another question about amps

hrdhtdvr

I am looking at buying a amp this January. I have a Alpine cda 9855 and was looking at the Alpine F series amps. Do I actually need the extra bells and whistles of the digital read outs or can I go with the 5 channel amp and be happy?

MacLeod

F series???

Alpine has the V12 and the Power series.

The V12 amps are much more expensive but they are also built much better, make more power and have more features. The V12 are some of my favorite amps on the market. If youre considering them, get 'em!

hrdhtdvr

My bad, I have had a long **** day at work. What I meant was that the amps I am looking at are

MRV-f450 (50W x 4 + 200W x1 Car Amp) or going with
MRD-M605 (400x1) + MRV-F345 (75 x 4)

The only difference really is that the F450 is not compatable with the amp link that my HU has. How important is that? I am just looking for some good sound.

MacLeod

Not that important. It will allow you to use the "Bass Engine" feature but you can easily get by without it. Id say get the V12 amp and then later on down the road upgrade your head unit to one that will link up.

cam5860

I have to agree with mac the alpine v 12 is one awesome amp. If i was you i would do the MRD-M605 for the subs which it puts out over 600 watts at 2 ohms. And put the MRV-F345 on your mids and highs that baby puts out somewhere around 90 watts a channel also. By you having the top of the line alpine headunit if your looking for the best sound possible you would want to go with the v 12's. The amp link is a nice feature because it allows you to control the amp from the headunit like set crossovers,gains and so forth. The v 12's are one of the most advanced amps on the market man. If your looking for non stop power and sound quality look no further.

hrdhtdvr

I am guessing that since this amp has "Bass Engine" but no amp link, that everything would have to be done manually? I was looking at using a 5 channel so I could still have room in the back of my truck. The following is from Alpines web site, and refers to the MRV-F450


MRV-F450
5/4/3 Channel Power Amplifier
Target Retail Price US $550.00/CN $899.00

Key Features
•14.4V RMS Continuous Power 4ohm; Stereo (0.08% THD) 50Wx4 + 4ohm; 200Wx1 Stereo (0.3% THD) 2ohm; Stereo 60Wx4 + 4ohm; 200Wx1 4ohm; Stereo 120Wx2+ 4ohm; 200Wx1
• 12V RMS Continuous Power 4ohm; Stereo (0.08% THD) 30Wx4 + 4ohm; 150Wx1 Stereo (0.3% THD) 2ohm; Bridged 40Wx4 + 4ohm; 150Wx1 4ohm; Stereo 80Wx2 + 4ohm; 150Wx1
• Bass Engine®
• S/N Ratio 100dBA
• Frequency Response: 10-50kHz
• 12dB HP/LP Crossover
(30-400Hz)
• Subsonic Filter
• Extra Large Gold Plated Terminals with Wire Insert Capability
• Top Panel Power LED
• 4 Volt Input Capability
• Continuously Adjustable Crossovers
• DC Straight, STAR Topology
• DC-DC/PWM MOSFET Power Supply
Road tested and time proven, V12 amplifiers with their "no shut down" design keep playing when you need them the most. The Audio Quality MOSFETS restore power and produce killer, tight crisp bass.

hrdhtdvr

any thoughts?

MacLeod

Dont know dude, Ive not messed with the Bass Engine too much so I cant really tell ya much more than the V12 are outstanding amps.

hrdhtdvr

Thank you MacLeod.

1996blackmax

I've had a couple of Alpine V12 amps, an MRV-T757, and an MRD-M501D. Both of these amps were nice amplifiers, never had any issues with them. The mono amp could be controlled from the HU, but my HU at the time did not support this (Alpine CDA-7998). I used the digital settings on top of the amp to adjust it.

My new amplifiers are more old school style, no lights or digital controls, but nice guts. I am waiting on my Arc Audio 4050XXK now, should be in my car in a couple of weeks .