I'm looking at either getting a JL Audio 500/5 (or Alpine MRV-F450) 5 channel amp vs. a JL 300/4 and JL 250/1 setup. A dealer mention to me this about the 5 channel:

when you put a sub on the 5th channel the amplifier wont work as great when compared to two different amps. The 5 channel is going to have a heavier load on the amp and would cause that part of the amp to heat up, and if that part heats up the entire amp's sound quality will be lowered.

Is that about right? Or will only true audiophiles tell the difference? I seriously doubt I could tell the difference but if there are any real issues I'd love to hear them or why you chose one way vs. the other.

 

2 amps because then you can have more flexibility with upgrades in case you become dissatisfied with the output of one of your amps. What the dealer told you isn't exactly true. The 500/5 is actually pretty much a 300/4 and 250/1 combined onto 1 board. There isn't any problems with running different ohms into the amp because it is set up to handle this.

 

I looked at the same exact setups, 1 500x5 or two separate amps, the 300/4 and 250/1. In the end, I went with separate amps for the same reason redlude97 mentioned, flexibility. I had someone tell me the same thing about the 500x5, and then another dealer told me the JL slash amps are very well made and this would not be an issue. I think it has to do with what they have in stock, or how much money they want to make on you (2 amps usually cost more).

 

I have a JL 500/5 and have been very happy with it.

I wouldn't go to separate amps with the same total power as a 500/5. Go with the separate amps to get something that doesn't come in a single amp, like a 500/1 or 1000/1 for the amp and then get a better sub(s).

 

thanks all.... at least either way i go it won't suck! i'm wondering, will both options allow me to install the amp(s) in the stock amp location? my main reason for getting the 5 channel was space issues. Didn't want to sacrifice any trunk space.

 

I doubt you will get either option into the stock location, its pretty small in there, even if you remove the stock amp

 

multiple people, myself included, have managed to fit a JL 500/5 amp in the stock location with a little modding done to the black plastic flooring/support.

 

thats good to know, did you add any cooling since the space is so confined or is it running ok? I'd be worried about heat dissipation in that location

 

Nope, no cooling. JL slash series amps generally don't get really hot. It made it all the way through a North Carolina summer with no issues.

 

Do you have any pics of that setup? did you leave the cover mostly intact over it? I'm thinking of putting my sub amp down there, but installing 2 fans to help with air circulation. One at one end near the rear seats, and one at the opening near the bottom by the bumper in a push pull configuration to all for better heat dissipation. I've always read that its always good to have lots of air circulation, because even if the amp will still run, it increases the longevity of the amp by keeping it cooler.

 

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