Originally Posted by NoTLaDStyle
I am not impressed, the PDX series amps are indeed cool looking, stackable, and produce very low heat.
But they run class D circutry which reduces sound quality and they dont have any of the computer controlled features of hte MRD series =(
The voltage sensitivity is 4.0 as compared with 8.0 and 6.0 on the MRDs.
They do have a built in ground isolators that automaticly link and isolate the amp grounds with other stacked PDX series amps.
Bottom line, they are entry level cool looking(not as cool as the MRD series) and nothing special in the performance category.
I've never really been a fan of Alpine amps. Actually, the only Alpine piece I really liked was the old 7909. Lately, they just look like any other big box piece. I unfortunately see JL heading down this road.
Class D is an interesting choice. Switching speeds have gone way up, so they can get pretty close to the original wave shape. Funny how everyone wants digital audio, but then the CD player samples it so much it looks analog again. Then, a Class D turns it back into something digital, and people complain. I'd bet that most people won't hear the difference over a class AB, and what you gain in efficiency makes up for it, at lest from Alpine's perspective. What is kind of surprising is the regulation...no power increase at 2 ohms. Not sure why they would do that.
I think with smaller cars and less electrical system headroom, combined with consumer price pressure (and the overall lack of demand for real sound quality) class AB as we know it will start to fade away. The good news is that with competition, some of the new technologies (Rockford Hybrid, Class G, Class T, etc.) may make it so we don't miss it.
Toby