I finally bought my sub, and I've been trying to find an amp for it... which is what my problem is. I need help in choosing an amp, and I'd also like opinions on what I should get.
The sub has a 300w rms and a 1000w peak, for those who didn't know.
Would anyone recommend getting a cheap-o Profile amp, or going with higher-quality brands such as Alpine, Hifonics, Memphis, Sound Stream, etc...
My limit is +/-$150
Thanks
Replies (31)
UKinstaller on 10/27/2004 01:15:57
i would definitely check into the alpine MRD-M301. it is 300w RMS and was actually designed for the type-r 10 and 12. i have the same combo in one of my systems, and it sounds great.
-UK
Victor on 10/27/2004 01:21:14
Go for a quality monobloc amplifier... it shall be a good long term investment.. or you cud go for a cheaper two channel amp and use it in the bridged mode.. it should be 2 ohms stable in bridged mode..
regarding the brands... its upto u or what you get to learn by others experiences..
never used hifonics or sound stream..
alpine and memphis make pretty decent stuff..
comments...?
Victor
uochronos on 10/27/2004 02:30:34
actualy 2 channel amps are 4ohm stable normaly in bridged mode there victor. also 2 channel amps tend to be mroe expensive then mono amps because more internal parts.
profile amp well work and well put out the power they are cheap and if i wanted an amp on a budget i would buy it.
however if you want something that well last a long time and have little problems with over a long period. i would suggest a name brand amp
the top of the line brands would be
Pheonix gold
Hifonix
Alpine
JL Audio
rockford fosgate
and many more
The alpine amp UK mentioned is absolutly a great choice here... i considered it myself at one time but went with a phoenix gold amp instead(got a good deal on it) alpine makes some of the best gear around and very durable as well.
Chronos
aposynthesi on 10/27/2004 15:02:25
Thanks guys, I'll call around and see what local shops recommend also.
Hifonics and Alpine are very appealing to me... so I may go with one of those.
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 15:20:31
Just a word of caution. Local shops main priority is to make money, and might not recomend something that they don't have, or might recomend something that they make the most money off of (not always the best OR worst quality item, depending on how much they got it for).
I'd definitely trust the word of golds on this forum before any shop person. I'm not saying there aren't any honest people at shops, but it's not worth the risk.
The golds here have already been "weeded out" so to speak, because you don't get a gold here unless you know your stuff AND are willing to help people here.
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 15:28:18
the JBL bp300.1 might also be an option.
it puts out 300Wrms at 2 ohms and these amps are said to be of high quality.
$139 at cardomain
http://www.cardomain.com/item/JBLBP3001Z
aposynthesi on 10/27/2004 16:18:11
There are approximately 5 car audio shops within 15 miles of where I live... so I'm bound to get something that they all agree on.
One or two of the shops carry high end brands - mb quart, focal, diamond, eclipse...etc.
uochronos on 10/27/2004 16:37:08
alanjlamore is correct here most shops well pretty much all shops are nto looking out for your best interests. afterall they have to make money to stay open. there is one shop in my town for instance swears Phoenix Gold is crap.... well they sold PG for 10years or so then they dropped them 2 years ago and now insist that it was never worth buying hehe. basicaly what they carry is what they well recommend
You well enever hear them say well so and so is better go down the street and buy that.... so dont nessicarily buy what ever they agree on because they well only agree on something they all carry hehe.
Chronos
LC1 on 10/27/2004 20:53:17
Hey check this site out. They have the Alpine MRD-M301 that UKinstaller recommened for only $140. I am personally buying it soon for my SWR-1241D. If your going to spend $139 on the JBL BP300.1 from cardomain, you'd be better off buying this one, pretty much same power output but a much better amp, digital crossover, made by Alpine for the Type R's etc.
Here is the link:
http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/2145
-Jay-
PS I currently have a used JBL 300.1 and am getting rid of it cause the crossover isn't working properly, and getting the MRD-M301 from ikesound.
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 21:59:18
Just so you know the specs, the MRD-M301 puts out 250W x 1 RMS 2ohm;@12V, and 350W x 1 RMS 2ohm;@14.4V
I got that from alpine's site.
I don't know what voltage they used to rate the JBL amp for 350W rms.
UKinstaller on 10/27/2004 22:00:55
yeah that's my fault, i meant to type mrd-m300. that's what i have. the 301 is the brand new one. the m300 is 300w rms at 2 ohm. thanks for the check.
-UK
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 22:17:41
okay, I was checking 'cause I plan on getting the JBL bp600.1z (refurb) and was trying to see if alpine had an amp that competes with this, like they have for the bp300.1.
Do you know if they have a reliable older (cheaper) mrd amp that puts out around 600-700Wrms at 2 ohms?
UKinstaller on 10/27/2004 22:31:48
there's an alpine mrd-m501, which puts out 550 watts rms at 2 ohms. but it's not old. it's pretty new, and can be found for about 260 bucks if you really look. it is an AWESOME amp, digital display, bad to the bone.
do you have two 12's now?? i'm confused. what is the 600w amp for?
-UK
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 22:40:26
it's for 2 infinity kappa perfect 10s (4ohm SVC). They handle 350Wrms each
Bigeazy4387 on 10/28/2004 09:51:28
check out the jbl 600.1 for them they are underated at 600w
aposynthesi on 10/28/2004 19:43:20
Alright, I called 4 places.
1 - Memphis and DvDrive
2 - Alpine, Diamond and Rockford
3 - Concept?
4 - Believe it or not... Swiss Audio.
aposynthesi on 10/28/2004 19:43:57
DB Drive... sorry.
uochronos on 10/29/2004 03:28:06
the only ones on that list i have heard things about are alpine, diamon, memphis, and rockford. they are all above average and good products msotly.
i have heard of concept and swiss audio but knwo little about them.
Chronos
swez on 10/29/2004 04:11:25
JBL rates their power at 12.9 volts input. At least they did on the Monovalve series.. (BP-XXX.1)
I have been working with a few guys on Alpine systems lately too. The more I have researched them, the better I like the features, power and the price is good if you are willing to shop them hard. The MRD-300M and MRD-301 are both solid mono amps for the money.
Also, the new Infinity amps are looking pretty good on power and features too. Just so new, don't know how they stand up to the daily pounding? Not a cheap amp line either. Similar to the newer JBL amps that use a lot of the same technology as their big brother Pro Amps. The venerable Crown Intl. Pro sound gear.
If you want brute power, high reliability and limited features, the JBL Monovalve's are the best bang for the buck. But if more features are needed, then Alpine, Kicker, HiFonics and others are a very good option.... just a few buck more.
Swez
Tinker18 on 10/29/2004 15:42:32
The alpine MRP-M350 is the one that is 350 watts x1 @ 2 ohms and 200 watts x1 @ 4 ohms. i found it for 139.00........good buy?
alanjlamore on 10/29/2004 16:44:05
That looks like a real good deal to me.
Would you mind sharing where you found that price?
I was looking at buying the JBL BP600.1 for $159.00 plus shipping.
uochronos on 10/29/2004 17:09:23
good deal and a fine amp.
Chronos
PS
watch shipping charges many online shops are fair or free shipping. but i have run across a few with outragous rates. dont commit to buy it till you check there shipping rates.
Tinker18 on 10/29/2004 17:42:57
$19.00 U.S. ground shipping UPS.
found it here.
http://www.cbrstereo.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=12
LC1 on 10/29/2004 17:54:51
!!!!!!!DON'T BUY THAT AMP!!!!!!!!
Get this one instead, Alpine MRD-M301. 350rms@2ohm@14.4v or 250rms@2ohm@12v, so figure 300w rms @13.5v.
AND ITS THE SAME PRICE: $140 +20bucks for shipping
This amp has a digital crossover,ssf parametric eq etc
Here is the link:
http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/2145
-Jay-
PS I'm getting this one too for my SWR-1241D
LC1 on 10/29/2004 17:58:11
Also if you have an Alpine HU you can control all the features on the amp like your gain etc from the HU. I love how this amp doesnt have any knobs on it and you can scroll though and see what the input voltage, internal temp, stuff like on the LCD screen on the top. So if you want to set your gain to exacltly lets say 3.78v you put that number in, no guessing by rotating a little knob. And its only $140!
Tinker18 on 10/29/2004 18:01:09
that amp doesnt do 350 watts rms @ 2 ohms, it does 250. thats 100 watts different. plus, power matters, not the features.
most cars arent going to put out 13.5 volts, usually a lot closer to 12.
LC1 on 10/29/2004 22:11:54
Pardon Me? Doesnt do 350watts rms @2ohms? hehe lol
Taken from Alpine.com:
RMS Power (at 12V,20Hz-200Hz)
Per Channel into 2Ohms (Š1% THD+N) : 250W x 1
Per Channel into 4Ohms (Š1% THD+N) : 150W x 1
RMS Power (at 14.4V,20Hz-200Hz)
Per Channel into 2Ohms (Š1% THD+N) : 350W x 1
Per Channel into 4Ohms (Š1% THD+N) : 175W x 1
Yes your are right that it doesn't make 350w rms@2ohms @12v, however most cars get at least 13.5v when running. So as this amp puts out 350w rms @2ohms @14.4v I think its safe to say that it would put out about 300w rms @13.5v with a 2ohm load.
Also, the other amp you are looking at the MRP-M350 does 350w rms@2ohms BUT AT 14.4v, same as the MRD-M301, so same output, but the MRD-M301 is a WAY BETTER AMP then the MRP-350 and at the same price why go with the better one.
I'm not trying to force you to but this amp LOL. I'm just trying to convince you that this is the better one. I thnk you may have just read the specs wrong. Check out www.alpine-usa.com to compare them both.
Sorry to ramble, I'm just excited to get this amp and I'd rather see you spend your money on this one an get a better amp.
Talk to you later,
Jay
alanjlamore on 10/29/2004 23:42:59
The JBL BP600.1 puts out 350 watts rms @ 2 ohms with 12V. I'd say that's worth $12.90 more.
Plus the shipping at cardomain is very cheap, $12.95 making the total only $172.90 with shipping as opposed the the $160 for either of the other ones with shipping.
That's just my oppinion, and I still haven't bought an amp for my 2 4ohm SVC subs. Nothing said in this thread is going to sway me not to get the JBL amp.
I'm not saying that the other amp(s) are bad, I just believe the JBL amp is better for close to the same price, for me. Next to this amp I'd say the other amps recomended here are still great deals.
From what I've heard from many people here for a VERY long time, I'm confident that the BP600.1 is a great amp for it's price, and would recomend it to anyone.
LC1 on 10/30/2004 00:22:22
OH!!!! your talking about the BP600.1, I thought you were talking about the MRP-M350. Well if your talking about the BP600.1 then go with that for sure then. Twice the output power for only a little more, i'd do the same. I was just was just saying the MRD was better then the MRP not the BP600.1.
Well forget about my post there LOL.
-Jay-
Tinker18 on 10/30/2004 13:53:36
actually if you wanna get technical, the JBL amp is rated @ 12.9 volts, not just 12. if i remember right.
aposynthesi on 10/31/2004 18:04:53
I will probably end up going either Alpine, Memphis, Hifonics, or JBL.
The sub has a 300w rms and a 1000w peak, for those who didn't know.
Would anyone recommend getting a cheap-o Profile amp, or going with higher-quality brands such as Alpine, Hifonics, Memphis, Sound Stream, etc...
My limit is +/-$150
Thanks
Replies (31)
UKinstaller on 10/27/2004 01:15:57
i would definitely check into the alpine MRD-M301. it is 300w RMS and was actually designed for the type-r 10 and 12. i have the same combo in one of my systems, and it sounds great.
-UK
Victor on 10/27/2004 01:21:14
Go for a quality monobloc amplifier... it shall be a good long term investment.. or you cud go for a cheaper two channel amp and use it in the bridged mode.. it should be 2 ohms stable in bridged mode..
regarding the brands... its upto u or what you get to learn by others experiences..
never used hifonics or sound stream..
alpine and memphis make pretty decent stuff..
comments...?
Victor
uochronos on 10/27/2004 02:30:34
actualy 2 channel amps are 4ohm stable normaly in bridged mode there victor. also 2 channel amps tend to be mroe expensive then mono amps because more internal parts.
profile amp well work and well put out the power they are cheap and if i wanted an amp on a budget i would buy it.
however if you want something that well last a long time and have little problems with over a long period. i would suggest a name brand amp
the top of the line brands would be
Pheonix gold
Hifonix
Alpine
JL Audio
rockford fosgate
and many more
The alpine amp UK mentioned is absolutly a great choice here... i considered it myself at one time but went with a phoenix gold amp instead(got a good deal on it) alpine makes some of the best gear around and very durable as well.
Chronos
aposynthesi on 10/27/2004 15:02:25
Thanks guys, I'll call around and see what local shops recommend also.
Hifonics and Alpine are very appealing to me... so I may go with one of those.
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 15:20:31
Just a word of caution. Local shops main priority is to make money, and might not recomend something that they don't have, or might recomend something that they make the most money off of (not always the best OR worst quality item, depending on how much they got it for).
I'd definitely trust the word of golds on this forum before any shop person. I'm not saying there aren't any honest people at shops, but it's not worth the risk.
The golds here have already been "weeded out" so to speak, because you don't get a gold here unless you know your stuff AND are willing to help people here.
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 15:28:18
the JBL bp300.1 might also be an option.
it puts out 300Wrms at 2 ohms and these amps are said to be of high quality.
$139 at cardomain
http://www.cardomain.com/item/JBLBP3001Z
aposynthesi on 10/27/2004 16:18:11
There are approximately 5 car audio shops within 15 miles of where I live... so I'm bound to get something that they all agree on.
One or two of the shops carry high end brands - mb quart, focal, diamond, eclipse...etc.
uochronos on 10/27/2004 16:37:08
alanjlamore is correct here most shops well pretty much all shops are nto looking out for your best interests. afterall they have to make money to stay open. there is one shop in my town for instance swears Phoenix Gold is crap.... well they sold PG for 10years or so then they dropped them 2 years ago and now insist that it was never worth buying hehe. basicaly what they carry is what they well recommend
You well enever hear them say well so and so is better go down the street and buy that.... so dont nessicarily buy what ever they agree on because they well only agree on something they all carry hehe.
Chronos
LC1 on 10/27/2004 20:53:17
Hey check this site out. They have the Alpine MRD-M301 that UKinstaller recommened for only $140. I am personally buying it soon for my SWR-1241D. If your going to spend $139 on the JBL BP300.1 from cardomain, you'd be better off buying this one, pretty much same power output but a much better amp, digital crossover, made by Alpine for the Type R's etc.
Here is the link:
http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/2145
-Jay-
PS I currently have a used JBL 300.1 and am getting rid of it cause the crossover isn't working properly, and getting the MRD-M301 from ikesound.
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 21:59:18
Just so you know the specs, the MRD-M301 puts out 250W x 1 RMS 2ohm;@12V, and 350W x 1 RMS 2ohm;@14.4V
I got that from alpine's site.
I don't know what voltage they used to rate the JBL amp for 350W rms.
UKinstaller on 10/27/2004 22:00:55
yeah that's my fault, i meant to type mrd-m300. that's what i have. the 301 is the brand new one. the m300 is 300w rms at 2 ohm. thanks for the check.
-UK
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 22:17:41
okay, I was checking 'cause I plan on getting the JBL bp600.1z (refurb) and was trying to see if alpine had an amp that competes with this, like they have for the bp300.1.
Do you know if they have a reliable older (cheaper) mrd amp that puts out around 600-700Wrms at 2 ohms?
UKinstaller on 10/27/2004 22:31:48
there's an alpine mrd-m501, which puts out 550 watts rms at 2 ohms. but it's not old. it's pretty new, and can be found for about 260 bucks if you really look. it is an AWESOME amp, digital display, bad to the bone.
do you have two 12's now?? i'm confused. what is the 600w amp for?
-UK
alanjlamore on 10/27/2004 22:40:26
it's for 2 infinity kappa perfect 10s (4ohm SVC). They handle 350Wrms each
Bigeazy4387 on 10/28/2004 09:51:28
check out the jbl 600.1 for them they are underated at 600w
aposynthesi on 10/28/2004 19:43:20
Alright, I called 4 places.
1 - Memphis and DvDrive
2 - Alpine, Diamond and Rockford
3 - Concept?
4 - Believe it or not... Swiss Audio.
aposynthesi on 10/28/2004 19:43:57
DB Drive... sorry.
uochronos on 10/29/2004 03:28:06
the only ones on that list i have heard things about are alpine, diamon, memphis, and rockford. they are all above average and good products msotly.
i have heard of concept and swiss audio but knwo little about them.
Chronos
swez on 10/29/2004 04:11:25
JBL rates their power at 12.9 volts input. At least they did on the Monovalve series.. (BP-XXX.1)
I have been working with a few guys on Alpine systems lately too. The more I have researched them, the better I like the features, power and the price is good if you are willing to shop them hard. The MRD-300M and MRD-301 are both solid mono amps for the money.
Also, the new Infinity amps are looking pretty good on power and features too. Just so new, don't know how they stand up to the daily pounding? Not a cheap amp line either. Similar to the newer JBL amps that use a lot of the same technology as their big brother Pro Amps. The venerable Crown Intl. Pro sound gear.
If you want brute power, high reliability and limited features, the JBL Monovalve's are the best bang for the buck. But if more features are needed, then Alpine, Kicker, HiFonics and others are a very good option.... just a few buck more.
Swez
Tinker18 on 10/29/2004 15:42:32
The alpine MRP-M350 is the one that is 350 watts x1 @ 2 ohms and 200 watts x1 @ 4 ohms. i found it for 139.00........good buy?
alanjlamore on 10/29/2004 16:44:05
That looks like a real good deal to me.
Would you mind sharing where you found that price?
I was looking at buying the JBL BP600.1 for $159.00 plus shipping.
uochronos on 10/29/2004 17:09:23
good deal and a fine amp.
Chronos
PS
watch shipping charges many online shops are fair or free shipping. but i have run across a few with outragous rates. dont commit to buy it till you check there shipping rates.
Tinker18 on 10/29/2004 17:42:57
$19.00 U.S. ground shipping UPS.
found it here.
http://www.cbrstereo.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=12
LC1 on 10/29/2004 17:54:51
!!!!!!!DON'T BUY THAT AMP!!!!!!!!
Get this one instead, Alpine MRD-M301. 350rms@2ohm@14.4v or 250rms@2ohm@12v, so figure 300w rms @13.5v.
AND ITS THE SAME PRICE: $140 +20bucks for shipping
This amp has a digital crossover,ssf parametric eq etc
Here is the link:
http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/2145
-Jay-
PS I'm getting this one too for my SWR-1241D
LC1 on 10/29/2004 17:58:11
Also if you have an Alpine HU you can control all the features on the amp like your gain etc from the HU. I love how this amp doesnt have any knobs on it and you can scroll though and see what the input voltage, internal temp, stuff like on the LCD screen on the top. So if you want to set your gain to exacltly lets say 3.78v you put that number in, no guessing by rotating a little knob. And its only $140!
Tinker18 on 10/29/2004 18:01:09
that amp doesnt do 350 watts rms @ 2 ohms, it does 250. thats 100 watts different. plus, power matters, not the features.
most cars arent going to put out 13.5 volts, usually a lot closer to 12.
LC1 on 10/29/2004 22:11:54
Pardon Me? Doesnt do 350watts rms @2ohms? hehe lol
Taken from Alpine.com:
RMS Power (at 12V,20Hz-200Hz)
Per Channel into 2Ohms (Š1% THD+N) : 250W x 1
Per Channel into 4Ohms (Š1% THD+N) : 150W x 1
RMS Power (at 14.4V,20Hz-200Hz)
Per Channel into 2Ohms (Š1% THD+N) : 350W x 1
Per Channel into 4Ohms (Š1% THD+N) : 175W x 1
Yes your are right that it doesn't make 350w rms@2ohms @12v, however most cars get at least 13.5v when running. So as this amp puts out 350w rms @2ohms @14.4v I think its safe to say that it would put out about 300w rms @13.5v with a 2ohm load.
Also, the other amp you are looking at the MRP-M350 does 350w rms@2ohms BUT AT 14.4v, same as the MRD-M301, so same output, but the MRD-M301 is a WAY BETTER AMP then the MRP-350 and at the same price why go with the better one.
I'm not trying to force you to but this amp LOL. I'm just trying to convince you that this is the better one. I thnk you may have just read the specs wrong. Check out www.alpine-usa.com to compare them both.
Sorry to ramble, I'm just excited to get this amp and I'd rather see you spend your money on this one an get a better amp.
Talk to you later,
Jay
alanjlamore on 10/29/2004 23:42:59
The JBL BP600.1 puts out 350 watts rms @ 2 ohms with 12V. I'd say that's worth $12.90 more.
Plus the shipping at cardomain is very cheap, $12.95 making the total only $172.90 with shipping as opposed the the $160 for either of the other ones with shipping.
That's just my oppinion, and I still haven't bought an amp for my 2 4ohm SVC subs. Nothing said in this thread is going to sway me not to get the JBL amp.
I'm not saying that the other amp(s) are bad, I just believe the JBL amp is better for close to the same price, for me. Next to this amp I'd say the other amps recomended here are still great deals.
From what I've heard from many people here for a VERY long time, I'm confident that the BP600.1 is a great amp for it's price, and would recomend it to anyone.
LC1 on 10/30/2004 00:22:22
OH!!!! your talking about the BP600.1, I thought you were talking about the MRP-M350. Well if your talking about the BP600.1 then go with that for sure then. Twice the output power for only a little more, i'd do the same. I was just was just saying the MRD was better then the MRP not the BP600.1.
Well forget about my post there LOL.
-Jay-
Tinker18 on 10/30/2004 13:53:36
actually if you wanna get technical, the JBL amp is rated @ 12.9 volts, not just 12. if i remember right.
aposynthesi on 10/31/2004 18:04:53
I will probably end up going either Alpine, Memphis, Hifonics, or JBL.
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