Alpine MRD-500 or MRD-501???

[Germanlookt2 10+ year member]

Yeah, so the more i look into JL audio, the higher the prices are, I cant seem to find reasonable used priced 500/1s, SO option b.. I like warranties, you never know what might have happened to a used amp so its hard to get a safe deal. Im looking at the alpine MRD-M500 and the MRD-M501. What the heck is the difference between the two, I know there is minor wattage ratings, Which is better, Im guessing the 501 but Id like to know, Anyone use these or know the difference?

Unless you think i should just bite the bullet and pay the extra for a JL audio 500/1. I hate paying over 200 for someting thats used w/o warranties. Or are these amps indestructable. I heard that the alpine is overpriced. but for 240 new, i think thats pretty **** good. The JBL GT0 601.1 is closer to 200, but It sounds like I can tune the alpine more easily, Im obsessed with home and computer audio quality and settings, so this is kinda a must unless im mistaken about the jbl also.

The reason im taking more time on amp selection is because Im waiting on a alternator part from porsche in germany....*sigh*

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[ANeonRider 10+ year member]

MRD-501 can be controlled right from the headunit(new 2004 Alpine headunits that is), all the settings done from up front.

 

[Germanlookt2 10+ year member]

So the previous mrd-m500 cant be controlled?

I also see that the m500 has a max of 900 while the m501 has1100, thats a plus

believe it or not i can get a new 501 for 2 bux cheaper, what would you go for?

 

[ANeonRider 10+ year member]

go for the 501 IMO, and you can control the 500, but you have to use an external controller just for the amps. They just integrated that controller into the headunits this year instead.

 

[Germanlookt2 10+ year member]

Yeah, I think thats what Im gonna do, I was planning on upgrading to a nice alpine once the bus gets a decent security system, Ill just set it manually before then. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/thumbsup.gif.3287b36ca96645a13a43aff531f37f02.gif

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Alpine amps are nice...I'd go for them.