RF PBR300X4 versus Alpine KTP-445U behind dash

[phenryiv1]

I am considering switching things up in my '11 WRX, just because I can. I am considering a new HU, but whether or not I go that route, I am debating adding a KTP-445U or the RF PRF300x4 behind the dash. There seems to be enough room for either one, but I can't tell for sure.

These would power components in the front and coaxials in the rear.

Specs:

RF: 75x4, size 6-15/16"W x 1-9/16"H x 4-5/16"D, requires dedicated 10 ga. wire run.

Alpine 45x4, size 7-7/8"W x 1-1/2"H x 2-9/16"D, runs off of the OEM 12+ circuit or I can run a new dedicated power wire.

I know that neither one is audiophile quality, but I am just looking to do something different with my setup.

Thoughts on running either one behind the dash in a GR?

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[dsn112]

The alpine with a breakout harness will be easier to install, no need to run any extra wires. Just wire up and plug in. It sounds good too.

[phenryiv1]

I will be running RCA inputs with either on, as I am on an aftermarket HU.

Should have had that in my first post.

[dsn112]

Originally Posted by phenryiv1

I will be running RCA inputs with either on, as I am on an aftermarket HU.

Should have had that in my first post.

Even so,with the alpine you can still do that and use the breakout. Key is no wire to the batt or ground, all in the breakout.

But for power purposes, the rf will put out a lot more and I would try to power my components as best as possible.

[Aaron'z 2.5RS]

An amp inside the dash has just never sounded like a good idea to me and never will...

Heat is the enemy of electronics..

[phenryiv1]

Originally Posted by Aaron'z 2.5RS

An amp inside the dash has just never sounded like a good idea to me and never will...

Heat is the enemy of electronics..

That is my concern. I know that the Power Pack option is supposedly safe there, but ~40% more power in the same space will have to radiate more heat unless it is VERY efficient.

[dsn112]

I just put the JLXD 400/4 under the drivers seat. Its D class, little heat and its tiny

[teiva-boy]

The downside often to these special compact amps is the harness required. It limits it's use to single car installations, and lowers resell value.

As the above poster mentioned, a dedicated amp, one that uses standard terminal connections is often better in terms of power output, and down the road plans. Always plan for the future and not just the now!

How about something like an Alpine MRX-F35? Great tiny amp. Clean underrated power. Often putting out 20-50% more than rated.

[phenryiv1]

I already have a 75w X 4 Boston Acoustics amp in the car now. I was just considering making some changes. It isn't that I dislike anything in the car now- just more talking outloud about possible alternate setups.

My current setup is 2 channels to the components and 2 channels bridged to a sub. I'd like to power all 4 door speakers form an amp and still run a sub, so I am thinking about how to do that without adding a second underseat amp.

[XERO287]

5 channel?

[teiva-boy]

Originally Posted by phenryiv1

I already have a 75w X 4 Boston Acoustics amp in the car now. I was just considering making some changes. It isn't that I dislike anything in the car now- just more talking outloud about possible alternate setups.

My current setup is 2 channels to the components and 2 channels bridged to a sub. I'd like to power all 4 door speakers form an amp and still run a sub, so I am thinking about how to do that without adding a second underseat amp.

I run a single PDX5 amp for components up front, coaxes in the rear, and a pair of 8's in the trunk. That amp and the fronts x-overs are under my driver seat.

I've heard the PDX5 got even smaller.

There are also a handful of other small 5ch amps too, some with more power, some with less for all price ranges.