Phoenix Gold Phorum

I purchased a M25 in about 97 or 98, it was NOS, and I've only run it for about 12 months (running front components). I have since purchased the little brother amps to my dream amp in 1998, which are the ZX-275 and the ZX-250.

None have had the caps replaced, the 275 is white and needs a repaint and polishing the windows (as I think they had windex used on them). The 250 runs, but the LED's don't seem to be working, and it's the black paint finish. The M25 is in black.

I have one new set of JL components and two used sets (MB Quart Q series and some Missions, one with a damaged in storage cone).

Lastly, I have a phoenix gold 2/3 way active cross-over. A404X?

Questions:

1) I've read so many posts about how all 90's ZX and M amps have caps that'll leak, but mine don't seem to. Should I risk damaging the amps and do the caps, or wait until they leak.
2) I don't have the 275 with me, but can't find references to a 275 ... am I mis-remembering, did such an amp exist?
3) Is there a way to know which would run components best?
4) I havent followed car audio since about 98, and have no idea what sort of systems people are into now. I was thinking that I'd run the two ZX amps, with one powering the JL's in the front and the other the MB's in the rear. No subs, active crossover, simple system. Thoughts?
5) Is there anyway to get an image or transfers to put onto the zx's if I repaint them? I think right now I'd most likely repaint the white one, as it's the worst condition and the odd one out. I could just paint it up and have no graphics, but if there is a way that is low cost (can take time, I have more time that money these days), then I'd like to do it.
6) I read on a forum (can't remember which one, was earlier in the week) about some fans 'that fit into the zx chassis and pump twice as much air as the standard fan' ... given I'm not looking to run low loads/high power, is this worthwhile? I read a reference that the v2 zx amps have two fan speeds to keep the fan quiet when the amp isnt that warm.

Any general pointers would be welcomed. Thanks.

you could be waiting on a fire? I would replace them....the new caps should solve this

Most def on the caps, just because you cannot see them leaking doesn't mean that they are in good shape under the capacitors.

Maybe you are thinking MS-275?

Why no sub?

Thanks. So even the M25 should have the caps done? I will continue to do research into the caps. Which caps I choose will depend on price, as there seem to be many choices, but when buying so few the prices vary quite a bit (an electronics engineer I work with who designs boards has said that in large quanties the prices of same spec capacitors are very close between brands, it's just when you're buying so few the prices vary quite a bit).

I splurged on ebay again ... and now have a pretty worn looking zx-475ti on it's way. I now definitely have too many amps. I'll wait until I have the system setup and running well before I sell any, just incase I have issues with one of them.

When I think about the system I used to have (mission 5 1/4 components, JL10W4, M25 and Saphire something amp), it was great, but now I'm after something that takes up no space, is invisible when the car is left parked in remote locations etc. I have memories of wiring up a XS4300 and some Boston Rally 6.5 components in about 2000. Before the sub (an x-max 12 with the carbon cone) was added, we were both amazed at how good it sounded. So unless I end up with a car (am in-between cars at the moment) where a sub can be mounted and be invisible and take up no space (maybe if i ditch the spare tire this could be an option), then I'll just aim to run 6.5 JL's and 5 1/4 MBQ's. I have plenty of sheets of sound deadening for the doors and will aim to get the most out of the speakers.

The last thought that occured to me, was that it wouldn't be that hard with access to a workshop, to pull the 475 and 250 (and I think the other must be a 250 too) apart and combine into one custom housing.

In the cold light of day, I may just end up putting the M25 in and running only the JLs ... All depends on how much work it takes to clean up the three ZX amps. On that note, is there any information about replacing the graphics after painting? And I've read the ZX amps were painted, not powder coated, is there any reason not to powder coat them instead?

It's early days on this build at the moment (especially as the previously mentioned lack of a car right now ... I am in my 30's, I'm not a 14 yearold dreaming about his first car or anything).

Thanks,