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User avatar
By Bert
#3819702
Currently have a 4 channel alpine amp with components in the front and 7 x 10's in the rear. The amp has broken so was thinking of swapping it for a 5 channel alpine amp so I can also install a sub.

The amp I'm considering:-

http://caraudiosecurity.com/pdx-v9-4-ch ... -amplifier

I've been doing a bit of research on amps and subs and from what I understand you need to match the sub RMS watts to the amp RMS watts. It's not about the peak power.

I've asked a couple of car audio companies what sub would be best suited to the alpine amp. They came back with completely different answers :scratch: neither match the amp RMS watts, ones a lot lower and the other a lot higher

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/subwoof ... sbe-1244br
http://caraudiosecurity.com/swr-12d4-12 ... -subwoofer

Can anyone offer any advice/suggestions?
User avatar
By w6ady
#3819704
Look at the rms rating on the amp and choose a sub that is near that or slightly under. That way you can turn the gain down on the amplifier and run it with less distortion. I use a sub that is about 25w rms under what my amp puts out and it sounds pretty good.
User avatar
By *nub*
#3819705
Bert wrote:Currently have a 4 channel alpine amp with components in the front and 7 x 10's in the rear. The amp has broken so was thinking of swapping it for a 5 channel alpine amp so I can also install a sub.

The amp I'm considering:-

http://caraudiosecurity.com/pdx-v9-4-ch ... -amplifier

I've been doing a bit of research on amps and subs and from what I understand you need to match the sub RMS watts to the amp RMS watts. It's not about the peak power.

I've asked a couple of car audio companies what sub would be best suited to the alpine amp. They came back with completely different answers :scratch: neither match the amp RMS watts, ones a lot lower and the other a lot higher

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/subwoof ... sbe-1244br
http://caraudiosecurity.com/swr-12d4-12 ... -subwoofer

Can anyone offer any advice/suggestions?
what front comps have you got out of interest?

The RMS don't need to match exactly, you just adjust the gains accordingly. But with 500W RMS sub output on the amp, you'd not be utilising the power with a 200W RMS sub. 200W is plenty enough for some people though.
I'm a bit skeptical of the other sub claiming to make 1000w RMS too, my 12" Rockford fosgate only makes 400w RMS. At £500 the amp is getting towards mid range-high end stuff. I'm no expert, and that model is probably good but you might want to find out what the best amps are available for around £500, as there can be a big difference for the same price. Best ask on talkaudio forums
I would spend more money on a sub though as again i'm no expert but £100 has surely got to be entry level stuff

Also you could consider 2nd hand parts. I got a 5 channel JL Audio HD900/5 for £320 the other day and they retail at around £700.

You could PM Dalco Type R on here, I don't believe he is in the business anymore but he was the No.1 supplier on here, supplied my system and has given me advice recently. He may even be able to supply you some stuff I don't know
User avatar
By *nub*
#3819712
saying that I heard good things about the Alpine PDX 5, I assume that's a newer version of it

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