[MOSFET]

I see your point and do agree with what you said. Perhaps I should have
clarified and said that Alpine should have offered a non-amplified version
as well. I didn't mean that the integrated amp was a bad idea (oops, double
negative...my third grade grammar teacher is rolling over in her grave). I
was just thinking that if one already owned a Class D amp, let's say, it
would be nice to have the option of purchasing JUST the subwoofer system
(and obviously Alpine would configure it in a way that there was just one
set of speaker inputs; I doubt Alpine would design it so the customer had to
wire all six of the subs together himself).

But I do agree that by integrating the whole package, you simplify things
for the customer (a direction Alpine seems to be moving with ALL it's
product lines, like doing away with Bass Engine Plus and Pro on it's HU,
perhaps because they thought it was too confusing for consumers). And, as
you pointed out, there is less risk of damage to the speakers by a user
connecting the amp incorrectly or overpowering the subs.

I'll take a look again at the amp they are using for the unit. Your
observations on the design sound interesting.

Nick

"John" wrote in message
...

Mosfet, good discussion on the new product. With the part of your text
below that I quoted though, I disagree. I think Alpine is smart, that
is why they designed it with an amplifier. That way, if it is properly
designed, they should not have to deal with as many warranty issues
like blown speakers, not to mention they can charge more for the
product. That is the same reason why their head units need costly
accessories for things like ipod control, satellite radio, usb, and
even a simple accessory input rather than having them simply out of the
box ready and integrated. Also, most people, off the top of their head,
have no clue as to how to wire 7 speakers together into a proper mono
load.

The part I find the most interesting is the amp actually. Take a look
at the actual design of it. It resembles a home audio plate amp more
than any common automotive audio amplifier. Another thing that this amp
offers, and that a number of their older other amp models offered, is
speaker line level input and outputs in addition to RCA. Very helpful
for the person who wants to add bass without spending more money and
going through more work than other alternatives require.

I agree. If Alpine were smart, they would design one
WITHOUT the built in
amp.

MOSFET


--
John