Amp Replacement Suggestions (and my first post!)

[Cheapo]

Hey SMD Comunity, I've got a question for you about a replacement amp Im looking for. I've currently got a Alpine MRP-F300 amp that I am convinsed as a dying channel 1 output. Its 4 years old and has served me well, so Im fine with parting ways with it. I guess before I go any farther, I should probably give some background on my car and car audio knowledge.

My car is a 2009 Ford Fusion V6 SEL, here she is

and heres a pic of the trunk

(and I know having the trunk some what sealed off and the port facing out was probably not the best idea, I didnt know what I was doing 4 years ago. Still dont lol)

Here's what she has right now

2 Alpine M500s monos

2 Alpine Type R's

1 Alpine F300

4 5x7 Infinity Kappas

And thats really it for audio. And regarding my car audio knowledge, well I guess I know a little? I must admit I did not do any of this install, minus some sound deadening on the trunk and floor. But, like I said my F300 has finally decided to start dying on me (about time, its a class a/b and always ran hot) and I need a new amp!

And here's what I've thought about for replacements.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/mrx-f35
or
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/mrx-f65

Now I realize I'm pretty stupid when it comes to a lot of things, including car audio, but the only real differences I've seen between the 2 are a clear RMS power output and max power gauge input (as well as some other stuff like THD at RMS power output, blah blah blah).

The thing that confuses the heck out of me, is the speakers. Amazon lists them as a 2ohm, 100 rms power speaker. Then they talk about some "true 4ohm technology".

So I guess here's the questions

Is it possible to screw up wiring them wrong? Such as is it possible to wire a 2ohm speaker at 4ohms, thus damaging it? Again, I did not do the original install on this system, and would like to do this myself for the experience. Gotta learn somewhere.

Which amp would you recommend? Disregard the prices, as I have found them both for around ~190, thus making them equal in price. If my math adds up, the F65 doing 160 at 2ohms would be a bit much, but I can turn down the gain to compensate for that, correct? Thanks for helping a noob guys.

C

[Mike Gibbens Matthew]

If you have someone that can help you set the gains, or feel comfortable doing it yourself and money is no object, I would get the F65.

You are correct that you can adjust the gains to not overpower your speakers. Having extra headroom is great for a couple reasons. Room to upgrade if you want. And also you wont have to run the amp really hard and it will last longer.

I believe that you can get a better amp for the price, but then you wouldnt match. I hate when my stuff doesnt match. If I was in your shoes I would stick with the Alpine. And the Alpines are good amps

[jarrius]

Look in to other companies to me that's a lot of money but I guess your paying for the name. If you don't mind having mismatched gear look at soundqubed ct sounds RF dc audio execution audio. There are a lot of companies that make better products for not much more or even cheaper some times. And by no means Amin saying alpine is bad just cost to much for who makes it like JL

[Cheapo]

• Yea I am not totally against mis matching stuff, but it would be nice. That and it would fit almost perfectly in the false floor.
• Also I cant say money doesnt matter, but I am fine paying 230 to replace a 4 year old amp that would probably last me quite a bit longer.
• I guess I've kind of decided on the F65, being that my other class D Alpines have given me no issues and stay ice cold, I feel confident this thing will perform.

That being said, I just noticed something goofy on the F65. What do I do with the "pre outs" from the old amp? Do I even need them? (I am running a factory HU if that matters.) Thanks yet again.

[n8ball2013]

One of those pairs is probably for a passthrough

[Cheapo]

Looks like its labeled as Channel 1+3 and 2+4 pre outs. Interesting why a quite older model has this feature, while a higher end amp does not. Unless its no longer necessary .

[Cheapo]

So I've got a F65 in the mail, anyone know if I can just ignore the pre outs and leave them unplugged? Or does someone have a diagram I can reference? Thanks.

[Soccerballzs]

Are you using preouts now on old amp? If not you are good.

[TRON]

Nice trunk.

As much as I like Alpine, their 4 channel amplifiers are weird. Like your F300, it needs both the RCA inputs (total of 4) to be used to get full power bridged. Whereas the new F65 doesn't.

[Cheapo]

Are you using preouts now on old amp? If not you are good.

Yes they are currently hooked up.

Nice trunk.

As much as I like Alpine, their 4 channel amplifiers are weird. Like your F300, it needs both the RCA inputs (total of 4) to be used to get full power bridged. Whereas the new F65 doesn't.

Thanks!