The Alpine MRV-F540 : Four Ways Are Better Than Two
Written: Aug 15 '03 (Updated Aug 15 '03)
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Pros: Really good looking, loads of clean power, high level of versatility
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: This is a clean, clear winner. For those looking for the best, this should satify.
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| AVaddict's Full Review: Alpine MRV-F540 Car Amp |
A Little Background
Previous to this amplifier I had a a pair of Kenwood KAC-829 two ways that had been powering the front and rear sets of the speakers in my Accord. I decided to replace these rather capable amps with a single Alpine not because there was something wrong with the Kenwoods, but because after several installs, I was quite convinced the Alpine was a better product delivering a higher level of performance. Now that it is actually in my car, there is no doubt. Fortunately, I was able to pawn off the Kenwoods on a friend which, to a degree, helped finance this little endevour. The Alpine not only looks sleeker and sexier in my trunk, it was easier to install which is always a bonus. This amp powers a new set of JBL C608GTi components in the front and a pair of Infinity Kappa 693.3s in the rear deck via silver plated 11G twisted pair wiring. My sub has not changed, but I am seriously considering switching out the last Kenwood amp for a Alpine MRD-M500s and then swapping my current Perfect 12.1 for a 12.1D to make use of the amp's 2ohm output ability and get more power to boot, but this is to come though.
Install and Features
The install for this unit is really no different than any other amplifier. One has to run all the cabling and make sure it's hooked up correctly, but as this was already done all that was left was simply making the connections and mounting the unit. Having worked on some Pheonix Gold Octane series amps lately, which have rather hard to access screw points, this amp was a breeze in comparison. Everything is well hidden underneath the little removable front flap so it just looks like it's freestanding with nothing attached. Very clean indeed. The heatsink is located on the top of the unit and mimics the moving A (of the Alpine name) logo style well. The fact that the unit itself is black and silver, means that it works with virtually any auto interior color, hey, black goes with everything! With the cap closed, all one can see is the meter on the top and a subtle blue LED underneath that.The display on the top of the amp can be set to show a number of system levels, but I have mine set to display current.
This amplifier has a tremendous quantity of features as well as adjustments. One of these is that it can act as your high and low pass filter. My current head unit, a Sony MP80 which replaced my old Sony XR-C900ES, has crossover features that I originally had set at 125Hz, but since getting it I have defeated that feature on the HU and am now using the ones on the amp, it just gives me more control and seems to be a little more accurate when I played test discs. All of the top plate controls are easy to use and understand. All of the filters are defeatable and the channel selection is right there to. The gain was a little jumpy, but was far easier to use than those little side controls on the Kenwoods. Just be sure that you leave the cover off till you are truly happy. I found myself going back over and over again to adjust it in the first week of use, so having to constantly unscrew the cap would have gotten old real quick!
All the connections are super solid. This is a nice thing too. I had mentioned earlier the PG amps I had installed, well one of the RCA jacks actually pulled right off during install. Needless to say I had to crack it open and resolder, but my point is that the Alpine felt as solid as rock with no twist or deflection upon connection. The bare terminals (power and speaker outputs) are pretty cool too. The feature a spot on top that allows you to twist a connection aroung the screw, but they also feature an integral spot below that you can insert a a bare wire into and then tighten. This is cherry for ease of installation, no more needing special connections, or "premium" connections. You have direct wire to gold-plated terminal contact, what could be better? I still can't get over how solid this amp feels. It isn't that it weighs 35lbs. or something, it's just that everything seems so secure and, well, solid, as if it were cast in a single piece. It's very confidence inspiring.
This amplifier is very easy to use as well as enjoy. The top side controls are very easy to understand for even the amatuer user, but if more clarification is need, the manual lays everything out (in three languages) in a very easy to understand method, much more so than Sony for example. The pictures actually match the product and the directions are easy to follow.
Performance
So satisfying. That's the best I can do. I just felt soooo good about my purchase and that's a beautiful thing. I broke it in for about 4 hours before I even really listened critically. I had doubts about the new Sony head unit I put in simply because they don't make ES anymore so I figured the transition would be rough, but it really wasn't at all. I was really impressed with the new head unit. I had replaced the amp section previous to switching out the head because I wanted a base of reference on which to assess this amp without worrying about how the new head unit had changed the equation. The sound is awesome. Clear, strong and ample. I didn't think it could get better after I had installed the JBL GTi set, but it really did. Quite frankly it made the Kenwoods look bad. It's like the difference between sitting in front of a pair of large Martin Logans powered by a Sherwood then by a strong NAD, it was that noticeable. I refer to to clarity/fidelity rather than sheer SPLs, but the difference there was minimal at best though keep in mind, the Kenwoods had a rated RMS of 20w better.
The sound coming from my speakers just seemed cleaner and clearer, to repeat myself. I know that this is certainly atributable to several things, including the upgraded wiring as well as a new front section, but I did listen to the JBLs previous to the installation of this amp and even at first listen, the difference was enough such that even a novice could point it out with ease. The throw of the rear 6x9s semed more controlled upon visual inspection during well known tracks and though this could be in my mind as a result of excessive glee over my recent purchases, but I know what I saw. The heat output/build up from this amp is the lowest that I've felt from this power range even after abusive use at top volumes. This is in great contrast to say some larger Pioneers I've installed which got so hot after such use they would become literally untouchable. I want to make the point though, just because an amp gets hot doesn't mean it sucks, however with a rise in heat is a drop in efficiency, so the bottom line remains, cooler is better.
Specs
These numbers are per the spec and certification sheets that came with the amp. Like Rockford Fosgate amps (still not that impressed) these amplifiers come with a certification sheet from the fatory that gives a final test result "verifying" the amps abilities. Mine tested reasonably well, but I think that info is more fluff than anything else, performance after a couple of weeks in your car can yield different results, so take it as you will.
Base power @ 12V - 50x4/4ohm
Base power @ 14.4V - 80x4/4ohm
Bridged power @ 12V - 140x2/4ohm
Bridged power @ 14.4V - 200x2/4ohm
THD @ RMSx4 @ 12V - 0.08% (14.4V same)
THD @ RMSx2 @ 12V - 0.30% (14.4V same)
S/N - 100dB through range of 10Hz-50kHz
These are the basics. It is possible that other amps with the same basic power ratings may have similar or even identical numbers claimed throughout their given frequency range, but don't forget, you get what you pay for. I am not saying that American Legacy or Pyle or even Pyramid don't have their place in the cornucopia of audio offerings, but the manufacturer is often more than just a name. Numbers alone do not make the amp, the integral components whether boards, caps, transformers, or what have you play the big part as does quality assembly. These things are assured from Alpine in this product range.
Final Thoughts
Although it may not be the case as I am a hopeless early adopter, I have a feeling I'll have this amp for at least the next two or three years. I just don't see it failing, though I am prepared if it does. Third party warranties are often worthwhile if you really think you are going to keep the component for beyond the warranty period. The bottom line is that Alpine's warranties are not all that impressive, so the extra 2 years for just $30 is a good deal IMO. When shopping for amps, be aware of what you really want. This amp for my mom would make no sense, or for my brother, nor would it for my girlfriend because they simply don't demand the performance and sound pressure levels I do. This really is where this amp shines, where it needs to. It plays loud and plays crystal clear to astonishing SPLs (given the proper speakers) with little distortion. I am nothing short of comatose with joy! What an amp! What a price! Give it a go if you are looking for some serious power and clarity.
I thought I would also share that I have installed (via velcro, and discretely at that) a small SPL meter on my center console for one simple reason, at full power, my stereo will permanently damage hearing, whether mine or a passenger's. I keep it at specific limits because sound can damage. This is an easy reality folks, take it seriously. I will admit, I have gotten out of my car after a long trip (more than once tho previous to these most recent retro-fits) and found my ears ringing. Listen responsibly.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 343shipped
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Location: Texas
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