Could replacing my amp (Alpine MRP-M350) improve my sound quality?

[shilent 10+ year member]

I have a ID10D4 V3 in a sealed box connected to a MRP-M350. Could replacing the amp improve sound quality? I'm not having any SQ issues, but if simply replacing the amp could give noticeably better SQ, why not.

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[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

I believe a better amplifier, and a nicely made ported box for your sub will make a big difference, or even just trying to go with a ported box first makes alot of difference.Id recommend that before spending the money on another amp.Build /or have a ported box built to the specs of the sub you have, and use the amp that you have ,first IMO

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

new ported box and a bigger amp.your amp is only 350 watts ,not very loud

 

[shilent 10+ year member]

Why are most places and people saying that a sealed box is best for sound quality? Also the specs on my sub is rated 200-400 watt RMS, is 350W affecting my sound quality? Again, I'm all about SQ, loudness doesn't matter to me.

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

You wont notice much difference in adding a little more power... But you will probably like the difference in a good ported box

 

[StinkPiece]

Why are most places and people saying that a sealed box is best for sound quality? Also the specs on my sub is rated 200-400 watt RMS, is 350W affecting my sound quality? Again, I'm all about SQ, loudness doesn't matter to me.

This is something that I was curious about after reading this thread. I'm hoping that someone will shed some light on this; I'd like to know more about this. Whenever I search for the differences between the two, it seems that sealed is more commonly associated with sound quality. One article seems to get linked to or referenced fairly often, at least.

For what it's worth, I'll likely stick to sealed for the sake of keeping it simple and I really like being able to preserve some cubic feet of cargo room in my Vibe.

 

[BnGRacing 10+ year member]

The issue with the Alpine amp is really in the crossover section. When you flip the crossovers on you induce A LOT of distortion into the signal and have to crank the gains way down to compensate. The easy thing would be to run that amp full-range and use the LPF on a HU if you have that feature. Otherwise it's probably wiser to upgrade to a better amp (notice I didn't say 'bigger').

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

I would ditch the sealed box for a proper made ported before messing with a new amp.

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

Sealed my azz... Ported FTW in both sq and spl...

 

[shilent 10+ year member]

I'd love to go ported if it will increase my SQ, but I do not have the tools to make my own box. I've read that buying a good already made box is expensive, exactly how much are we talking? Could someone link me to a 1.3 cu ft ported box?

The issue with the Alpine amp is really in the crossover section. When you flip the crossovers on you induce A LOT of distortion into the signal and have to crank the gains way down to compensate. The easy thing would be to run that amp full-range and use the LPF on a HU if you have that feature. Otherwise it's probably wiser to upgrade to a better amp (notice I didn't say 'bigger').

That's how I currently have mines, crossover on amp is on full range, and I'm using the LPF and HPF on my HU.

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

PM donH or pro-rabbit and they can get you something Don is in cali so you may just be able to go pick it up rather then pay shipping.