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Alpine PDX-M12

Mono subwoofer amplifier — 1200 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms

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Item# 500PDXM12 offer details

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Alpine

Our take on the Alpine PDX-M12

2010 Innovations International CES
Alpine Authorized Online Dealer

Alpine packs Class-D amplifier technology into their PDX amplifiers for awesome power from a 2" tall frame. These small-but-mighty amps run so cool they can be stacked together into a single unit — their heatsinks couple together to cool the entire stack. Each amp offers an 8" by 10" footprint, so they'll fit in hatchbacks, trunks, truck cabs, and any vehicles with limited space.

Mono powerhouse
Winner of a 2010 Innovations Award, the PDX-M12 mono amplifier supplies a stunning 1,200 watts of sub-cranking power from its amazingly compact body. Beefy internal components and clever engineering keep the power output strong and the noise low for superb fidelity and control. The adjustable low-pass filter tailors the amp's output to your specific system.

Front-mounted controls and pop-out connectors
Front-mounted controls make post-installation adjustments a snap, even when multiple amps are stacked together. Nifty removable speaker and power wire plugs make it easy to install or remove an amp, while ensuring a tight connection and guaranteeing that your speakers work in unison. Gold-plated RCA inputs, outputs, and power connections resist corrosion and signal degradation.

Highlights:

  • mono subwoofer amplifier
  • 1,200 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (1,200 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms)
  • variable low-pass filter (50-400 Hz, 24 dB/octave)
  • selectable subsonic filter (off, 15 Hz, 30 Hz)
  • Class-D amplifier design
  • stackable installation design with front-panel controls
  • quick-connect speaker connectors
  • preamp-level inputs and outputs
  • MOSFET power and output stages
  • CEA-2006 compliant
  • fuse rating: 25A x 4
  • 4-gauge amp wiring kit with 80-amp fuse recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
  • 10-1/8"W x 2"H x 8-5/8"D
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
Performance
RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels)
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1200 x 1
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels)
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N/A
Power at 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels)
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1200 x 1
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels)
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N/A
Minimum Impedance Bridged
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N/A
Minimum Impedance Unbridged
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2
Best Frequency Response
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5-400 Hz
THD at Rated RMS Power
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1%
Signal to Noise Ratio
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92 dB
Input Voltage
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14.4v
Features
Amplifier Class
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D
Low-Pass Crossover Frequency
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50-400 Hz
Low-Pass Slope (dB/octave)
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24 dB/oct
High-Pass Crossover Frequency
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N/A
High-Pass Slope (dB/octave)
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N/A
Bass Boost
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N/A
Bass Boost Frequency
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N/A
Fan Cooled
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No
Fuse Rating
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100
Speaker Level Inputs
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No
Preamp Outputs
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1 pair
Width (inches)
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10-1/8
Height (inches)
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2
Depth (inches)
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8-5/8
Parts Warranty
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1 Year
Labor Warranty
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1 Year

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Monoblock class-D amplifier (with four 25A ATO fuses inserted in chassis)
  • Battery connector plug
  • Speaker connector plug
  • 2 Stacking plates
  • Four M3 x 7mm machine screws
  • Four M4 x 24mm machine screws
  • Four M4 x 36mm self-tapping screws
  • 2 Hex-keys (Small/Large)
  • Owner's Manual (Eng/Fre/Spa)
  • Verification Certificate
  • Limited Warranty Card
  • Customer Care Registration Card

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features
Controls
Connections

Features

PDX Amplifier Design: Class-D amplifiers boast higher efficiency, produce much less heat, and draw less current than traditional Class-AB amps. The PDX series is Alpine's super-efficient power density design of full-range and monoblock class-D amps. They combine MOSFET power supplies, MOSFET final outputs, and a thermal management processor, along with a 6-Layer Glass Epoxy PC Board to create a high-end sound quality without the bulky heat sinks required by most amps with this much power.

STAR Topology: Alpine's unique STAR (Signal Transit for Accurate Response) Circuit PCB design provides a single common ground for all amp sub-blocks, preventing ground interference and minimizing internal noise.

Power Management Processor: The Alpine PDX amplifier incorporates Alpine's new Power Management circuit. The Power Management Processor controls all aspects of amplifier performance, monitoring voltage, temperature and output to ensure uninterrupted power output for non-stop listening.

Uninterrupted Protection Circuits: If the amplifier gets too hot, the Thermal Protection circuit kicks in and gradually decreases output power until it cools down. Once cool, the power output automatically increases back to the previous level. If the circuit detects a Low Battery condition, it will gradually decrease power output if battery voltage becomes too low. Once the battery voltage increases, power will be restored. This interruption-free design allows for non-stop enjoyment with no hiccups or drop-outs, just clean, clear output.

Monoblock Design: The Alpine PDX-M12 is a monoblock subwoofer amplifier designed specifically to handle low frequencies between 5 and 400 Hz.

Low Impedance Stability: This amp is stable at low impedances and is capable of its rated power (1200-watts x 1-channel) from 2 to 4 ohms. This allows excellent flexibility with multiple speaker and subwoofer loads and is adjusted automatically.

CEA 2006 Compliant: The PDX-M12's power ratings are measured according to the strict standards dictated by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). These standards allow you to accurately compare the rated power output of all CEA 2006-compliant amplifiers, even if they come from different brands. Manufacturers who adhere to the standards can display the CEA 2006 logo on their products and packaging.

  • 4-ohm Load: 1200 watts x 1-channel in 4-ohms @ 20 to 400 Hz with 1% THD+N
  • 2-ohm Load: 1200 watts x 1-channel in 2-ohms @ 20 to 400 Hz with 1% THD+N

Verification Certificate: The amplifier comes with a certificate that lists the RMS power output of the individual amplifier. It also lists the model number, serial number, test date, and the test conditions (14.4 volts, 4 ohms).

Ultra-Wide Frequency Response: The Alpine PDX-M12 offers a super-wide, frequency range (5-400Hz) for unparallel sound quality and detail.

Ultra-Low Output Impedance: With ultra-low output impedance, the PDX-M12 offers extremely controlled, tight bass for unprecedented sound quality. The amplifier's Damping Factor is rated at >1,000.

High Signal-to-Noise: This amplifier is capable of S/N ratios up to 92dB S/N @ 1W, 123dB S/N at rated power for extremely clean, uncolored sound. The PDX amp delivers crystal clear music every time, without unwanted background noise or static.

Beefy Power Supply: The PDX amplifier's power supply delivers tremendous headroom with low distortion and noise. The PDX amplifier has an extremely high total system efficiency of ~80% (power supply is rated at >90%, output stage is rated >90%).

Stackable: The PDX series amplifiers are 20% thinner than previous models at only 2" thick. A newly designed stacking system packs the amps closer together so there are no gaps and to save space in the trunk while directly coupling the amps heatsinks to help share cooling duties.

Notes: When stacking multiple amplifiers, do not install vertically or at an incline. Any stack installation other than parallel to the vehicle floor, invalidates the warranty.

LED: The top mounted LED Power indicator glows blue when the amplifier is turned on.

Controls

Hidden Controls: The Alpine PDX amplifier's controls are hidden behind a decorative front-panel. The front-panel is removed by unscrewing one machine screw with the supplied hex key and then prying the front panel open.

Gain Control: The PDX-M12 provides independent rotary controls for the front and rear channels to set the amplifier's gain according to the level of the incoming signal. The gain settings is continuously variable from 0.1V to 8.0V.

Subsonic Filter: Also called an infrasonic filter, a subsonic filter cuts off extremely low bass (below the range of human hearing) that many speakers cannot effectively reproduce, thereby making the amp's power supply and output devices, and the speaker, more efficient. The subsonic filter can either be set to 30Hz, 15Hz or Off.

Low Pass Filter: The amplifier features a built-in Low Pass Filter with a rotary, variable adjustment knob which permits adjustment of the crossover frequency, by rotating the knob to select any frequency between 50 to 400 Hz (-24 dB/oct) as the crossover point.

Wired Remote (optional): Simply add Alpine's wired remote control (500RUXKNOB, sold separately), and get full control from the front of your vehicle for remote bass adjustments. You also have the ability to control multiple amps from just one controller with simple telephone cord adapters (also sold separately).

Connections

Terminal Layout: For wiring convenience, all of the inputs and outputs on the amplifier are on one side.

Quick Connect Plugs: The PDX series amplifier uses quick connect plugs to attach your system's speaker wires and power cables to the amp for a simple, error-free installation.

Quick Connect Speaker Terminals: The Alpine PDX-M12 includes a quick connect high-power speaker terminal. Bare speaker wire, up to 8 gauge, is held in place by two screw-clamps on the quick connector. The speaker terminal quick connector then plugs into the amplifier.

Quick Connect Battery Terminals: The removable battery terminal quick connector features a low-loss, high-current design. It accepts up to 4GA wire for power and ground, to ensure your amp gets the power it needs while allowing for easy installation. The remote-turn on lead will accept up 12 gauge wire. The power, ground, and remote-turn on lead are secured by set-screws on quick connector. The battery terminal quick connector then plugs into the amplifier.

Line Level Input: The Alpine PDX-M12 is equipped with two gold-plated female RCA jacks.

Line Level Output: In addition to the line inputs, the PDX-M12 has non-fading left and right female RCA outputs for extra system flexibility, so you can daisy chain a second PDX monoblock amplifier.

Fuses: The Alpine PDX-M12 is equipped with four 25-amp ATO fuses.

 

Product Reviews

Review Summary

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1-2 of 2 items Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

alpine pdx m-12

Written By gotspl, ontario, Canada on Wednesday, April 21, 2010
 
hey all i just got this amp today and my first impression was wow this thing is sleek and looks awesome, i was even happier when i pulled out the birth certificate and it said 1391rms! i have this amp pushing 2 15" alpine type r's, now that i have it all tuned up it pounds so much hard then my old amp (kicker zx 1000.1). this amp does get a litte toasty, but nothing to get worried about, i love the size. if i could find something to complain about it would be that it does not have built in bass booster like my kicker did. but overall i'd say very nice amp, and make sure you have big enough electrical system to power it. i have 2 power cells as well as my battery up front and the big three done under the hood (all 0 gauge wire)and i couldn't be any happier, definitely worth the money.
5 out of 8 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Lots of Power Tiny Package

Written By kyle140, Scotland, Ontario, Canada on Tuesday, July 05, 2011
 
Go this bad boy paired up with a Kenwood KNX7180 and a 15" woofer in a custom to spec ported box, and this thing puts out way more power than my old PDX1.1000 put down. Compared to the last gen PDX this thing is a heck of a lot more efficent (Same max current draw with 200w more RMS guaranteed on TAP)

Only feature i find truly lacking with this amp is the variable SSF (More options than just off 15hz and 30hz)
2 out of 3 people found this helpful
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Accessories

Things you'll need

Amplifier Wiring Kits
You'll need an amp wiring kit to install your new amplifier, as wiring is not included.
StreetWires ZeroNoise 3 ZN3Ki-04
4-gauge amplifier wiring kit with patch cable — red power/brown ground
$59.99
In Stock
 
 
EFX 4-gauge Amplifier Wiring Kit
Power and signal connections for your new amp
$79.99
In Stock
 
 
Rockford Fosgate RFK4
4-gauge amplifier power wiring kit
$114.99
In Stock
 
 
Rockford Fosgate RFK4X
Complete 4-gauge amplifier wiring kit
Includes patch cable and speaker wire

Also available in:
Open Box: $143.99
$159.99
In Stock
 
 
Kicker 09PK4
4-gauge amplifier power wiring kit
$129.99
In Stock
 
 
Show more items
Speaker Wire
Bring the music from your amp to your speakers.
StreetWires 12-gauge Ultra Cable™ Speaker Wire
Blue/copper jacket — priced per foot
$1.00
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires 14-gauge Ultra Cable™ Speaker Wire
Blue/copper jacket — priced per foot
$0.75
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires 14-gauge Super Cable™ Speaker Wire
Translucent blue jacket — priced per foot (Clear)
$0.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires 16-gauge Super Cable™ Speaker Wire
Blue jacket — priced per foot
$0.40
In Stock
 
 
Stinger PRO Series 16-gauge Speaker Wire
Black jacket — priced per foot
$0.30
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires iCS920C
20' multi-conductor cable (eight speaker leads, one turn-on lead)
$39.99
In Stock
 
 
Show more items
Stereo Patch Cables
Patch cables take the music from your stereo to the amplifier. Most amp wiring kits don't include them.
StreetWires ZeroNoise 3 Stereo Patch Cables
Available in two different lengths (19.7 feet)
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires Zero Noise 5 Stereo Patch Cables
High-performance cables with superior noise rejection (16.4-foot)
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires Zero Noise 5 4-channel Patch Cables
Available in 3 different lengths (16.4 feet)

Also available in:
Open Box: $56.99
$59.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires Zero Noise 7 Stereo Patch Cables
Available in 5 different lengths (16.4 feet)
$54.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires Zero Noise 7 4-Channel Patch Cable
Available in different lengths (16.4 feet)
$79.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires ZeroNoise® 9 Series 2-channel Patch Cables
High-performance cables with superior noise rejection (16.4 feet)
$109.99
In Stock
 
 
StreetWires ZeroNoise® 9 Series 4-channel Patch Cables
High-performance cables with superior noise rejection (16.4-foot)
$89.99
Low Stock
 
After $40.00 Price Break
 
EFX 17-foot RCA Patch Cable
$8.99
In Stock
 
 
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Accessories we recommend

Firewall Bushings
If you have to drill a hole in your vehicle's firewall for your power cable, you'll need a bushing to protect the wire.
StreetWires FB4
4-gauge firewall bushing
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Remotes
Add a remote and control your amp from the driver's seat.
Alpine RUX-KNOB
Remote subwoofer level control
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
Fuses
Get a spare fuse now so you won't be listening to silence later.
Littelfuse Smart Glow ATO blade-style fuses
2-packs — 8 sizes available (25-amp)
$1.99
In Stock
 
After $1.00 Price Break
 
Fuse Holders
For multi-amp systems, you'll need a separate fuse holder.
Rockford Fosgate RFFAGU Fuse Holder
Platinum-plated AGU fuse holder
Fits 4- or 8-gauge cable
$10.99
In Stock
 
 
EFX CAFH Fuse Holder
In-line AGU fuse holder accepts 4/8-gauge wire
$12.99
In Stock
 
 

Extras

Capacitors
Helps protect your car's charging system and improves power handling. Required power and ground wires not included with cap.
StreetWires ZeroNoise1 Capacitor
1-farad capacitor (16/20 volt) — Model ZN1-1FC
$99.99
In Stock
 
 
Tsunami LITEWAVE Series PP912UM-CAP
1.2-farad canister-style capacitor with blue LCD meter
$99.99
In Stock
 
 
Tsunami Litewave Series PP92UM-CAP
2-farad canister-style capacitor
$149.99
In Stock
 
 
Tsunami HCAP-10
10-farad amp-style hybrid capacitor
$249.99
In Stock
 
 
Tsunami HCAP-5
5-farad amp-style hybrid capacitor
$199.99
In Stock
 
 
Tsunami HCAP-40
40-farad amp-style hybrid capacitor
$499.99
In Stock
 
 
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Installation Tools
The right tools will make the installation easier.
Metra Crimp Tool and Connectors
Package contains crimp tool and over 150 pieces
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Tool Aid 87650
Door Trim and Panel Removal Tool
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge wire
$19.99
In Stock
 
After $10.00 Price Break
 
Pro.Fit Trim Panel Tool
Remove your vehicle's trim panels without damage
$4.50
In Stock
 
 
Pro.Fit Hook Tool Set
Installation tools — pair
$4.99
In Stock
 
 
Pro.Fit Wire Worm
Installation tool helps route wiring through tight spaces
$12.99
In Stock
 
 
Bojo Trim Panel Tools
Set of 6 plastic tools — helps remove interior and exterior trim and door panels
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
DEI Heat Shrink Tubing
Black 4-foot length (Assortment)
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
Skewdriver Pro SPK4042
Ratcheting straight and offset screwdriver set with 40 bits (Skewdriver Pro with ratchet handle, pictured)
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
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Test Discs
Tune your system like a pro with Test CDs.
Autosound 2000 CD Set
$69.95
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Professional Installation
Have your new amplifier put in by a qualified professional in your area.
InstallCard: Amp or Equalizer
Prepaid professional amplifier or EQ installation
 
 
Add selected to cart
 

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Alpine PDX-M12, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_500PDXM12/Alpine-PDX-M12.html ).

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Your featured item

Alpine PDX-M12
Alpine PDX-M12
Mono subwoofer amplifier — 1200 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms
$849.99
Low Stock
 
 

Amplifier Wiring Kits

StreetWires ZeroNoise 3 ZN3Ki-04
4-gauge amplifier wiring kit with patch cable — red power/brown ground
$59.99
In Stock
 
 

Speaker Wire

StreetWires 12-gauge Ultra Cable™ Speaker Wire
Blue/copper jacket — priced per foot
$1.00
In Stock
 
 

Stereo Patch Cables

StreetWires ZeroNoise 3 Stereo Patch Cables
Available in two different lengths (19.7 feet)
$29.99
In Stock
 
 

Protect your gear with an extended warranty

Add 3 Year Warranty
Square Trade Warranty
$99.99
In Stock
 
 
Square Trade Warranty
$50.00
In Stock
 
 
 
Add selected to cart
 
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Alpine PDX-M12