Verdict
For those of you looking for a compact, yet powerful 4-channel amplifier, I believe the MRV-F300 is a great compromise between size and strength. If you are new to the aftermarket car upgrading space and haven’t decided if swapping out your head unit is the right choice yet, but know that you want a crisper sound with a thundering punch, this is our pick for you. Likewise, for those more experienced, but looking for a compact option that doesn’t compromise strength, this is also our choice for your vehicle.
Pros
- Extremely versatile 4-channel amplifier
- 40% smaller than the previous model, allowing it to fit practically anywhere
- Can send 50 watts of power to both front and rear speakers
Cons
- Lacks a switch to alternate between 2 and 4 channel input
- Closed power terminals make 4 gauge wire a tight fit
- A 98/61 S/N ratio could be improved
Introduction
The Alpine MRV-F300 is described as a “compact powerhouse,” due to it being designed around two principles – small size and power. With the new-to-market Class D amplifier technology, it brings a set of features most amplifiers don’t have. If you’re looking for portability and loudness, this may be for you.
Class D amplifier technology is still new to the market and presents some great features lacking in amplifiers with Class A or B technology. Efficiency is a notable benefit, as Class D technology allows for 80% – 90% efficiency, while Class A and B technology sit only at 50%-60%. This means that less power is being wasted, and more power is focused on being utilized to make a banging sound.
Since more power is conserved, Alpine was able to modify the form factor of their newer MRV-F300 and reduce the size by 40% by replacing the power supply with a smaller unit. Another great benefit is less heat radiates from the amplifier, for those of you who aren’t trying to heat your car by blasting your tunes.
Thermal Protection
Another great feature I love is that the MRV-F300 utilizes a technology called Enhanced Shutdown Performance. When the amplifier detects that it is beginning to overheat, rather than shutting itself off, it rolls back the output to a safer level.
From there, it cools off until it reaches a safer temperature, only to kick the power back up to where you had it. For those of us who have run into such problems (I enjoy my music too), this is a phenomenal feature.
Convenience
Alpine did a terrific job by ensuring the MRV-F300 came packed with tons of convenient features. It comes with high- and low-pass frequency filters, as well as a bass boost if you’re looking for those vibrations.
Additionally, you can install this in nearly every vehicle, even ones with factory radios, as the amplifier comes with both preamp- and speaker-level inputs.
For the self-proclaimed “tweakers,” you’ll be fond of the end-piece terminal covers that can be removed by hand without the need for any tools.
Features and Specifications
- Channels: 4-channel
- Power Output (4-Channel): 50 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms / 75 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms
- Power Output (2-Channel): 150 watts RMS x 2 bridged output at 4 ohms
- THD+N: 0.03% – 1%
- S/N Ratio: >81 dB at 1 W / >98dB at recommended power rating
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Input Impedance: >10k ohms
- Bass Boost: Selectable on channels 3 & 4 (+12dB at 50Hz)
- Wiring: 8-Guage recommended
- Warrenty: 1 Year
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / *Image Disclaimer: We use images/data from Amazon Product Advertising API solely on products that link to Amazon. On products with the "Price at Crutchfield" button, we use images/data from Crutchfield.com as per the partnership deal.
