Old School Cheater Car Amplifiers - Orion, Rockford, Phoenix Gold and PPI - 1080p

Overview video displaying 4 popular "cheater" amps from the early to mid 1990's. Models include; (1) Rockford Fosgate Punch 45HD (2) Orion 225 HCCA (3) Precision Power Pro Mos 25 and (4) Phoenix Gold MPS-2240.

These amplifiers were often used in single amp, multiple speaker competition systems for the 0-50 watt competition class or multiples were used for higher wattage classes. They were known as "cheater" amps because they would actually output considerably more power in lower ohm loads. For example, the Orion 225HCCA was rated at 25x2 into 4 ohms, but was stable down to 1/2 ohm where it would output 200x2! A 50 watt rated amp putting out over 400 watts? Yes, this is what we call "old school". Much the opposite of many amps sold today as rated at 1500 watts and actually putting out 300 watts (obviously not the case with ALL amps, but some for sure!)

Enjoy a journey back into the 1990's Old School Time Machine with Big D!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• rockford fosgate
• punch 45
• punch 45hd
• ppi
• precision power
• pro mos 25
• orion 225hcca
• 225 hcca
• high current amplifiers
• cheater amps
• old school
• phoenix gold
• mps-2240
• ms-275
• ms-2125
• hd
• 1080p
• high definition
• high def

[Lazerbeam323ci]

I love all those amps. I used to run a 222sx on a JBL 12" sub. Had to constantly tighten the bolts on my hatch could not believe the bass.

[bigdwiz]

@Lazerbeam323ci Funny you mention the Orion 222sx...I just found one and will bench test it soon along with the rest of these cheater amps. See my latest vid for an output test of the Soundstream Ref 300. I think the 222sx vs. RF Punch 45HD would be a good challenge. I don't, however, think they would give the 225 HCCA much competition in the output test....

[myz06rocks]

@bigdwiz no it was an older guy actually can't recall his name.

[bigdwiz]

@myz06rocks Hey man, I just noticed you said a seller in Brooklyn...was it Tristan?

[myz06rocks]

@bigdwiz Here's whats left in the old school closet :) 2 rodek RA250e's (2x50 rated into 4ohm... really 2x90 @ 4ohm/2x~150 @ 2 ohm) 1 rodek 1125e (1x125 @ 4ohm/1x200@ 2 ohm... really ~ 250W) 1 rodek RA224 (2x24 @ 4ohm... 200x1 2 ohm... really ~ 260) 3 Crunch shc 50's 1 crunch cr50 1 earthquake power 250tx 1 Audiocontrol EQX 1 audiocontrol 24xs 1 audiocontrol EQS the Audiocontrol units are all BN in the box :) :)

[myz06rocks]

@bigdwiz will do for sure! IWas thinking about selling a whack of my old school stuff but much like you, rather not see it in the hands of some 16 year old that has no idea what he has! I bought 3 of those SHC50s from a seller in Brooklyn about 5 years ago. An interesting test for you would be one of these against a rubicon 500. Interestingly.. even though I only had a 2 ohm load on the crunch, it destroyed the sound stream which should have had 2 x the power.

[bigdwiz]

@myz06rocks Yeah, I understand most of the kids today don't want an amp unless it says "2k" or "5k" for wattage. Just curious how many you bought at 125 ea? Send me a message if you ever want to let one go.

[myz06rocks]

@bigdwiz will do... I paid $125 each for mine actually a few years ago... although rare, the don't seem to attract big dollars even on ebay. I've seen them sell for between $120 and $170 regularly.

[bigdwiz]

@myz06rocks Yes, the Lanzar 50C...I'm usually good w/ model #'s, but I obviously got confused here! $140 for which Crunch? I don't recall seeing a CR400 or 50SHC for $140?? No need to post your source here, but send me a message if u know of one. I know US Amps also made some great cheater amps, specifically the VLX series. I know there was a VLX-25, rated at 12.5x2 and used a 225A fuse...now that's a CHEATER!!

[myz06rocks]

@bigdwiz Those Zeus amps are amazing.... :) Music loud!!!