RCA vs Harness?

[LakelandXC]

Ok so i plan on geting a alpine type r 12 (4ohm) and wiring it down to 2ohm and the two amps i'm looking at are

Alpine MRP-M500 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPM500/Alpine-MRP-M500.html?tp=115

Now on crutchfield it says that it's speaker level input is Harness

Kicker 08ZX500.1http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_2068ZX5001/Kicker-08ZX500-1.html?tp=115

Now on crutchfield it say that it's speaker input is Uses RCA input

I have a 2001 mercury stable with factory stereo and wouldn't be changing that because the climate controls are also a part of the stereo.

The amps are about the same price and quality and both output 500 watts at 2ohm.

Now for the question, which of the two amps will be easier/cheaper to install?

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[Mike465 10+ year member]

The Alpine has an RCA input as well as high level input. High level input gets it's audio signal from the factory speaker wires. (Same thing as using a line out converter, but less parts you have to buy) The only problem with these are you will have no sub controls through your radio, and the input voltage is very low (Around 1~1.5volts) The Alpine amp will come with the 4 pin harness that is needed to interface with the stock system which will save you money. If you go with the Kicker amp you will have to buy a line out converter ($15~$25) and RCA's to go from the L.O.C to your amp ($20-$60 for a 3 foot run)

 

[350zspl 10+ year member]

Ok so i plan on geting a alpine type r 12 (4ohm) and wiring it down to 2ohm and the two amps i'm looking at are
Alpine MRP-M500 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPM500/Alpine-MRP-M500.html?tp=115

Now on crutchfield it says that it's speaker level input is Harness

Kicker 08ZX500.1http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_2068ZX5001/Kicker-08ZX500-1.html?tp=115

Now on crutchfield it say that it's speaker input is Uses RCA input

I have a 2001 mercury stable with factory stereo and wouldn't be changing that because the climate controls are also a part of the stereo.

The amps are about the same price and quality and both output 500 watts at 2ohm.

Now for the question, which of the two amps will be easier/cheaper to install?

they make a trim kit for your cars that take into consideration the ac controls

if that is the only reason you don;t want an after market radio

 

[x1le 10+ year member]

they make a trim kit for your cars that take into consideration the ac controls
if that is the only reason you don;t want an after market radio

Not if they have the digital controls. I haven't seen them atleast, only a kit for the manual control sable/taurus' (knobs)

And I hate those stereo's. As you turn the factory radio up, the bass actually starts to diminish after a certain point. it's just....blah.