2 smaller amps or 1 larger?

[DarkScorpion 10+ year member]

I currently have an Alpine MRP-M850 (800@2ohm). I like it, but I want more power for a new sub. Here are my options:

1) Buy another MRP-M850 ($150) and run each amp to one coil on a Dual 2 ohm sub, gain matched, for 1600w total. The amps aren't strappable, I'm aware, but I know if I match the gains as closely as possible, i'll be fine.

2) Sell the Alpine, buy a single, big amp that can run ~1300w @ 2ohms. I was thinking of a used AQ2200D or DSC2000.1D, or anything else right around $300 (suggestions for anything cheaper?)

I'm not competing or anything, so I'm not worried about the possibility of a tiny db loss from running a pair of amps slightly out of phase. And since this a daily rig, I'd rather run the amps (what ever I end up choosing) at 2 ohms to keep damping factor at a reasonable level, compared to 1 or .5ohm per amp. Also, please don't say that running 2 amps to 1 sub will be difficult to wire up, it's a non-issue.

Here are the questions: Which set up would be less stressful on my electrical system? Each Alpine has a max current draw of 75A, so 150A for 2. Since I can get ~1600w for a around $250 (cost of 2 Alpines) vs ~1300w for $300, does the benefits of a single amp outweigh the cost and power difference? And would there be any AUDIBLE consequences from running 2 amps on a single sub, assuming they're properly gain matched?

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[manny1337 10+ year member]

one aq2200 //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

why not an aq1200 @1ohm instead of wasting your money and not even using a 2200 to its full?

 

[DarkScorpion 10+ year member]

one aq2200 //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
why not an aq1200 @1ohm instead of wasting your money and not even using a 2200 to its full?

And since this a daily rig, I'd rather run the amps (what ever I end up choosing) at 2 ohms to keep damping factor at a reasonable level, compared to 1 or .5ohm per amp.

Sound quality is important to me.

 

[manny1337 10+ year member]

there isnt a difference to the ear at 2ohms to 1ohm. look it up //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[DarkScorpion 10+ year member]

Some people can tell, others can't. Damping factor isn't the only reason people choose not to run @ 1ohm, though. Seems that there's an issue with the added heat amps generate and their overall longevity. I'm not looking to be replacing amps within a few years. Granted, this prob won't be an issue with higher quality amps that have better heatsinks, but still...

 

[CarAudioNewbie9 10+ year member]

Some people can tell, others can't. Damping factor isn't the only reason people choose not to run @ 1ohm, though. Seems that there's an issue with the added heat amps generate and their overall longevity. I'm not looking to be replacing amps within a few years. Granted, this prob won't be an issue with higher quality amps that have better heatsinks, but still...

Get the MB Quart 2000.1D or 1500.1D. Great ****ing amps.