I was planning on ordering a brand new JL 500/1 this morning, actually....I really like the look of the features it has to offer, and reviews on the sound quality have all been very positive. I have found a retailer that sells them apparently new, not refurbed, not B-stock...new with warranty for $390 + 30 shipping.

But a guy I play hockey with on Sundays told me he was looking for a new amp. He offered to sell me his ~7mo old Rockford BD1000. In looking for specs, I can find minimal information on this amp. I do know it will match the load I'm looking to run (500W rms @ 4 ohms), that it's a class D, and accepts 4 ga wiring...my base conditions. However, I can't seem to find some comparison info as far as how it stacks up to some of the 500/1's features - mainly distortion (and opinions on SQ in general), dampening factor (the JL's dampening factor is > 500 @ 4 ohm/50Hz), S/N ratio (JL is >95dB below rated power), and anything else worth noting. The JL seems to have more control afa frequency management goes. Both have an infrasonic filter. The JL has auto-load sensing (and also outputs the same power for 1.5-4ohms) and auto turn-on technology, whereas the RF seems not to have any comparable auto technology, and outputs different power under different loads.

The guy wants $400 for the RF. I'm leaning towards the JL still, but wanted to see if anyone had any words of comparitive wisdom afa this matchup goes. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

 

You can get a JBL BP600.1 for $205 or a BP1200.1 for $285 from Ikesound .

 

From what I've heard about JBL amps and sound quality / features, they don't come close to comparing to the quality of the JL 500/1, and probably not to the BD1000, though I'm not real knowledgeable on the RF, if not shown by my post.

I'm aware there's other amps out there - I've done my research, and have some past/general knowledge to dwell upon as well. But I'd rather keep this thread directly on topic of a comparison between the BD1000 and the JL 500/1. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

First off I think those numbers of it being 1200x1 at 4ohms is bullshiet. Aint no way a $200 amp can stack up to highend amps like JL which cost over $400.

Dixit

 

the 1200.1 puts out over 1300 at 2 ohms, not 4. It still puts out over 600 at 4 ohms. The 1200.1 is around $300 shipped, the 600.1 can be found for around $200. I don't think its fair to compare the JBL amps to the JLs though. The JBLs are meant to put out a ton of power for cheap. JL amps have extra features and cost a lot more.... I definately think that the JBLs stack up to the JL amps especially if you're talking about subs.

 

Welp...nobody talked me into the RF fast enough. I bit the bullet and ordered the JL this morning. I need to be able to bump around with SOME summer left... I wonder if I could get an amp rack made by the time it gets here...

 

See the reason why I believe these numbers are incorrect is because I currently have a 80.4 amp it really only puts out 40x4 at 4ohms. It is great for the interior speakers of the car, but I just cant see how the 1200watts JBL amp can push two 10" or 12" subs really hard without crapping out.

I mean even if it did push it, I can see that amp crapping out in 2months tops under my supervision. Amps circuitry is a big deal, Class D is a major thing now-a-days.

Dixit

 

the JL amp is better in that it will push out the stated wattage even if the voltage drops.

where as normal amps like the JBL and the RF will not.

that is why it's more expensive.. that and you are also paying for the extra features, and the JL name.

 

If you read the specs for your amp, you'll see that it's rated at 80x4 at 2 ohms, not 4. Most companies that name their model #s after the RMS wattage output will use either 2 or 1 ohm output, not 4 ohms. If you say that your amp is great, what reason would you have for not believing that the higher end amps will put out their rated power? FYI, I've been running my JBL 1200.1 for about 9 months now to my IDMAX 12 without any problems. And I have my system blasting all the time. Even after a few hours of bumping, the 1200.1 is MUCH cooler (warm to the touch) that my Alpine amp which is rated at about 160 watts. I for one love my amp and don't see it breaking down anytime soon.