Alpine Vs Kenwood Amps

[Trini]

I'm considering getting an amp for my four speakers, i've got alpine speaker 5 1/4 " in the front Type S and 6" Type S in the back... which is better:

Alpine
MRP-F250 V-Power 4/3/2 Channel Power Amp

This 4 channel V-Power amplifier delivers exceptionally high performance and detailed control. Combined with Alpine's famous sound quality, it's versatility will allow it to adapt to many configurations.
RRP: $299.00

50W x 4 RMS [2Ohms @ 14.4V (0.3% THD)]
40W x 4 RMS [4Ohms @ 14.4V (0.08% THD)]
Speaker Level Inputs
MOSFET Power Supply
Output MOSFET
Bass EQ
Subsonic Filter
Built In Crossover

OR Kenwood


KAC-6403

High Quality 4-channel Power Amplifier
PRICE $ 249.00

Power Features
Maximum Output Power 500W

Rated Output Power (14.4V )
40W x 4 at 20-20kHz 1%THD (4Ohns)
120W x 2 at Bridged 1kHz 1%THD (4Ohms)
60W x 4 at 1kHZ 1%THD (2Ohms)


Features Highlights
Maximum Output Power 500W
Die-casting Heat Sink
Power MOSFET Switching Power Supply
Built-in Low-pass/ High-pass Filter
Speaker Level Input

General Features
Die-casting Heat Sink
Power MOSFET Switching Power Supply
Built-in Low-pass Filter 80Hz (12dB/oct, for A/ B Channel)
Built-in High-pass Filter 80Hz (12dB/oct)
Variable Input Sensitivity (0.2-5V)
Speaker Level Input from OEM Car Radio for Easy Up-grade
Power Indicator with Red Triangle LED
Size: W 330mm x H 59mm x D 227.26mm

the kenwood amp doesn't come with wiring kit and i'm assuming the alpine doesn't either.. any ideas on which i should get? i don't really know all that much and any help would be great
Cheers

[J-MuN]

I'd go the Alpine V-Power. It's pretty cheap for what it is. So is the kenwood but never really been a fan of Kenwood amps.

[Trini]

is it actually better? cos the alpine is 50W x 4 RMS [2Ohms @ 14.4V (0.3% THD)] whereas the kenwood is 60W x 4 at 1kHZ 1%THD (2Ohms) or does the THD make a difference as well

[AmateurJazz]

Alpine is in the business of making headunits, not amps. Their amps have no power. I've never tried Kenwood and probably never will.

The Alpine is rated at 40w x 4 at 0.08% THD, which stands for distortion. This depends on personal preference and also the ratings for your speakers - so if your speakers are also at 0.08% THD then distortion will compound. Nevertheless, all ratings are still better than Kenwood.

Finally, the ratings for both amps are derived from a 14.4V power source. Most stock batteries, and even performance batteries such as Optima yellowtop rarely run at 14.4V. If you have a voltage meter pay close attention to it when you have the engine on and you will see that something like 13.8V is the highest it will ever go. Most specialist amp brands such as Audison and Crossfire are rated at 12V, or 13.8V for the Audison from memory. So if you recaliberate the power source down to 12V the ratings may go down to around 30w x 4 for both amps. Also I would only look at 4ohms because this is a load that the amp would feel 'comfortable' running at. I remember it being compared to your car being able to make high revs - but just because it can make 10,000rpm doesnt mean it's going to like staying up there for the duration of your drive.


If it has to be one of these two, then go for Alpine. It may just prove to be more reliable.

[Vinnie]

jus get pioneer, its in ur price range and is better than kenwood and v12 (but not the higher level alpines). THD is something to watch but at those levels is virtually indistinguishable... brand reputation is also something to look out for. u cood buy a 'boss' amp or sumthing that looks like it has similar specs and costs much less but will perform worse and die alot quicker... prob not as much of an issue with those brands tho but if u can ide go better than kenwood.

[ICACHA]

go the alpine, forget the blender makers :p

[mj3610]

go the alpine, forget the blender makers :p
lol
kenwood amps are awsome :p
they're both good amps so i'd just buy the cheaper one :)

[aka_NSX]

if i need to choose among japanese amp, Alpine its :thumbsup:

but for me i'll never run my system with any japanese amp

[Trini]

what's wrong with japanese amps?

[SiR Feoc]

Out of the two I would say Alpine, if you had and extra $100 or so I would definitely have a look at MTX. For me MTX was really something totally above both Alpine and Kenwood.

[aka_NSX]

what's wrong with japanese amps?

coz they never made any good AMPs and SPEAKERs ..........

[mj3610]

coz they never made any good AMPs and SPEAKERs ..........
lol yep :)
their power rating arent accurate either, they tend to over-rate them.
again, to me alpine and kenwood amps are the same, its just the matter of brand name and price if they got the same rating and features.

[CRXer]

coz they never made any good AMPs and SPEAKERs ..........

I wouldnt say never,cos they fluked it a few times,but good natural,jap sound reproduction is very rare.

Like someone else said their electronics are outstanding,but they must hear differently to the rest of society.

[lifebee]

now i also think for installe the stereo on my car... after research, i prefer for the JL amp or Soundstream amp. Both of them match with JL wooder or DLS ultimate speaker.... PLS provide some comment

[Fr3aKi3]

go the alpine, forget the blender makers :p

Not to mention steam mops and clothes irons.....

[Kiwi]

Buy american amps ! :). They may not be the best at many things, but they can build amps that kick a$$. If I was you, I'd save up and buy a better better. I'm still using Lanzar amps from10 years ago... only rated at 2x25watts but would easily outdo those Alpine and Kenwood amps you picked.

[ICACHA]

coz they never made any good AMPs and SPEAKERs ..........

gnentot la (after a spelling lesson at Laski's tonight) :p you LOOOOOVE japanese amps Laski :wave:

[AmateurJazz]

but for me i'll never run my system with any japanese amp

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I personally prefer European amps. American amps are good but be mindful that a lot of providers are starting to get bought out by Chinese companies i.e. Infinity.

[vividjazz]

All the capacitors on my Kenwood amp blew I guess to protect the precious fuses. This was after the solder joints all cracked inside on the RCA connectors.

Make sure they throw in an electric frypan or you can just use the amp's heatsink.

I'll stick to amps made by specialist car audio amp manufacturers in future. Do you want a deep fryer with that happy meal amp?

[02hondaGRL]

if ur going to buy alpine speakers... then u should be runnig them off an alpine amp. its like having a sony head unit and having alpine type X speakers.. your a ****ing d***head if u do that... or vise versa... u stick to one brand and ONLY one brand. Mix and match and your system will go down hill. everything is designed to be with each other.

[Fr3aKi3]

if ur going to buy alpine speakers... then u should be runnig them off an alpine amp. its like having a sony head unit and having alpine type X speakers.. your a ****ing d***head if u do that... or vise versa... u stick to one brand and ONLY one brand. Mix and match and your system will go down hill. everything is designed to be with each other.

I wouldn't say that you should only stick to one brand and one brand only...

My system:
HU: JVC KD-SHX855 (not the best for SQ but at the time i got it for half price so I aint complaining)
Front Splits: MB Quart Reference RCE216
Rear fill: Pioneer TS-D691R (not the best 6x9's but enough to keep passengers happy)
Amp : Digital Designs C4 (all channels used for front splits)
Monoblock : Infinity REF610A
Sub: Boston Acoustic Pro10.5LF

The main weak point I see in my system is the deck, it does the job but would be nice if it had some more adjustability. Going by your theory I guess my sound system must really suck then :p ... along with all other people who have Focal, Morel, Phass, Zapco or DLS components since they only make amp or speaker and no headunits.

Personally I havn't had any experience with either of those 2 models of amps, all I can say is that I had a Kenwood amp once and i'm probably never gonna get one again. No comment on the JL amp either, SS amps are shiny....

[mj3610]

if ur going to buy alpine speakers... then u should be runnig them off an alpine amp. its like having a sony head unit and having alpine type X speakers.. your a ****ing d***head if u do that... or vise versa... u stick to one brand and ONLY one brand. Mix and match and your system will go down hill. everything is designed to be with each other.
LOl no offense but thats the stupidest thing i've heard all day. ofcourse you should mix and match, see whats best for you, and listen to the speakers/subs ur buying and see what sounds better to you, buying everything in one brand thinking they're all desgined for each other is silly...

[aka_NSX]

yentotla :p

you need to learn how to spell first :D



if ur going to buy alpine speakers... then u should be runnig them off an alpine amp. its like having a sony head unit and having alpine type X speakers.. your a ****ing d***head if u do that... or vise versa... u stick to one brand and ONLY one brand. Mix and match and your system will go down hill. everything is designed to be with each other.

i think u dont know shit about audio at all :eek:

[CRXer]

if ur going to buy alpine speakers... then u should be runnig them off an alpine amp. its like having a sony head unit and having alpine type X speakers.. your a ****ing d***head if u do that... or vise versa... u stick to one brand and ONLY one brand. Mix and match and your system will go down hill. everything is designed to be with each other.

Give her a break fellas,she might be japanese & actually enjoy that "twangy" jap sound quality.

[ICACHA]

for quality audio look at the europeans, for sheer brutness (brain damage material) look at the (sorry to say) dumb yanks (not all thou) :)

for frisbies, look at the asian brands :p

[AmateurJazz]

if ur going to buy alpine speakers... then u should be runnig them off an alpine amp. its like having a sony head unit and having alpine type X speakers.. your a ****ing d***head if u do that... or vise versa... u stick to one brand and ONLY one brand. Mix and match and your system will go down hill. everything is designed to be with each other.

The only positive about having a consistent system is that you will know the ratings will also be consistent. Different brands test their products differently and therefore come up with different ratings of power, so for example a 5 channel audison amp bridged to power 2 HSK hertz components at 125w will give you great sound and not damage the system in the long run, whereas if you switch to an alpine amp with the same ratings to power the HSKs it will damage your speakers in the long run because it simply cannot provide the same amount of output. However, if you switch to alpine speakers you should be fine because you know you can apply the same discount to their ratings.

[JohnnyVtec]

I'm considering getting an amp for my four speakers, i've got alpine speaker 5 1/4 " in the front Type S and 6" Type S in the back... which is better:

Alpine
MRP-F250 V-Power 4/3/2 Channel Power Amp

This 4 channel V-Power amplifier delivers exceptionally high performance and detailed control. Combined with Alpine's famous sound quality, it's versatility will allow it to adapt to many configurations.
RRP: $299.00

50W x 4 RMS [2Ohms @ 14.4V (0.3% THD)]
40W x 4 RMS [4Ohms @ 14.4V (0.08% THD)]
Speaker Level Inputs
MOSFET Power Supply
Output MOSFET
Bass EQ
Subsonic Filter
Built In Crossover

OR Kenwood


KAC-6403

High Quality 4-channel Power Amplifier
PRICE $ 249.00

Power Features
Maximum Output Power 500W

Rated Output Power (14.4V )
40W x 4 at 20-20kHz 1%THD (4Ohns)
120W x 2 at Bridged 1kHz 1%THD (4Ohms)
60W x 4 at 1kHZ 1%THD (2Ohms)


Features Highlights
Maximum Output Power 500W
Die-casting Heat Sink
Power MOSFET Switching Power Supply
Built-in Low-pass/ High-pass Filter
Speaker Level Input

General Features
Die-casting Heat Sink
Power MOSFET Switching Power Supply
Built-in Low-pass Filter 80Hz (12dB/oct, for A/ B Channel)
Built-in High-pass Filter 80Hz (12dB/oct)
Variable Input Sensitivity (0.2-5V)
Speaker Level Input from OEM Car Radio for Easy Up-grade
Power Indicator with Red Triangle LED
Size: W 330mm x H 59mm x D 227.26mm

the kenwood amp doesn't come with wiring kit and i'm assuming the alpine doesn't either.. any ideas on which i should get? i don't really know all that much and any help would be great
Cheers

Kenwood owns alpine, either are fine.....

[Mattski_VTIR]

All comes down to what your willing to spend and preference. There are better amps out there, but you personally might not be able to hear the difference. I have never had any trouble with alpine amps (v12's) and for reference my 545 (alpine 4 channel) birthed around 160wrms and its only rated at 125. Some amps are stronger than others, certain company's are know for either under rating or over rating there equipment. Personally if going alpine i would be looking at least a v12. The new PDX range off amps are apprently very good also, but like anything it all comes with a cost.

[02hondaGRL]

I wouldn't say that you should only stick to one brand and one brand only...

My system:
HU: JVC KD-SHX855 (not the best for SQ but at the time i got it for half price so I aint complaining)
Front Splits: MB Quart Reference RCE216
Rear fill: Pioneer TS-D691R (not the best 6x9's but enough to keep passengers happy)
Amp : Digital Designs C4 (all channels used for front splits)
Monoblock : Infinity REF610A
Sub: Boston Acoustic Pro10.5LF

The main weak point I see in my system is the deck, it does the job but would be nice if it had some more adjustability. Going by your theory I guess my sound system must really suck then :p ... along with all other people who have Focal, Morel, Phass, Zapco or DLS components since they only make amp or speaker and no headunits.

Personally I havn't had any experience with either of those 2 models of amps, all I can say is that I had a Kenwood amp once and i'm probably never gonna get one again. No comment on the JL amp either, SS amps are shiny....






well i've got a 9855R head unit. 2x T420 2/1 channel 600w amps running my 6.5" 350w type R components - second amp is yet to run any speakers (goign to be dedicated to my rear speakers which will be 300w 6" or 6.5" type R's), and i'm running my 900w type S sub off a 350w mono V12 amp.

Thats an ex-uni students sound system. In an ex-uni students car. I think im doing rather well for the limited $ i have. one piece at a time.

[02hondaGRL]

Give her a break fellas,she might be japanese & actually enjoy that "twangy" jap sound quality.


um. unlike 90% of this honda forum i'm not korean, japanese, chinese or anything in between. 100% pure aussie mate, of the white variety. I can't help it if i like quality of quantity. its like the whole theory about body kits, guys saying 'oh my 7k real veilside kit is the best' when it shatters just the same as a fake one... and a Louis Vuitton bag still looks the same, fake or real. THats my theory about sound systems too. I stick to one brand, and only 1 brand, if u want to mix and match, thats your perogative.

[Fr3aKi3]

well i've got a 9855R head unit. 2x T420 2/1 channel 600w amps running my 6.5" 350w type R components - second amp is yet to run any speakers (goign to be dedicated to my rear speakers which will be 300w 6" or 6.5" type R's), and i'm running my 900w type S sub off a 350w mono V12 amp.

Thats an ex-uni students sound system. In an ex-uni students car. I think im doing rather well for the limited $ i have. one piece at a time.

I props to you though for not just running out and getting the cheapest "powerful" crap like boss etc. T420 are 600w? Specs say that its 2x110 wrms (4 ohm) and 2 x 170 wrms (2 ohm) both rated at 14.4V. Max power is 2x225 and the 350w rating of your splits is also a max power rating not RMS.

BTW it's not like as if i'm loaded $$$ either since I'm actually still in uni.

Back to oringal post. Seeing as to how the Alpine and Kenwood have been ditched for possibly either a Soundstream or JL, does that mean the budget for an amp has increased?

[02hondaGRL]

I props to you though for not just running out and getting the cheapest "powerful" crap like boss etc. T420 are 600w? Specs say that its 2x110 wrms (4 ohm) and 2 x 170 wrms (2 ohm) both rated at 14.4V. Max power is 2x225 and the 350w rating of your splits is also a max power rating not RMS.

BTW it's not like as if i'm loaded $$$ either since I'm actually still in uni.

Back to oringal post. Seeing as to how the Alpine and Kenwood have been ditched for possibly either a Soundstream or JL, does that mean the budget for an amp has increased?


i bought the amps 2 yrs ago.. my bad if they're not 600w. I dont go by RMS.

[CRXer]

um. unlike 90% of this honda forum i'm not korean, japanese, chinese or anything in between. 100% pure aussie mate, of the white variety. I can't help it if i like quality of quantity. its like the whole theory about body kits, guys saying 'oh my 7k real veilside kit is the best' when it shatters just the same as a fake one... and a Louis Vuitton bag still looks the same, fake or real. THats my theory about sound systems too. I stick to one brand, and only 1 brand, if u want to mix and match, thats your perogative.

Sorry,i mustve taken u calling most pro installers & the other posters ****ing ****heads ,who mix & match persistently, out of context............

Its good to have u round,now u can finally tell us all what we been doing wrong for years now....

[02hondaGRL]

Sorry,i mustve taken u calling most pro installers & the other posters ****ing ****heads ,who mix & match persistently, out of context............

Its good to have u round,now u can finally tell us all what we been doing wrong for years now....


um.. right... i give up.

[EKVTIR-T]

um. unlike 90% of this honda forum i'm not korean, japanese, chinese or anything in between. 100% pure aussie mate, of the white variety. I can't help it if i like quality of quantity. its like the whole theory about body kits, guys saying 'oh my 7k real veilside kit is the best' when it shatters just the same as a fake one... and a Louis Vuitton bag still looks the same, fake or real. THats my theory about sound systems too. I stick to one brand, and only 1 brand, if u want to mix and match, thats your perogative.

7K Veilside kits do not shatter I'm afraid,they BEND&FLEX.:p

[Kiwi]

I agree that the comments about only buying one brand of audio gear is not correct. There must have been a special on Alpine gear that day and the sales guy came up with that gem of a sales pitch !! :)

But seriously, dont through your money away on Kenwood or Alpine.... i mean we can all sit hear and quote 5000watt amps powering 1million watt subwoofers, but those in the know realise that that means nothing...

Just go out and buy a small (but high quality) American amp. It may only say 2x50watts on the side, but my amps have been happily running my 2 x 10 inch subs at 1ohm for over 10 years now and are still running strong.... Kenwood amps would have had a coronary about 9 years ago if they were doing the same thing :). 25 trophies from 25 comps says it must be right :)

[EuroDude]

Meh ive had my fair share of japanese amps, quite dissapointed with them to be honest. (underpowered, lights dimmed, average SQ, overheated)

The American and Italian ones are the ones to get :thumbsup:

My Audison (Italian) amp has proven to be faultless so far.

[Mattski_VTIR]

I have to agree with most of the comments about equipment and quality when it comes to Japanese amplifiers. European amps and speakers are known for being some of the worlds best. But when it comes to amps they need to be backed up with a quality signal and good components to really shine. Some people really just don't hear the different between a good stereo and a great stereo. And naturally there is a difference in price between the two. You really need to look at your budget before purchasing equipment. Some people may only want to spend a $1000 dollars on a complete system, as others would spend that only on wiring and sound deadening. Point being Japanese amps and speakers may leave you %100 content, were others would be left wanting. I use two MRD-545 (alpine v12's) to power F1#status 3-ways, and although the speakers are made in Denmark and are really ScanSpeaks, the amps are made in Japan and are designed by alpine. Personally I couldn't hear the difference when I swapped them for Audison amps, so I went back to the Alpines for the amp link control.

[AmateurJazz]

I dont go by RMS.

You go by ILS? That would give you a huge increase in power. That means my hertz speakers are 300W each and a 900W sub - a combined 2100W!!!

My audison amp doesn't give ILS ratings, but to be conservative if I quadruple all the incorrect RMS ratings I would get 200W x 4 + 720W x 1, which gives me a total of 1520W.

The total power? do your maths...a whopping 3650W sound system! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: wow...never knew my sound system was so powerful.

[Fr3aKi3]

You go by ILS? That would give you a huge increase in power. That means my hertz speakers are 300W each and a 900W sub - a combined 2100W!!!

My audison amp doesn't give ILS ratings, but to be conservative if I quadruple all the incorrect RMS ratings I would get 200W x 4 + 720W x 1, which gives me a total of 1520W.

The total power? do your maths...a whopping 3650W sound system! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: wow...never knew my sound system was so powerful.

quadrupple... let me give that a ago.
Multichannel amp: 1800
Monoblock: 2628

4428W of power baby!!!!!

lol...

[TRUMAN]

go all out with Kenwood bro!

[Kiwi]

Yeah go all Kenwood... just imagine the coffee's and toast you could make with those appliances :)

[EuroDude]

Yeah go all Kenwood... just imagine the coffee's and toast you could make with those appliances :)

lol exactly :cool: tho at least they make better stuff than sony

[mj3610]

lol exactly :cool: tho at least they make better stuff than sony
my grandma can make better stuff than sony.

[Kiwi]

Well any big white stickers on the back window is enough to make you cringe !!! :)

By the way, what gear are you running Eurodude?

[EuroDude]

Audison, Adire Shiva, Boston Accoustics, JL Audio.

quality stuff ;)

Ive given up on japanese stuff :D

[Kiwi]

What models and specs of the gear do you have? And are you running an aftermarket HU?

[EuroDude]

No i'm using the stock HU. I'll pm u the details