Upgrading from Kenwood 8104D for my IDMAX 12"

[edgeh2o 10+ year member]

Hi!

I have a 2004 Alpine CDA 9811 and Image Dynamics IDMAX 12" 2ohm sub.

Right now I have a Kenwood 8104D that I skimped on from most likely an unauthorized online dealer. I went from a W1V2 at 4 ohms to the Image Dynamics at 2ohms, and I absolutely love my IDMAX, it sounds great, and rattles the hell out of my trunk, the problem is that when I go passed volume level 25 for about +-10mins, the amp turns off and goes into protection mode, and I have to give it about 10 seconds before it comes back on, and then I have to keep the volume at 24 or something. This happened very rarely with the W1V2 at 4ohms, but it happens a lot with my IDMAX. I have gotten opinions that it could be something with my wires, and so I plan on getting that checked out sometime. Even if newer or better wires fix the problem, I still ultimately want a new amp that will enable me to get a little more out of my IDMAX.

The IDMAX is rated at 200-1000W RMS. The Kenwood 8104D is rated at 500w x 2ohm, but it is most likely realistically pumps out much less. I've gotten a job at Best Buy and I'm in the fortunate situation to upgrade to a better sub with my employee discount. I'm considering the following subs: Alpine M500, Kenwood 9104D, Alpine M1000, and Rockford Fosgate P1000-1bd.

I really don't want to give the IDMAX all 1000w RMS, I feel like it would strain it too much for everyday driving, plus I've read the birth certificates on the M1000 read past 1100wRMSx2ohm. Then theres the Kenwood 9104D, which is rated at 900wx2ohm, but I've heard is closer to 700wRMS, but the Kenwood doesn't get the best reviews and sound quality is my #1 concern. Then there is always the Alpine M500, which I've heard receives birth certificates in in the 575RMSx2ohm range, and has received great reviews. And then the is the all mighty extremely expensive P1000-1bd which is 'rated' at 500RMSx2ohm, but I've heard accounts of certificates reading close to 700RMSx2ohms and it has also gotten good reviews (I would hope so for the price)

So what should I do? I have 3 main questions:

1. Do you guys agree that the Alpine M1000 would be pushing it a little too much?

2. Would you guys recommend the Alpine M500 over both my current Kenwood 8104D and the Kenwood 9104D?

3. Is the price tag of the P1000-1bd justifiable in terms of being overall superior in all aspects(is it even better?) compared to all previously said amps?

Can't wait to hear everyone's views!

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[Savstyle 10+ year member]

i gave my Idmax 1200rms+ for the time i had and it took it like a champ. But you gona really need anymore that 900rms to get going

 

[Horsemanwill 10+ year member]

when u say 2 ohm i'm guessin you mean a dual 2 ohm sub and your running your amp stereo one coil to each channel?

 

[gunz4me2 10+ year member]

when u say 2 ohm i'm guessin you mean a dual 2 ohm sub and your running your amp stereo one coil to each channel?

FYI, the 8104D is a monoblock rated for 500 watts RMS @ 2 ohms.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

I know that I am starting to sound like a broken record here BUT the Kenwood KAC-9104D WILL NOT produce 900 watts RMS @ 2 ohms. Check here if you don't believe me: http://www.caraudiomag.com/reviews/caep_0811_kenwood_kac_9104d_review/output_power_distortion_etc.html

 

[Horsemanwill 10+ year member]

well that's y i asked. i know the amp isn't one ohm stable so i couldn't figure out when he said he has an ID max 12 2 ohm sub.

 

[supermaxx123 10+ year member]

From best buy, the alpine M1000 would be my choice, cant go wrong with the rockford either. IMO anyone who produces birth sheets for amps must know what they are doing. Also I've tried both those amps and others by those companies and they were good.

 

[edgeh2o 10+ year member]

I just meant that my IDMAX D4 V.3 is hooked up to my Kenwood 8104D at the amps 2ohm setting.

But you gona really need anymore that 900rms to get going

Really? I thought the IDMAX were supposed to be super efficient. I'm a little confused, are you saying I do need more than 900RMS to get it going, or I don't?

I think I'm leaning towards the Alpine M1000... just cant see myself spending twice as much for the Rockford...

 

[gunz4me2 10+ year member]

I think you will be fine with the Alpine M1000.