Alpine PDX-5 vs. JL Audio XD600/6?

[MudPhud]

Just as I was about to pull the trigger on the 4+1 Alpine PDX-5 amp to upgrade the base/standard M3 audio system, I became intrigued by the 6-channel JL Audio XD600/6. Their power ratings, physical size, and online prices are very similar, but the JL Audio amp has a cleaner signal-to-noise ratio and a 2-year warranty (as opposed to 1-year for the Alpine).

I suppose my million-dollar question is: Is it wiser to go with the PDX-5's 4+1 arrangement in which the 300 W sub channel is driving BOTH under-the-seat woofers simultaneously or the XD600/6's arrangement in which channels 5 and 6 (75 W each at 4 ohms) are wired to the under-the-seat woofers independently as Left and Right? Part of me is drawn to the higher power of the PDX-5's 4+1 sub channel, but the other part of me is drawn to the simplicity of just hooking up the woofers individually as in the XD/600. What path have the rest of you taken? Have you been happy with these particular Alpine and/or JL Audio amps?

Am I wrong in my understanding of the fundamental differences between the two setups? I suppose if I went with a single dedicated trunk-mounted massive subwoofer, the 4+1 arrangement would make more sense. But I'm leaning toward just replacing the OEM woofers with a pair of Earthquake SWS-8's (even if they are powered by the lower 75 W output rating of the XD600/6) and leaving the trunk alone. Or am I being a dunce? I like bass but not bone-jarring, head-splitting, heart-pounding bass.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I believe there is a forthcoming JL Audio XD600/5 model that may make the decision-making process even more difficult.

[808MGuy]

Originally Posted by MudPhud

Just as I was about to pull the trigger on the 4+1 Alpine PDX-5 amp to upgrade the base/standard M3 audio system, I became intrigued by the 6-channel JL Audio XD600/6. Their power ratings, physical size, and online prices are very similar, but the JL Audio amp has a cleaner signal-to-noise ratio and a 2-year warranty (as opposed to 1-year for the Alpine).

I suppose my million-dollar question is: Is it wiser to go with the PDX-5's 4+1 arrangement in which the 300 W sub channel is driving BOTH under-the-seat woofers simultaneously or the XD600/6's arrangement in which channels 5 and 6 (75 W each at 4 ohms) are wired to the under-the-seat woofers independently as Left and Right? Part of me is drawn to the higher power of the PDX-5's 4+1 sub channel, but the other part of me is drawn to the simplicity of just hooking up the woofers individually as in the XD/600. What path have the rest of you taken? Have you been happy with these particular Alpine and/or JL Audio amps?

Am I wrong in my understanding of the fundamental differences between the two setups? I suppose if I went with a single dedicated trunk-mounted massive subwoofer, the 4+1 arrangement would make more sense. But I'm leaning toward just replacing the OEM woofers with a pair of Earthquake SWS-8's (even if they are powered by the lower 75 W output rating of the XD600/6) and leaving the trunk alone. Or am I being a dunce? I like bass but not bone-jarring, head-splitting, heart-pounding bass.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I believe there is a forthcoming JL Audio XD600/5 model that may make the decision-making process even more difficult.

SWS are too inefficient to run off only 75W. I'd probably lean towards the Alpine if those are your only two options. JL HD 900/5 would be a better option.

[mpegripper]

jl hd series is a lot better than the alpine pdx

[kmarei]

well if you get the 2ohm SWS-8 you'll get 100W from each channel on the XD
which is a better option because your front and rear speakers are rated at 2ohm (so they will be getting 100w anyway)
so i'd prefer to give them all the same wattage
not 100 front and 100 rear but only 75 to the subs
i bought an Xd600 but i haven't had time to install it yet, still sitting in my trunk in the box
but i liked the option of having stereo bass
and yes i know that bass is non directional , but it still makes me feel better to know its stereo

[esntrk1]

JL Audio is a great brand but the Alpine PDX-5 is better for this application. Just take the two SWS-8 subwoofers and wire them in parallel. That will place a 2 ohm load on the 300W output of the PDX-5. It's perfect; 150W RMS is as much power as the SWS-8 can handle. Anything more than that and they will fail over time. Trust me, I learned the hard way (3 sets).

[jchiodo]

Originally Posted by esntrk1

Trust me, I learned the hard way (3 sets).

So what your saying is, it took you three sets to learn the hard way

[808MGuy]

Originally Posted by esntrk1

150W RMS is as much power as the SWS-8 can handle. Anything more than that and they will fail over time. Trust me, I learned the hard way (3 sets).

Running 500W to a pair of SWS (250W each). No problems here. I have pushed them hard and never heard them struggle. You must have been really boosting the bass with your setup or doing something else to blow them. Too much power alone is rarely a cause for blowing a speaker. Its typically too little power or distortion causing overheating of the voicecoil.

[MudPhud]

Thanks for all the advice. I ended up ordering the JL Audio XD700/5 for a 4+1 arrangement (actually 4+1/1). It doesn't have quite the power or specs of the HD900/5, but it costs significantly less. It should be arriving any day now -- and then I'll finally get to start a DIY install with the SWS-8X's and some Rainbow SLC NG's.

[starbai]

I know this is seriously old thread... but how'd it go? (hoping u get an e-mail notification and come back to reply lol)