Hi. I'm searching for a quality amp to provide power for my setup.
All the wattage and impedance are correct for my equips. Though, I'd like to know which one to go for, as I seek sound quality.
The Alpine is an B-class amp and the Eclipse is a full range D-class amp.

Here are their links:
Alpine:
http://iweb.alpine-usa.com/pls/admn/item_i...y=105&p_main=10

Eclipse:
http://www.eclipse-web.com/amp/xa4000.html

Notice that the Eclipse has got this "Icepower" technology which seems to be very interesting.

Any help would be appreciated.

PS: Just for curiosity, my setup is a MB Quart 2-way component set with a JL 10w3v2 sub and a Clarion DXZ855MP headunit.

the alpine, like most amps, is actually class AB. it's a top quality amp.

the new eclipse ICEpower range is yet to hit the shops i believe (here in Oz anyway). i asked about them in a recent thread. i also tried to search for feedback on these amps, and there was NONE.

the technology looks promising, although it is no doubt more about efficiency and compactness than anything. i actually wonder whether class D can ever be as 'clean' as class AB - i'm skeptical.

so basically, the alpine V12 is a proven high performer. the eclipse is not, so you will take a punt on it.

I guess I've seen class B on its manual. But I could've seen it wrong.. :huh:

I read your thread. I emailed Eclipse about the amp. I was told it should hit the stores in the 1st week of December. Probably next week we'll start to see them on the stores.

I'll just go for the Alpine. I won't be able to wait until reviews about the new Eclipse amps come out. I must buy it until the end of the year. Maybe I change my HU for an Alpine and use the amp link cable to have some fun. B)

Thanks for your input, shiny_car

[quote name='themad' date='Dec 1 2005, 02:53 PM' post='592805']
Hi. I'm searching for a quality amp to provide power for my setup.
All the wattage and impedance are correct for my equips. Though, I'd like to know which one to go for, as I seek sound quality.

If it's 'Sound Quality' that you are after, than you cannot go past the Eclipse Series of Amps...

As I have mentioned in other threads, I bought an Alpine MRV-F345 a little while ago, and then compared it to my Eclipse PA-5422, and well...The Eclipse CREAMS IT...

When it comes to pure SQ Quality, I believe the Eclipse have the edge over the Alpines..
The Clarity of the output far outperforms the Alpine Range...

You'll also find the 'older' model Eclipse Amps (Eg. PA-5422) are Hand Made in the USA, whereas its Made In China for the Alpine Gear...

If the New 'Icepower' Range of Eclipse Amps are still made in the USA, then I wouldn't even bother considering the Alpine...

Just my 2c worth from someone who has used and compared both...

Tom

Thanks for your comments, Tommyboy25. Unfortunately, I can't find a way to discover where they're being made now...

You said about SQ. I've seen lots of setups with Alpine amps of IASCA members. Not rookies, but high-level competitors from the SQ category. Also, I've seen lots of Eclipse amps in the same category.

I'm not questioning your perception, but the new Alpine amps seem VERY good. The V12 series use the same components as the F#1 setup. Maybe the Eclipse you had was a top performer. Hand made in the USA, like you said.

Again, thanks a lot for your words.