz, so you cannot tune crossover points
- Only 100W RMS per channel, limited headroom for power-hungry speakers
What separates them
| Taramps TS 400X4 Car Audio Amplifier | Stinger MT-1000.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Channel layout | 4 full-range channels (100W RMS x 4 at 2 ohms) | 5-channel design with a dedicated sub channel (75W x 4 plus sub) |
| Subwoofer support | Bridged only, 2 x 200W RMS | Dedicated sub channel rated 700W into 1 ohm |
| Crossover | Fixed 90Hz high-pass and low-pass, no adjustment | Variable filters plus a crossover multiplier for tweeters and midranges |
| Remote bass control | None | Included remote bass knob with flush-mount bracket |
| Footprint | 0.99lb, very small chassis | 6.1 x 8.98 x 2.09 in, slim enough for under-seat mounting |
| Input sensitivity | 180mV to 4V, wide range for stock head units | Not published in the listed specs |
| Price | $49.00 at Taramps USA |
Price history
$157.00$49.00
- Taramps TS 400X4 Car Audio Amplifier: lowest $49.00 on Oct 31 at tarampsusa.com.
- Stinger MT-1000.5: lowest $157.00 on Oct 28 at Amazon; $157.00 on Oct 31.
Prices at every store
Taramps TS 400X4 Car Audio Amplifier
- Taramps USACheck price at Taramps USA
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- eBayCheck price at eBay
Stinger MT-1000.5
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com
Specs compared
| Spec | Taramps TS 400X4 Car Audio Amplifier | Stinger MT-1000.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of channels | 04 | 1 |
| Nominal power | 400W RMS (4 x 100W RMS) | — |
| Bridged power | 400W RMS (2 x 200W RMS) | — |
| Input sensitivity | (Gain = Max): 180mV (Gain = Min): 4V | — |
| Signal to noise ratio | >90dB | — |
| Frequency response | 10Hz ~ 26KHz (-3dB) | — |
| High pass crossover | 90Hz (-12dB/8ª) Fixed | — |
| Low pass crossover | 90Hz (-12dB/8ª) Fixed | — |
| Input impedance | 10K Ohms (RCA) | — |
| Supply voltage | 8VDC to 16VDC | — |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for powering four door speakers?
- The Taramps. It gives 100W RMS to each of four channels for $49.00. The Stinger's main channels are rated lower at 75W x 4 and its strength is the sub channel.
- Which is better for a subwoofer?
- The Stinger. Its dedicated sub channel is rated 700W into 1 ohm and it includes a remote bass knob. The Taramps can only bridge to 2 x 200W RMS.
- Is the Stinger worth the extra money?
- Only if you need a sub channel and remote bass control. For four full-range channels, the Taramps does the job for $108 less.
- Can the Taramps run a subwoofer?
- Yes, in bridged mode at 2 x 200W RMS. That suits a small sub, not a high-power one.
- Which has better tuning flexibility?
- The Stinger. It has variable crossovers and a crossover multiplier. The Taramps crossovers are fixed at 90Hz.
- Which is easier to fit in a tight space?
- The Taramps at 0.99lb is the smaller and lighter unit. The Stinger is still slim at 2.09 inches tall and can mount under a seat.
