OK Amplifier For Basic Sound Improvement
Written: Nov 23 '02 (Updated Nov 23 '02)
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Pros: Liveliness.
Cons: Highs not exceptionally clean.
The Bottom Line: OK for giving your factory system more dynamic range, liveliness and kick, but opt for a more powerful amplifier if you are looking for extremely clean-sounding highs.
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| landdriver's Full Review: Alpine MRP-F200 Car Amp |
A few months ago I decided to upgrade my factory/stock audio system in my SUV. This vehicle came with an optional "premium JBL" four-channel system that included an amplifier external to the head unit. From this auspicious title I was expecting something that sounded at least somewhat awe-inspiring but unfortunately it did not. The sound was a bit better than what you might expect from a base-level factory audio system, but the highs were distorted, the lows didn't have any presence that would cause one to take notice, and the entire sound had a "dead" feel, lacking in dynamic range and impact. So I set upon upgrading the audio system to achieve some level of awe-inspiring sound. It should be noted that I was seeking something that sounded fairly impressive with a definite high-end feel, so my expectations were high. Upon carefully listening to the existing audio system I concluded that the amplifier was the weak link. I heard Alpine was a respected name in amplifiers and, not knowing how much power I needed for the level of sound performance I was seeking, I purchased the Alpine MRP-F200.
This four-channel amplifier is rated at 40W x 4 RMS at 0.08% THD into 4 ohms at 14.4V. I hooked it up to my existing factory audio system, bypassing the factory amplifier. Although there was a noticeable and pleasing improvement in the dynamic impact and liveliness of the music, and the distortion in the highs was somewhat diminished, perhaps half of what it was with the original amplifier, this distortion was not down to nearly the level that I was seeking in my vision of the epitome of a "high-end" system. I don't remember too much about the lows as my focus was on the failure of a significant-enough improvement in the highs, but I can say the lows weren't exceptionally impressive otherwise I would have remembered something about them. But then, in all fairness, with only 6-1/2" factory speakers, you aren't likely to get extremely-impressive bass to begin with. I can say that the overall sound in general had more kick. As it didn't meet my admittedly demanding needs I returned the amplifier and exchanged it for a higher-power model from Alpine (the MRV-F340) (the initial conclusion that the amplifier was the weak link and that the level of sound that was being sought could indeed be achieved with the existing head unit and speakers was confirmed with this subsequent purchase; the highs improved to a very pleasant, and somewhat heavenly-sounding level that came close to completely eliminating the distortion).
I feel compelled to clarify that in the foregoing discussion I don't have an ax to grind with the MRP-F200 or anything, I just want to describe the context of my experience to give you a reference for the performance of this amplifier to better enable you to make a decision.
In conclusion, unless if clarity of the highs is an extremely high priority, the MRP-F200 fits the bill if you want to give your factory audio system more dynamic range, liveliness and kick. However, if you are looking for extremely clean-sounding highs, then opt for a more powerful amplifier.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 199
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Epinions.com ID:
landdriver
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Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Toyota Highlander enthusiast in midst of mid-life crisis
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