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Alpine MRV-M500 Mono subwoofer amplifier — 500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms

Item # 500MRVM500

Alpine makes it a little easier to get great bass in your vehicle, especially if you drive a compact car.

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Alpine makes it a little easier to get great bass in your vehicle, especially if you drive a compact car.

Item # 500MRVM500

About the Alpine MRV-M500

Buck Pomerantz

Compact powerhouse

Alpine makes it a little easier to get great bass in your vehicle, especially if you drive a compact car. Their V-Power Series MRV-M500 mono subwoofer amplifier sends up to 500 watts RMS to your sub, guaranteeing some powerful bass on your drive. And Alpine made this amp so small — it's got less than an 8" by 8" footprint and it's just over 2" tall — it can fit almost anywhere.
Alpine Authorized Online Dealer

Compact powerhouse

Alpine makes it a little easier to get great bass in your vehicle, especially if you drive a compact car. Their V-Power Series MRV-M500 mono subwoofer amplifier sends up to 500 watts RMS to your sub, guaranteeing some powerful bass on your drive. And Alpine made this amp so small — it's got less than an 8" by 8" footprint and it's just over 2" tall — it can fit almost anywhere.

Thermal protection without annoying shut-downs

The MRV-M500 uses a technology called Enhanced Shutdown Performance, which rolls back the output a bit when the amp threatens to overheat from playing at its limits too long. Instead of shutting down completely, it continues playing your music, until it cools enough to return to full power.

Convenient features

A low-pass filter puts you in command of the frequencies that reach your sub, while a bass boost lets you apply plenty of low-end punch. The amp includes preamp- and speaker-level inputs, so you can install it in almost any vehicle, even one with a factory radio. If you're using the speaker-level inputs, the amp senses an incoming signal and turns itself on, eliminating the need to run a turn-on wire run back to your vehicle's receiver or fusebox.

If you're a tweaker, you'll appreciate the end-piece terminal covers that can be snapped in and out without the need for any tools. You can control the volume of your MRV-M500 from the front seat with the optional RUX-KNOB.2 remote bass controller.

Putting together a bass system with this amp? Check out this Crutchfield-approved amp/sub package.

Alpine MRV-M500

MRV-M500 input and control panel

Confused about impedance? Check out our article on matching subs and amps.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • mono subwoofer car amplifier
  • 300 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (500 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms)
  • CEA-2006 compliant
  • variable low-pass filter (50-400 Hz, 24 dB/octave)
  • variable bass boost (0-12 dB at 50 Hz)
  • Class D amp with MOSFET power supply
  • preamp and speaker-level inputs
  • preamp outputs
  • Remote Sensing automatic turn-on when using speaker-level inputs
  • optional RUX-KNOB.2 wired remote level control
  • gold-plated screw terminals
  • fuse rating: 30A x 2
  • 4-gauge power and ground leads recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
  • 8-1/4"W x 2-3/16"H x 7-15/16"D
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # MRV-M500

What's in the box:

  • Mono subwoofer amplifier
  • Two 30 amp ATO fuses (installed)
  • 7.5" Speaker-level input harness
  • 2 Snap on terminal covers
  • Four 3/4" Self-tapping hex-head screws
  • Owner's manual (English/ French/ Spanish)
  • Alpine Verification Certificate
  • Warranty information
  • On-line product registration information

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Customer reviews for Alpine MRV-M500

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5.0 out of 5 stars
138 reviews

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More details on the Alpine MRV-M500

Mark G.

Product Research

Features

CEA-2006 Compliant: CEA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement methods for mobile audio amplifiers. This voluntary standard advocates a uniform method for measuring an amplifier's RMS power output and signal-to-noise ratio. The criteria for measuring power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and the RMS power output is measured with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N) over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (for full range amplifiers). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4Ω. CEA-2006 allows consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers on an equal basis. Using CEA-2006 criteria, the Alpine MRV-M500 is rated as follows:

  • Power Output:
    • 4Ω: 300 watts x 1-channel (<0.2% THD+N)
    • 2Ω: 500 watts x 1-channel (<0.3% THD+N)
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 85 dBA (105 dB at rated power)

Speaker Level Input: A speaker level input harness is included, making it easier to add the amplifier to a factory radio or to a receiver with no preamp outputs. The 8-pin harness has inputs for front and rear speakers. While only two speaker inputs are necessary, wiring all four will minimize the fader's effect on the subwoofer output.

Auto Turn-on: If using the speaker level input, an automatic circuit turns the amplifier on when it senses an input signal.

Low Pass Filter: The amp is equipped with a 50-400Hz variable low-pass filter with a slope of 24 dB/octave. This being a mono subwoofer amp, the crossover is always engaged.

Bass EQ: The Bass EQ circuit provides a variable boost (0-12dB) at 50 Hz.

Wired Remote: An RJ-25 jack is provided for connecting an optional RUX-KNOB wired remote (item number 500RUXKNOB, sold separately), allowing remote control of the output level of the amplifier.

Connections:

  • Battery: set screw terminal; accepts up to 4 gauge wire
  • Remote: set screw terminal; accepts up to 8 gauge wire
  • GND (ground): set screw terminal; accepts up to 4 gauge wire
  • Speaker Output: set screw terminals; accept up to 8 gauge wire
  • Line Inputs: 1 pair of stereo RCA jacks
  • Line Output: left and right channel RCA output jacks to daisy-chain another amplifier without having to run an additional set of cables; the output is not affected by the MRV-M500's internal crossover
  • Speaker Level Input: Molex plug input for supplied 8-pin harness
  • Wired Remote: RJ-25 jack for optional wired remote

Note: Alpine recommends 4 gauge power and ground wire (minimum).

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Customer Q&A

33 questions already asked

Q
On the app when my light on the amp goes from Blue to red and then the speaker cuts out what does that mean ?
baby d  May 23, 2019
3 answers
A
I have the amp and without looking at the owners manual, but based upon my experience with other equipment (amps and home speakers) i'd venture to say you're over driving the amp. To verify, adjust the gain to minimum and see if it behaves the same (as well, turn your head unit volume to minimum) Another possibility is the amp is overheating. Could also be that the 12V to the amp is too low (either due to car 12V being too low to begin with or improper supply wire gauges resulting in voltage drop across the wire
david  Jun 05, 2019
A
You can refer to the manual that came in the box or download it but red either means it's over heated or there is a short in your wiring. There is also a possibility that it fried which is what happened to me but that is uncommon with these amps. I have one that is over 5 years old I think and it still works perfectly.
tyler  Jun 05, 2019
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
kristina  Jun 05, 2019 (Staff)
Q
Is this amp a good choice to pair with a Comp R?
robert  May 21, 2019
4 answers
A
If you are looking for clean power and moderate level bass this will be enjoyable.
wayne  Jun 03, 2019
A
Depends on size of Sub Driver using!? ~ , Small Sub Woofers, Sure!, Or one Might even Consider Using One on Each Driver!... ( And Ohm Loads ) For INTENSE Bass Output!. and woofers Power Handling ( Each ) and Enclose!!?.... Geo-Star*
george  Jun 03, 2019
A
it can be depending on which comp r. the dual 4ohm 12" would be the best match at 2ohm. the dual 2ohm 8" would be a great match at 4ohm. running a pair of 8 or 10" dual 2 ohm subs wired back to 2ohm would keep the subs out of the danger zone and probably produce the best sound if you have the space. dont run it hard for long the first few days and dont run it at less than 2ohm's
joseph  Jun 02, 2019
A
Depends on the rms. U want to try and match the rms power of ur subs to ur amp as close as you can.Out of the box this amp was rated for 517 watts rms. I have it running 2 jl audios rated at 600 rms combined. Its perfect for what i need it for and the price was great aswell. Hope this helps.
zachariah  May 31, 2019
Q
Can I use a dual 2ohm sub with this amp if so how would I wire it?
dylan  May 09, 2019
1 answer
A
Yes you can use a dual 2 ohm sub with that amp. You would wire it in series to achieve a 4 ohm impedance which would give you 300 watts RMS from the amp. You can find the wiring diagram here: https://bit.ly/2WgpJKz
casey  May 31, 2019 (Staff)
Q
Can the mono preout on the M500 be used to drive a 3 Way Center Channel speaker mounted under dash in center front ?
paul  Apr 25, 2019
1 answer
A
Yes you can send a full-range signal from those preamp outputs to another amp. The output is not affected by the MRV-M500's internal crossover.
casey  May 08, 2019 (Staff)
Q
I have a 2017 chevy Colorado with the factory Bose system. Do I need a line out converter to run this amp? If not is the sound quality as good as an LOC if used?
clint  Apr 05, 2019
4 answers
A
Just hooked up an audio control LC2i converter to my Mrv-m500 amp. The sound quality is significantly better compared to using the speaker level inputs on the amp.
christopher  Apr 15, 2019
A
If there aren't any rca outputs on your stock head unit you will need a LOC. I think the sound quality is still good using a Line out converter.
daniel  Apr 15, 2019
A
Yes you will
jerry m  Apr 15, 2019
A
No, this amp takes speaker level input voltage. That's how I'm running it in my Nissan Xterra and the sound quality is great!
david  Apr 12, 2019
Q
Does Remote Sensing Turn-On work with RCA input? Alpine's website says it does, but the manual (and your site) says otherwise.
tom  Mar 27, 2019
4 answers
A
The amp turns on via remote wire.
jason  Apr 03, 2019
A
I would say no you still need to run your remote an I'm using the rca inputs as well
cody  Apr 03, 2019
A
Remote sensing does not turn on with RCA input. Only with remote signal wire or speaker level inputs. May have been confusion between speaker level inputs and rca inputs.
zachary s.  Apr 03, 2019
A
I don't believe soEnter
courtney  Apr 03, 2019
Q
I have a alpine mrv-m500 and a 12 inch alpine s-w12d4 sub will this amp and sub work together?
nicolas  Mar 13, 2019
4 answers
A
I have the same set up. Works great.
sean parsons  Mar 19, 2019
A
They will work together! Just keep in mind to wire the sub (as per directions they even include fancy jumpers) to 2 ohms for max power. That setup would be nice HOWEVER if you want the most out of that sub you want something with 600 watts not 500, i reccomend the infinity kappa k600, it is the same price as that alipne and will deliver more power. Have a good day!
alessandro  Mar 19, 2019
A
Absolutely and it will drive it very well.
jeff  Mar 19, 2019
A
Yes! I run this combo in a sound ordinance sealed box. Great output and quality
josh  Mar 19, 2019
Q
Will this kill my battery? I have a kicker 300 Watt RMS subwoofer. I just bought the MRV 500 Amp. I don't have the amp up a full capacity. Possibly 1/3 to 1/2. I don't know if this will kill my battery? Please Advise.
m  Feb 20, 2019
4 answers
A
As mentioned before, don't use it without the engine on for too long. Last night I tested it out with a 10" sub without the engine running for about that 10 minute time and battery was completely dead in the morning. Other than that, it's running great!
jason  Apr 29, 2019
A
I has not killed mine, I have a 2002 Trans Am and I have not upgraded the alternator, I also still have the factory Monsoon amp still running.
roland  Feb 21, 2019
A
No not if your alternator is working properly it shouldn't be a problem it will if motor isn't running if your trying to listen to stereo with key in on position out ikn accessory without motor running then yes it will run battery dead I wouldnt go longer then 10 min without motor running
bannon  Feb 21, 2019
A
More than likely not but all systems do take an enventual toll on batteries and alternators. I run completion quality systems and have to replace batteries and alternators within a year if I don't use a capacitor. If you use it a lot and have it pounding all the time, your battery should last around 2 years with what you described but that all depends on size and quality of battery too.
brandon  Feb 21, 2019
Q
I have a MRV M500 when the power is on the blue led lights. When you turn off your power, how long will the blue led stay lit? or should it go off at once?
lance  Dec 28, 2018
4 answers
A
I really don't know, since it is in the back of my car. I have not had any problems with mine in 2 years.
roland  Dec 28, 2018
A
If blue lights on and your head unit is powered down your remote wire is wired to 12 volt constant! The blue remote wire should be wired to accessory wire. But if key turns off but head unit is still on but then goes off after a few minutes like most vehicles these days do and amp turns off when head unit turns off your good to go.
bannon  Dec 28, 2018
A
It should go right off
trevieontay  Dec 28, 2018
A
The light should go off right away.
corey  Dec 28, 2018
Q
What does everyone suggest setting the "Bass EQ" setting to?
josh  Jul 21, 2018
1 answer
A
I matched mine w the Alpine Type S sub so I have the gain at max to get my 500 watts plus which is what that subs rated RMS is. I leave the bass eq at 0. Don't need it if you can pair the amp w the right sun, like in my case, they are made for one another.
noe  Jul 27, 2018
Q
Can this run at 1 ohms? If so, what would the output wattage be?
justin  Jun 30, 2018
1 answer
A
Not sure very nice amp though contact Cosmo at crutchfield he'll be able to help
mike  Jul 04, 2018
Q
Can someone purchase the thermal covers and screws for the m500?
jody  May 17, 2018
1 answer
A
Call alpine with the model number and ask.
juan  May 17, 2018
Q
Will the mrv m500 push a pair of alpine type R 12wd2 subwoofers with one amp per sub??
allen  Mar 21, 2018
3 answers
A
Wired in parallel you could probably use a single amp...depends on your expectations and the enclosure. I prefer tight base, currently using a single 12" in a bass reflex box...very happy with this amp.
jeff  Apr 04, 2018
A
Yes it is capable of pushing the subwoofer.
juan  Apr 04, 2018
A
I had problems with this amp. I went through two amps, and eventually returned it for s full refund
michael d  Apr 04, 2018
Q
Iâ??m not very knowledgeable in car audio but I have a 12 inch type r subwoofer with this amp and Iâ??m not that impressed I feel like this subwoofer needs more at louder volume my bass seems to disappear anyone help me with this? I like my music loud but I feel like this sub and amp canâ??t keep up and perform
vincent  Mar 07, 2018
1 answer
A
Most Type R subwoofers are rated to handle a lot more wattage than this amplifier is capable of providing. Depending on your specific model and it's specifications, you can likely upgrade to a much more powerful amp. For additional assistance and personalized recommendations, feel free to contact us directly by phone or through our online chat service: https://www.crutchfield.com/support/ContactUs.aspx
ryan  Mar 16, 2018 (Staff)
Q
How do I go about wiring two Kicker comp 10"s with this MRV-M500 ? I thought I knew more about this then I do. I'm not getting nearly as much bass as I should be. Right now I have the positives and negatives from each sub going into the input. Doesn't seem to be working correctly.
baldy  Jul 19, 2017
2 answers
A
Also, you may want to try disconnecting one of the speakers. See if an individual speaker sounds better.
michael  Jul 19, 2017
A
You may want to check with Crutchfield tech support, but it sounds like what you are doing should work fine. You are wiring the speakers in parallel which would result in a 2 ohm load to the amplifier, which it is spec'd to handle. Did you try the adjustment knobs in the back of the amp?
michael  Jul 19, 2017
Q
I just aquired an Alpine MRV-M500. I have 6 speakers in my 98 Camero. 5.25's 100W RMS in front, 6.5's 160w in the middle and 6×9's 400w in the rear hatch area. Do I wire the 6.5's and 6×9's to the amp in series or just the 6×9's in series or just the 6×9's in parallel? (all watts RMS/all speakers 4 ohm) Can't seem to get a straight answer to this. Since I purchased my dbl din bezzel kit from you guys, I thought you could help me.
douglas  Nov 11, 2016
1 answer
A
The Alpine MRV-M500 is a mono subwoofer amplifier, which is not designed to drive full-range speakers. Even if wired properly, any/all of the speakers you connect to the MRV-M500 amp would only produce bass frequencies between 7-400Hz. You'd be much better off using a 4-channel amp to drive your speakers instead. I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat for further information and help selecting the appropriate amplifier for your system. I hope that helps!
david  Nov 14, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Can this be used with a factory subwoofer input or does it have to be from the speakers?
austin  Aug 22, 2016
2 answers
A
You could wire this to a factory sub easy, just look up the wiring diagram, might have to do a lot of splicing. What vehicle is this for?
isaiah  Aug 24, 2016
A
Yes it can I.have a Subaru forester with a factory sub and I used the factory signal wire to work the new sub.
randy  Aug 24, 2016
Q
Well this MRV-M500 Mono push my two 12" Polk Audio MM 1240D????
frizbee  Jun 29, 2016
1 answer
A
Yes, it should. This will give you 300 W RMS at 4 Ohm, and the Polk MM 1240D is a 4 Ohm woofer with a RMS range of 100 - 425 W. I have had good audio with the low-pass filter around 300 Hz, however with a 12" woofer you might consider seeing how it sounds at a lower cutoff.
gareth  Jun 29, 2016
Q
Can this amp be use for voice speakers????
joseph  Jan 16, 2016
2 answers
A
This would not be a good choice for voice speakers. This amp works best in the 7-400 Hz range - so it is really designed for subwoofers. I would recommend contacting an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help you track down an amp that will work for you system and your budget.
jeff  Jan 20, 2016 (Staff)
A
I do not believe so since this is only a mono block you would not be able to send the sound to multiple speakers.
larry  Jan 17, 2016
Q
can this amp be used with other brand's bass knob? The rux knob doesnt seem to be full range. (0%, 25%, 50%, 100%). It reaches that 100% mark when turned halfway! if so, what knob brands work for alpine's mrv-m500?
bernard  Jan 16, 2016
2 answers
A
Maybe you have the amp level too high. I set my amp level so that it hits the highest level I want when I have knob turned all the way up.
chris  Jan 23, 2016
A
Bernard, Been using the RUX knob for about 2 1/2 years, with Alpine M500 driving a 10" MB Quart woofer in a 2013 F150. Have not had any issues with the interface. I never use the knob past 50% anyway. I'm sure other variable resistors would work, just not plug and play. Good luck.
ken  Jan 18, 2016
Q
Can I Daisy chain/strap these amps together?
rubin  Jan 11, 2016
2 answers
A
it does have preouts for running outputs to another amp, these outputs are not affected by this amp so yes but you wont be able to control the amps seperately from the head unit as they will be running off the same channel.
joseph  Jun 02, 2019
A
Specs say pre amp non fading outputs. I had front, rear and sub outs on my headunit but i suspect you could feed the high pass out to other amps
brad  Jan 11, 2016
Q
does this amp come with the alpine bass knob?
alyssa  Sep 14, 2015
6 answers
A
Yes
lisa  Sep 21, 2015
A
NO
deborah  Sep 16, 2015
A
No, the knob is a separate purchase.
michael  Sep 15, 2015
A
NO it doesn't. You will have to purchase it separately.
robert  Sep 15, 2015
A
No
jarrod  Sep 15, 2015
A
NO purchase separately but we'll worth it
vincent  Sep 15, 2015
Q
When using the speaker level input harness, do I have to use all 4 channels (8 wires)? Or will it work with just using 2 channels (4 wires)? I planned on only tapping into 2 speakers.
chris m  Feb 17, 2015
3 answers
A
Hey Chris awesome choice in amplifier, if you are installing one amp then tapping into one rear deck (6x9) speaker is good enough. it all depends on your stereo system, if your car has a built in amplifier from factory and you want to use the high input harness for your amp all you need is to tap into one speaker (2 wires). if you connect both (6x9) speakers to one amp you will minimize the power to the amp. I have 2 MRV-M500 installed in my Buick Verano 2012,and that particular car comes with a built in factory stereo amp. when I first installed both amps I had one amp per speaker and I tapped in to the (6x9)'s 2 speaker wires for the left amp and 2 speaker wires for the right amp. what happened is the amps sounded very distorted. what I did to straighten the power out was, I tapped into one (6x9) speaker 2 wires using the high input wires of one amp then with RCA plugs I connected the other amp to the first amp. distortion was gone and now you can here me coming 5 blocks away. I have 2 MRV-M500 connected to 2 SWS-15D4 alpine speakers one amp per speaker. I hope this helps.
clyde  Feb 19, 2015
A
I only used 4. Tapping into only my 2 rear speakers to pick up the bass and everything worked fine. I had it that way for a year then got a new head unit and connected normal RCA's. Biggest thing is connecting the remote turn on wire from the amp to a circuit that actually turns off when the car is off if you are not going to tap into the back of the head unit. Hope that helps. Good luck.
brent j  Feb 18, 2015
A
Chris, Just to confirm you are asking about the MRV-M500 amp which is Mono. The MRV-F300 is the 4/3/2 channel amp. If you are asking about the MRV-M500, I used pre amp inputs but since this is a mono amp you should only need 1 channel input. With that said I would recommend using L&R speaker inputs in case the source material has bass in only one channel. This is rare but can happen.
brad  Feb 18, 2015
Q
When using speaker-level inputs, the amp is supposed to turn on and off automatically when the stereo is turned on. I am using speaker-level inputs, but the amp stays on whether the stereo is on or off. Could the amp be defective, or are there some other reason this may be happening?
robert  Feb 04, 2015
4 answers
A
but don't forget about the remote power wire coming from the stereo
robert l  Feb 05, 2015
A
You have to have the "remote" wire going from the head unit to the amp telling it to turn on and off whenever the head unit is powered on or off. It is basically a 12v power supply. I just have a switched 12v running from the battery to the amp completely bypassing the head unit.
todd b  Feb 05, 2015
A
it sounds like you may not have your remote wire to your amp ran to the right place. How do you currently have it ran?
brandon  Feb 05, 2015
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer. You can also post your question in our forums: http://community.crutchfield.com. Or try our online support center: http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/.
greg  Feb 05, 2015 (Staff)
Q
I'm thinking about getting this amp and I have an old bass knob. Can I just plug that into this amp? Or do I really need to spend 30$ to get alpine's knob?
kelly  Jan 26, 2015
2 answers
A
You can use the old bass know with the telephone cable connection.
justin  Jan 30, 2015
A
this amp looks like it has aremote bass controll that can be dash mounted .
walter  Jan 27, 2015
Q
hello... I have 2 Kenwood Excelon XR-W12F subs in a "truck box"... will this amp run them? I only aak because I already have this amp running one 12" jl audio in a stealth box in my '01 ram quad cab.
rebel  Dec 19, 2014
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your subs I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.
kristina  Dec 21, 2014 (Staff)
Q
Can I connect the MRV-M500 to dual subwoofers? or do I need 1 amp per subwoofer? I have dual 12" subwoofers in a box.
clyde  Mar 30, 2014
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on selecting the best amp for your subs I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences between the amp models and help you make the best choice for your system.
kristina  Mar 30, 2014 (Staff)
Q
I have noticed that since i have owned this amp that it gets VERY warm at times, i dont even keep the gain all the way up yet i have had time where it gets very hot, alot more so than the version of this amp that this replaced. Anyone else have this?
rexx  Jan 07, 2014
4 answers
A
when I first installed the Alpine MRV-M500 in my car, I noticed that about, in the first six hours, it was very very warm, but after that, it has been working fine, I did not do anything to fix it , I've had this amp for five months, and when I touch it with my hands, hardly feel hot and the music in my car listening very clear, I also noticed that the sound of my 12'' subwoofer had a change, now also the sound is strong but does not have much power as punch to make my car shake or vibrate as Previous amplifier that I had, but still I like it because all my music is heard entirely clear.
alejandro  Jan 16, 2014
A
i have never even felt mine get "hot". the only time i check it is during the summer on the really hot day (99-102). have you try mounting the amp so there's a space under? And maybe try an open mounting position, meaning good air flow. mines on top of my box dual subwoofer 12in box. and its taking up the whole back part part of my extend cab s-10. you might just have a bad amp to. one of the main reasons i bought this amp was the fact of its thermal protection.
stephen d  Jan 07, 2014
A
I have this amp mounted under back seat in Chevy truck, so I'm unable to monitor heat, if any.
william  Jan 07, 2014
A
Even though I have a hatchback where the amp can get plenty of air, I have noticed that it gets hot, but has never gone into protection mode or declined in performance in any way. The gain on my amp is almost all the way up too. I'm pushing a JL Audio HO 10" W3V3, so the amp is matched up well. I am not a car audio expert, I just know that the amp keep working with a heavy load.
jason a  Jan 07, 2014
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