6 replies to this topic

[Cycl0ne]

Hey guys,
I've been searching for an amp to power an Alpine type-r 1223d (12", 2 ohm DVC)
It will take 600w rms at 4 ohms
Will be going more for SQ since I think 600w would put out enough SPL for me, if that matters

I have two amps lined up, going to be buying from the US so these two come in around the same price
I don't know what brand is 'better'

- Alpine PDX 1.600M
This is the marine version, not sure if there is much difference between the car version?

- Rockford Fosgate R1200-1D
Provides more power at 1ohm so I could get a second sub later down the track

Any advice on which one to go for would be appreciated!
Cheers

[Mr. Drifter]

go the R1200 then. More than enough power on tap. And you can add another sub later on if you so desire. ezpz

[Damon]

You calculations about final loads and suitable amplifiers are incorrect mate.

Your subwoofer has dual 2ohm voice coils - meaning you can wire it to offer a 1ohm load (parallel) or a 4ohm load (series).

If you add a second one you can wire these to one mono amplifier to arrive at a 2ohm load (series/parallel) or 1/2 ohm (parallel).

Given this, the Alpine is suitable to both scenarios since it makes the same power into 2ohms or 4ohms (600WRMS). Meanwhile, the Rockford would actually make MORE power into 1 subwoofer than it could into 2.

Alternatively, try the Alpine PDX-M12 which makes 1200WRMS into 2 or 4ohms and suits one or two dual 2ohm subwoofers as long as you carefully wire the four 2ohm coils in series/parallel.










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Edited by Damon, 01 February 2012 - 06:00 AM.

[Mr. Drifter]

Ah, completely forgot about voice coils... My bad there damon >.>

[Cycl0ne]

Ah yes, although the rockford specs says it can put out 800WRMS at 2ohms so wouldn't that provide more power for two subs compared to the alpine at 600WRMS?

If you have two 600WRMS subs (DVC in series to get 4ohm each) wired in parallel, would you need to provide 600WRMS to the subs or a 1200WRMS to get them to run at their maximum capacity?
I get the impression that it's 1200W

So in this case, IF i get another sub later on with the rockford amp - they'd both be receiving 400W

Cheers guys

[Damon]

Yes, 800WRMS into a 2ohm load is more than 600WRMS into a 2ohm load, but you have to understand watts in respect the decibels. All things being equal, a 25% power gain (600 to 800WRMS) is less than 1 solitary decibel of difference.

Running subwoofers at their 'maximum capacity' is determined by the enclosure design as much as anything else. Even beyond that, musical transients allow you to put a ton more power into a voice coil (especially with ported systems) than the 'rated power'.

At the end of the day, the most powerful amplifier is almost always the best option.

Edited by Damon, 02 February 2012 - 05:27 AM.

[Cycl0ne]

Sweet cheers for the info!