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Review 2 of 2
Price Paid:
$499.00
from Westside Car Audio Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 Alpine MRV-F345 Strengths:
Fanatasic for a one amp system: The 300WRMS bridged for a sub and 75W x 2 for a set of splits is ample power for a simple one amplifier setup. Weaknesses:
Build Quality: Compared to the previous model V12 amplifiers, these amps seem a bit cheap upon further inspection. Definately looks like a mass produced unit. Summary:
I bought this amp as an upgrade from the previous model MRV-F340, which had 4 x 55WRMS power, with 120WRMS x 1 bridged to a sub. While the amp sounded great, I wanted a bit more power for the subwoofer. While I originally was looking for a monoblock amp specifically for the sub, I came across the F345, which offered 300WRMS for the sub when the rear channels were bridged.
At this price range ($499AUS), no other ampifier I know of can compete with what the Alpine offers (which I was suprised about since I've always felt Alpine charge a bit more purely on brand name). Other amps I considered as well were the Digital Designs C4 and Rockford Fosgate P4004, and while only the DD C4 offered more power for the subwoofer (420WRMS), at $779AUS and $699AUS respectively, the $200+ price difference couldn't be justified.
While the MRV-F345 increases the power compared to the F340 to 75WRMS x 4, with the rear channels bridged creating 300WRMS, it retains the same quality sound that V12 amplifiers are known for. Connecting the power and speaker wires has also improved through the use of a hex screw system, which feels much more secure than the traditional system. Hex screws are also used to hold down the face plate covering the crossover and gain adjustments. This is where my few complaints about this amp occur.
First, the hex screws are neccassary to keep the face plate in place, this makes it a bit of a problem if you want to make adjustments. This is a very minor complaint, but it does make it annoying if you keep messing with your amp settings trying to find that perfect sound. Second, compared to the F340, this amp has very poor build quality. The paint is prone to scratch easily, the hole made to provide ventiation for the fan looks like a hand-made modification done by a hacksaw; and as a whole the amp looks cheap, especially noticable with the face plate removed. While previous V12 amplifiers had a high build quality to match their performance, this model looks every bit a mass-produced unit. Which is a shame considering the performance is top class.
Both of these complaints don't affect it's peformance at all, and unless you're looking to do a showcar install, many people won't care. I may not have gone into detail about the performance a lot, but there isn't really much to discuss; V12 quality with class leading power output in it's price range. Definately a must for those wanting a high power splits & sub setup with only one amp. Similar Products Used:
Alpine MRV-F340: Same quality but lacking in power output for a sub.
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