Help Selecting the Right Amps

[Griff1324 10+ year member]

I am about to finish the restoration of my '65 Mustang. I have picked up a set of Alpine SPX-17REF components to use in the passenger compartment and a pair of Alpine Type-X 10" subs for the trunk. I am just as happy to listen to the sound of my V8 and the dual exhaust over the stereo. However, I do like my music and wanted a decent stereo system in the car. With all of that said, I do not need a system that is going to shake the ground a block away (that is what my engine and exhaust is for).

Since I am more of a home theater guy then a car stereo guy, I need some advice on which amps to run. I would like to stick with Alpine due to the fact that all my other stereo components are of the same brand. I have been looking at the PDX and MRP models of the Alpine Amps. Here are some questions that I have.

1. Are there any major differences between the two that I need to worry about?

2. Do I need a 2 or 4 channel amp for the SPX-17Ref components since they come with crossovers?

3. How much power do I need to run the SPX-17ref components?

4. I know that the Type X subs can handle a lot of power. However, I am not looking to push them to their extreme. Would a 1000 watt mono amp be suffient to get a decent response from the subs or would I be better off with two 500-600 watt mono amps?

Any other suggestions, comments and tips are appreciated!

Thanks,

Chris

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[duanebro 10+ year member]

A 2 channel will be fine. Just use one mono amp for the subs.

 

[Griff1324 10+ year member]

Do you think that one 1000 watt amp will be sufficient to allow these subs to provide a nice punch? As I stated earlier, I know these are some power hungry subs but all I am looking for is a nice system to go along with my nice ride.

 

[duanebro 10+ year member]

Do you think that one 1000 watt amp will be sufficient to allow these subs to provide a nice punch? As I stated earlier, I know these are some power hungry subs but all I am looking for is a nice system to go along with my nice ride.

I'm surprised no one else has replied. I don't know how much power will be needed to drive your subs to the level you will want. I looked at Alpine amps and saw that they don't work at 1 ohm. if you have dual 4 ohm subs, I think you do, you will need a amp that will work at 1 ohm. You might need to go with another brand.

 

[krisdaniels05]

Do you plan on using a ported or sealed box?

 

[brodeisel 10+ year member]

Is your box a ported box or is it sealed? If it is ported what do you have it tuned at.

 

[Griff1324 10+ year member]

Sorry for the delayed response. If I am not mistaken, it is recommended to use a sealed box with the Type-X subs.

 

[CADENCE SOUND 10+ year member]

2 channel amp for the components, i always found components to sound better in stereo than mono.

For subs, Mono amp..1000wrms is more than enough for the Alpine Type X subs..

You can run that sub in both sealed or a ported enclosure, it will play well regardless. Ported will have more output...

A "nice" system can mean anything..I think you will be better off with a pair of alpine type R 8s ported, with the component set up front amped..

 

[Griff1324 10+ year member]

I already have the Type-X 10" subs and the components. Now I am just looking for amps. Due to the limited trunk space that I have, along with the fact that I am not looking to rattle windows on homes two blocks away, I am seriously considering just using one of the 10" subs. I am thinking about using an Alpine MRP-M850 to power the 10" Type-X.

At the end of the day, I am just looking for a nice sounding system for some clean high's and mid's and a bit of a punch on the low end. I am not looking to rattle any fillings loose in my teeth. I just want a good sounding system to go along with one hell of a nice looking car.

 

[Logan527 10+ year member]

I already have the Type-X 10" subs and the components. Now I am just looking for amps. Due to the limited trunk space that I have, along with the fact that I am not looking to rattle windows on homes two blocks away, I am seriously considering just using one of the 10" subs. I am thinking about using an Alpine MRP-M850 to power the 10" Type-X.

I would just use one. And seeing as how it's rated at 1000 rms and you wanna keep all alpine I suggest the MRX-M100 or under power it A little with an MRP-M500. Just put it in a decent box.

Factory specs:

Sealed: .5cuft - 1cuft

Ported: .8cuft - 1.5cuft