jl audio hd series vs alpine pdx series

 have seen some threads stroll across this subject some, but very little in depth discussion as to why one is better then the other.So I figured I would make a thread specifically about this (if I have missed a thead already on this subject, I am sorry; but I didn't find anything very specific and clear enough for me in using the search function).I am interested because I am about to upgrade my PDX 4.100 (which has gone bad) to a PDX 4.150, but don't wanna miss an opportunity to upgrade to a better product if that is there.A thread on this, specifically, would serve as a good point of reference, IMO.I have heard vague and overly general claims that the PDX line doesn't have "balls", but the HD series do. That Alpine makes cheap products because they mass market but JL makes good products because they don't (which is an illogical argument, I might add), etc., etc...While I am not an expert on car audio tuning, I am a formally trained musician and have a rather good ear for SQ in a performance setting, and that would translate, at least to some degree, to car audio I would think (though there is obviously going to be some distinct differences).My impression of the PDX amps: I have never heard a clearer sounding car amplifier. It makes the recording being reproduced sound much more natural and realistic. Some may say that the PDX amps are very "bright" and "harsh", but that is not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you are looking for. I, for one, want the most authentic sould reproduction I can get. I can tell from years of playing live music in many different venues (rock, orchestra, jazz, blues, R&B, etc) that certian instruments naturally produce very "bright" and "harsh" sounds. That is the sound the musician is trying to produce for the song. For equipement to dampen that in any fashion is to color the music and change it. If you are wanting accuracy, then that equipment would work against that goal.Specifically, the hi-hat (and most cymbals) naturally produce very bright and (depending on the technique used) "harsh" sounds. In most modern music (rock, R&B, Rap, etc.) An accurate recording is going to reproduce that bightness and harshness.That is simply my view based on what I prefer in any type of audio reproduction (accuracy).Keep in mind that the PDX 4.100 that I currently have (and am basing my impressions on) is getting signal from a Clarion MAX685BT headunit and is playing through a set of Alpine SPX-17REF's up front and a set of Alpine 5x7 Tyep-R's in the back.I have also had extensive experience with Eclipse amps, Memphis amps, Clarion amps, and a few other brands, and lesser experience with older PPI amps and PG ampsOutside of showrooms in audio stores, I have not had any experience with JL Audio equipement and have never heard the HD series amps.So, which one do you like? Why? What are you looking for the amp to do, as far as SQ is concerned? What do you look for in SQ? Any opinions?

Being an owner of the Alpines myself, (I have a pair of 4.150's and a 1.1000) I have to agree with you. The accuracy of those amps is really like VERY little I have ever heard in the car. I can't agree to the "bright" or "harsh" character, but the lack of coloration I can very much attest to. I think the last time I heard anything like it was with the old, classic McIntosh amps. With a few thousand fewer dollars layed out, and FAR more space left in my trunk, I'm happy. I haven't heard the JL amps, so, in a fair shake, I can't say whether you will be happier with the Alpine or the JL. There are several other members of the board that have heard my system, and with their input, I think I'll be sticking with my PDX amps for quite some time.It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."

Hamfist used to have Audiobahn amps so he doesn't know! (Just kidding) Both amps use very similar "Ice" technology. Reliability  wise I would go with Alpine. Sound wise there should be no difference.There is no such thing as free installation!

dwarren wrote: And yes, David's car is quite pleasing to the ears...needless to say.

It lacks bling, unfortunately.

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DYohn wrote: dwarren wrote: And yes, David's car is quite pleasing to the ears...needless to say. It lacks bling, unfortunately.

We have some chrome motorized "spinner" subwoofer grills at work that would "bling" out your car nicely. Just let me know and I can hook you up.

Sorry the bling factor isn't there, guys! I was unclear on the concept of "my car". Yeah, Steven... If you could send those to me ASAP, so I can make these guys happy...   It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."