Class D Amp Advice

I have narrowed my amplifier choices down to either the Alpine MRX-V60 and the JL XD500/3. I had considered the PDX-5 and XR-5S, but neither offers much that the Alpine doesn't, and neither has the ability to remotely control gain. I am still interested in the XD700/5, but as far as I am concerned the V60 is too similar to justify the price difference.

Between the V60 and the 500/3 the V60 provides more power, while the 500/3 will give me a cleaner install. It will slide a little further under the driver's seat, and all the wiring is in the same place, so it is my aesthetic preference.

I guess what it comes down to is this...

Will I miss the increased power to the front speakers? (probably)
Am I giving up too much potential versatility with a 3-channel vs 5-channel? (likely)
I know the JL HD is the cream-of-the-crop of the class-D multi-channel family. Does the XD benefit hugely from this, or is the difference between the V60 and the XD going to be theoretical more than practical. (I bet so)

I am pretty sure I am going with the Alpine, but I figured I would post here for a push in the right direction.

 

Yes, you will miss double the power in the Alpine vs. the JL.

Yes, you will get greater versatility and wiring options if you go the with Alpine.

The XD is a solid platform, but Alpine is no Boss Audio. Both will be solid amps.

I dont know what the V60 sells for, but it looks like a decent little amp.

I can tell you that car audio sites will have amps like the XD700/5, XR5s, and PDX5 for under $350. I sold my own XR5s for around $300...

I dont know if the extra power is needed (probably not), but the same side wiring on all 3 may make the amps worth a few extra bucks for you.

Good luck!

 

I agree with everything you said, but for some reason I just keep leaning towards the JL amps because of the success of the HD900.5. When all is said and done, the MRX-V60 really may be one of the best deals in car audio, I just can't stop looking at the XD700/5. Oh well, back to waffling.

 

I've owned Alpine amps, still have an Alpine headunit in one of the family cars, and I am currently running a JL Audio XD 600/6 in my Tacoma. From my experience, but no objective tests on current models, I would say the JL family benefit (compared to Alpine) is in the noise rejection circuitry. Crank up the volume on a track with digital silence if you can find them side-by-side in a showroom. Old data point, but I found the JL to be quieter. Is that theory or practical - maybe a little of both - the difference was there no doubt, but my ears weren't golden enough to hear any difference when music was present.

 

Sundown 1500d for subs and a 125.2 for front comps sundown>JL

 

I want one amp. One particularly small amp. I realize that there are better options from am SQ perspective, but that wasn't my question.

 

i'm sure both are good selections...

i've had a couple of different alpine amps and was pleased with both...

currently running the PDX 5 with no complaints. tucks up very nice under the drivers seat

the V60 doesn't look bad, nor do the JL amps

 

He is just a JL hater/Sundown nut hugger. Nothing wrong with either, but its important to know when you get recommendations - they are probably biased.

Along those lines - I have owned/ran gear from all of the brands discussed in the thread. Including Sundown.

If you want a one amp solution, you are stuck with class D (if it has to fit under a seat) or a digital switching variant. The current line of class D amps are all fairly good, with the exception of some noise issues on early PDX amps (not all of them, but enough to be aware of).

Beyond that, with a good install, you will be hard pressed (if it is even possible) to hear an audible difference that isnt caused by a gain or power difference. ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING.

I would get the most power possible in a configuration that works for you, from a known company with good reputation or a warranty, and go from there. Ignore the psyco-acoustic BS, and go.

 

I agree, and had the same thoughts all along. I took your (and my own I guess) advice and bought the MRX-V60. For under $300 I will get over 150wpc to my fronts, and (according to birth sheets many have received) nearly 400w RMS @ 2ohms to my SWR-843d. Beyond that, it has a subsonic filter, which at this point is more useful to me than the 24db/octave LPF option on the JL. $30 more for the Alpine remote bass knob and I got everything I wanted for right at what I hoped to spend.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

I'll admit to being a JL hater (and RF as well), but that perspective is slowly changing on some fronts, as their amplifiers are starting to grow on me a bit. I am glad however that at least your choices involved quality brands and not some fly by night company.

Either way you went would have been a good choice.

Now get us some pics of the install

 

If your running a sealed box no need for a ssf

 

True. I just assumed there was a better chance of me running this amp on another box than me getting deep enough into tuning to be able to successfully utilize such a steep crossover.

 

I will have to do that when I get the interior pulled out again. I installed the amp and speakers a while ago. As I installed the MRP-F300 originally this will practically be a direct swap. I will have to cut the storage bin to fit Mr. Marv's box, carpet the box, run the speaker wire to the sub, and deaden the front doors and back wall.

I will try to remember to get pictures as I do all of this!

 

Thanks for the info and post guys....I ordered an Alpine MRX-60 last night and can't wait to hear the music!