What amp for subs?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=9830
Printed Date: June 01, 2024 at 11:46 AM

Topic: What amp for subs?

Posted By: night_owl
Subject: What amp for subs?
Date Posted: February 20, 2003 at 9:25 PM

I've come down to a choice between two Rockford Fosgate amps
for 10" or 12" subs, 450s at 450rms(4ohms bridged) or 500bd at600rms(2ohms).I have not got the subs yet but a friend has a pair of MTX 12" in a ported box he will sell me cheap and in good comdition, subs are 4ohm.
In my opinion 450watts should be enough power although i'm not sure, never had real subs before(one 8" with a cheap MEI claiming 120rms).
But if i get the 450s i cannot run the MTX subs as it will have a 2ohm load meaning more money for new subs, and i am not sure about the 500bd sound quality wise,(first time i heard of d class.)
I don't plan on keeping the MTX for a perment set-up, it will be just for a few months untill i can afford some
heavier subs whitch i can hopefully use in the same box.

As you can see i'm a newbie to this stuff, last time i bought an amplifier was 10 years ago(Alpine 3554,,still have) so any input would be appreiated.

Replies:

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: February 20, 2003 at 9:42 PM

I run 2 RF HE 12's from a 500bd and it rates around 148db or so. So in my opinion, go with the rockford.

I've got a question in with RF Tech support concerning the specs on the 500bd. Rockford lists it as a 600x1 @ 2 ohms and 300x1 @ 4 ohms in the manual. But every site (including the "quick info" list from Rockford) that I've looked at over the internet has them listed as 500x1 @ 2 ohms and 250x1 @ 4 ohms. And no I'm not talking about the 501bd, which is a 2003 amp that is lower in power. My 500bd was listed at 600x1, and tested out at about 675x1 (Rockford amps have always performed better than the specs!) If it really matters to you, I'd check the spec sheet from an authorized RF dealer before buying it. But I would deffinately suggest the Rockford 500bd

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Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
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Posted By: LJBowling21
Date Posted: February 20, 2003 at 10:10 PM

...one of my old and many systems consited of both mtx and rockford amps:

From experience I can say that the rockfords are diffently worth the extra lil bit of money you will spend. If your going to upgrading down the road you should deffinitly go with the rockfords for the power as they are two ohm stable.

MTX does produce decent amps, they sound good and produce what they say. Rockford does out do there specs and each amps comes with a "birth cert." Mtx I have learrned are a lot more fragile and likely to burn up. I have had more than one issue with my mtx amps where as the rockfords i have never had a problem with, EVER!

Ultimatly the choice is up to you, save your money and go with the better amp it will pay you back in the long run.
OH and if you get a chance do check out my site below for a kick @ss system, pictures are in the process of being added

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