JL250/1 or Alpine MRVT230 for 2X8" subs

shunsmuse · Post by **shunsmuse** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 6:20 pm

I am installing 2x JL8wo8 subwoofers in a shop built fiberglass enclosure to fit in a small compartment under the rear bench seat of my Toyota Tundra extended cab. I can get a close-out price ($89)on the Alpine MRVT250 which is 2 channel rated 400 watts. Another shop has suggested the JL250 /250 watt mono amp ($400). I am going for SQ and will not be up-sizing the subs and am going stealth. I have been unable to audition either the speakers or amps, particularly with this specific installation. So will be going on recommendations alone. If I bridge the Alpine at 4 ohms with these subs, will I be complimenting the rest of the gear? I'd appreciate input.

My HU is Eclipse 8455, main amp JL300/4, front component speakers JL XR650csi, rear fill co-ax XR650cx

William from NOLA · Post by **William from NOLA** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 10:56 pm

Since you already have everything else JL, I would say stick with them unless you are looking for something different. Although, $400 sounds a bit much for the 250/1. I wouldn't personally pay that (unless they are including install and whatnot).

Amps aren't really going to affect your sound quality as long as you have a decent one (neither of which you suggested are junk and are decent). Your speakers themselves are firstly more important than the amps.

Scarrell · Post by **Scarrell** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 11:04 pm

$400 for a JL 250.1?!?!!?!?!? thats outrageous man!... you can get a JL 500.1 for that!.... both amps are good but if you want JL you need to get the price way down on that 250.1 or get on Ebay...

Ryan from Ohio · Post by **Ryan from Ohio** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 2:54 am

I surely wouldnt pay no $400 for a 250/1 JL amp...

Hell the 1000/1 can be had for $1,000. So I wouldnt pay more than $1 per watt.

Even a $1 per watt is expensive nowdays. The average guessing off todays amps is probably $.50-.33 per watt RMS.

The Alpine amp should do alright but I think the JL amp will give better overall results.

shunsmuse · Post by **shunsmuse** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 5:19 am

The $400 tag came from a local Pro shop/ installer. I'm looking for all around system balance and imaging, pure SQ. Any serious concerns about using the Alpine?

William from NOLA · Post by **William from NOLA** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:14 am

Are you sure you have the model number right on that Alpine? I can't seem to find anything on it. Their most current 2 channel would give you 70 rms per speaker if you could wire them for each either 2 ohms, or together for 4 to bridge the amp. What is the RMS rating for your 8's?

I have played with an Alpine 4-channel recently and it seemed fairly good. The main difference between the two you are looking at is that the JL has a regulated power supply and the Alpine doesn't (which means that the JL will give more consistant results).

sinister audio · Post by **sinister audio** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:37 am

if you want a purely SQ system you should of went with the w6v2 series or like the sound splinter 8"s

shunsmuse · Post by **shunsmuse** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:30 pm

The w6v2's are too large for the compartment. Keep in mind this space under the seat is where you'd keep flares and stuff. Two 8 inchers are maxing it. And you are right William. It is the MRVT320 ...not 250.

smoker · Post by **smoker** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:31 pm

if it was me i would be tempted to run the front comps and the rear coax off the front two channels of the jbl and bridge the rear two channels to run the 8's....of course that alpine amp for that price is a pretty good deal.......