Expert opinion on Soundstream TRA 960.4 AMP

mani1 (mani1) 2010-08-18 09:10:41 +0500 #1

Guys I need your opinion on this 4 channel amp Soundstream TRA 960.4

I am getting this amp in used condition for from a guy in Islamabad. Its ratings etc on the net are quite good but I want to get first hand info from experts here. I would be driving Alpine Type R front components and a JBP P1222/Alpine Type R 12" on it. Would this amp be able to handle both of these? And is the price ok?

Most importantly, how can I thoroughly check the amp? because I would be going all the way to Islamabad to purchase this and therefore would want to ensure that it is problem free and not repaired.

Looking forward to your replies!

The specs of the amp are

4-Channel Amplifier
120 watts x 4 chan. @ 4 Ohms RMS
240 watts x 4 chan. @ 2 Ohms RMS
Bridged: 480 watts x 2 chan. @ 4 Ohms
THD: < 0.02%
Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 50 kHz
S/N Ratio: >115dB
Damping Factor: >500
Input Sensitivity: 0.15 - 12.0V
Crossover Slope: 12dB
Crossover Frequency: 50 Hz - 5 kHz
Dimensions(in): 10.75x2.6x21.5
Variable high pass, band pass, low pass
Variable 18dB bass boost
Double sided glass epoxy SMT circuit board
PWM mosfet power supply
Tri-guard amplifier protection
SMT cooling fan built in
Tri-mode capable
Line output

Soundstream TRA960.4 (tra9604) - 4 Channel Amplifier | Four Channel Amp - Sonic Electronix

mani1 (mani1) 2010-08-18 12:12:58 +0500 #2

Come on guys! Help me out

da_realplaya (da_realplaya) 2010-08-18 12:37:43 +0500 #3

12k would be good price for this amplifier if its in good condition..

aqgmbest (aqgmbest) 2010-08-18 14:49:51 +0500 #4

it is slightly over rated !!!

mani1 (mani1) 2010-08-18 14:52:20 +0500 #5

Ok so if not this amp then what other options are there in this budget?

EDIT: Btw I have been reading alot of online reviews in these last two days. Nearly everyone says that this amp is much better than the XTA720.4 and TRA 680.4 but here you guys are saying the opposite??? People say that especially XTA series from Soundstream were disappointing and that even the new TRA series do not match the potential of TRA 960.4....I am confused

aqgmbest (aqgmbest) 2010-08-18 14:57:43 +0500 #6

kenwood 8104d mono !!! and a gud 2 channel amp !!! for 13 to 14k all !!!

mani1 (mani1) 2010-08-18 15:02:21 +0500 #7

I do not want 2 amps. Want to minimze the clutter/wiring and possibility of any short circuits. Thats why I am after a single amp solution

03332648155 (03332648155) 2010-08-18 15:18:28 +0500 #8

Its a nice amp.
Other option is Fusion PP-AM16004 for 16k.
Around 130x4 and 460x2.

splfanatic (splfanatic) 2010-08-18 17:02:48 +0500 #9

@ mani go for it

even new f47 is for 15k these days lol.

jitna bhi over rated hua, it will atleast do above 4oorms on bridge

try negotiation else go for it

mani1 (mani1) 2010-08-18 17:10:25 +0500 #10

thanks! any tips on how to inspect it and ensure its not repaired?

Lafafa (Lafafa) 2010-08-18 17:14:26 +0500 #11

these soundstream TRA series amps are supposed to be really good from what i have heard

splfanatic (splfanatic) 2010-08-18 17:30:50 +0500 #12

open the amps case, examine the circuit

if possible watch the original amps gut online,

repair leaves untidy glue or solder marks as repairers cant do it like specialised machines, u can easily tell by seeing the circuit

mani1 (mani1) 2010-08-18 17:36:44 +0500 #13

I dont think the seller will allow me to open the amp or to take it to any shop to get it opened up

Zish16 (Zish16) 2010-08-18 17:59:28 +0500 #14

i think every amp has a warranty seal stick between the two portions of amp at bottom....check that seal...if the seal is broken then the amp would probably be reapired in past......

splfanatic (splfanatic) 2010-08-18 18:07:49 +0500 #15

sir 4 screws it is, just take back sheet off, and u c the whole thing

Lafafa (Lafafa) 2010-08-18 18:20:00 +0500 #16

yeah...dont take the risk of buying it without checking...unless if you know the seller personally, dont trust anyone. i have been fooled once, and a few other members here as well. so be careful.

its ur money, and u have the right to inspect everything thoroughly. after all its a used item. and 14k for a 4ch amp is quite high...

smartboy_am (smartboy_am) 2010-08-18 18:47:16 +0500 #17

Nice amp buy it......if u want new, there is a new one available here in karachi......

mohsin129 (mohsin129) 2010-08-19 05:38:59 +0500 #18

mani this amp is the bigger brother of TRA 680.4....the EXACT SAME thing....just a tad bit more power...

how can u say it isnt on par with tarantula series when it itself is a tarantula series amp.. ? lol ..

i wud say grab it without thinking further... excellent amp must say... i own the smaller variant 680.4...the best money i ever spent...

mani1 (mani1) 2010-08-19 16:57:45 +0500 #19

Everything is so damn confusing :S

I have made up my mind....dont care about problems....buying this amp tomorrow

mohsin129 (mohsin129) 2010-08-19 17:01:09 +0500 #20

^^^ perfect decision ! bravo !