amps, which would you recommend?

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carfr3ak

Member - Posts: 8

Joined: September 15, 2008

Posted: September 22, 2008 at 11:32 PM / IP Logged

I have an 08 Xterra, and I decided to go with a stealthbox from JL. It comes loaded with a 12" W3v3 SVC sub, 500rms @ 4ohms. I have been searching feverishly for an ideal amp, as I have ordered the box and it will be here in a couple days.

I can get my hands on either:

Alpine MRP-M850/M1000 ~ $258

Kicker ZX1000.1 ~ $322

JL 500/1v2 ~ $420

All those amps are 500rms @ 4ohms. Price is somewhat an issue, because the stealthbox is already costing me $590 with tax, installed. Most of the time, I will pay a bit more for quality, because I hate buying cheap crap, and having to replace it down the line. The shop suggested a TMA T2-1000.1(JL's Entry level brand) for $500. So I plan on bringing in my own amp, and paying for install+materials.

What amp would you guys recommend me getting?

haemphyst

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Joined: January 19, 2003

Location: Michigan, Bouvet Island

Posted: September 22, 2008 at 11:49 PM / IP Logged

If the TMA is 5 notes, then get the actual JL amp, for 80 bux less... The JL amp is CERTAINLY where I would drop my money. Second to the JL, the Alpine, and I wouldn't ever even consider the Kicker.

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."

aznboi3644

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This member consistently provides reliable information

Joined: May 01, 2006

Location: United States

Posted: September 23, 2008 at 1:13 AM / IP Logged

I've had the 500/1. Probably the BEST amp i've ever owned.

I mean I love my Elemental Designs Nine.1 but the 500/1 is very underrated and the most versatile amp. The 500 watts(actually closer to 750watts)between 1.5-4 ohms is very nice to have.

carfr3ak

Member - Posts: 8

Joined: September 15, 2008

Posted: September 23, 2008 at 1:24 AM / IP Logged

Also forgot to mention, Alpine also has the PDX-1.600M amp. It's underrated, and puts out 600rms @ 2-4ohms. I am leaning towards this, because it is the smallest amp so far(L- 10", W- 7.5",H- 2.5"), and I plan on putting it under the front passenger seat. I can't think of any other place in my Xterra to put the amp.

carfr3ak

Member - Posts: 8

Joined: September 15, 2008

Posted: September 23, 2008 at 1:25 AM / IP Logged

The PDX is a marine amp, and that's $381.

haemphyst

Platinum - Posts: 5,054

Joined: January 19, 2003

Location: Michigan, Bouvet Island

Posted: September 23, 2008 at 1:42 AM / IP Logged

Having a full PDX amp compliment in my car, and in LOVE with them, I can strongly recommend that one!

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."

carfr3ak

Member - Posts: 8

Joined: September 15, 2008

Posted: September 23, 2008 at 2:00 AM / IP Logged

Although I have no problem with shelling out an extra $40 for the JL amp(to coincide with my JL stealthbox), the PDX is very compact, and there isn't much room under the front seats for a long amp. So that's looking like my top choice right now. Thanks for your recommendation haemphyst, it means a lot.

I've heard that the PDX-1.1000M gets hot, but have you heard anything about the PDX-1.600M?

haemphyst

Platinum - Posts: 5,054

Joined: January 19, 2003

Location: Michigan, Bouvet Island

Posted: September 23, 2008 at 7:40 AM / IP Logged

Nothing specific. Yes the 1.1000 does run hot-ish, but even so, I've never had any issues, even on the hottest days. (that's 110+ outside, and in a black Civic!)

I expect a bit of heat from the 600, as well, but it's only going to be 1/3 less than the 1000, so don't think it won't get warm, as it will! Mine is installed RIGHT under my rear deck, a space much like yours will be under your front seat; I think you will be fine!

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."

megaman

Copper - Posts: 385

Joined: June 24, 2008

Location: Montana, United States

Posted: September 23, 2008 at 9:30 AM / IP Logged

do not... repeat NOT, buy the TMA amp. I sell them, hook them up all day long, and I'm currently looking for a new "entry" level line of amplifiers. I have been deeply disappointed by the TMA line from JL Audio. BTW, they are NOT designed by JL Audio, but by a couple of past Rockford employees, (who were not even amp technicians so I have no idea their qualifications for designing their own amps). They are sold under the JL umbrella, and after talking to my old rep who was employed by JL Audio as a rep, and was recently replaced by an independant rep firm, he gave me the inside scoop on the TMA line.

Bottom line, go with the 500/1 and in light of my testing the PDX amps from Alpine, I am impressed with them. If your price point was a bit higher I'd say go with the JL HD amps, which completely blew me away with their performance.

frozenuts

Member - Posts: 36

Joined: August 26, 2008

Location: California, Neutral Zone

Posted: September 23, 2008 at 11:44 AM / IP Logged

The PDX is the way to go. Clean, loud, small...like a freshly washed baby, you will be asking yourself how some thing that small can put out that much sound.

all bad things come in moderation. do not shop at fry's. Get your own log in Omar.

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