Alpine Refines Second Generation of True Digital V12 AccuClass-D Amplifiers With More Power, Control and Efficiency

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2004 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, today unveiled its second generation of V12 AccuClass-D(TM) monaural amplifiers, the line that first brought true digital amplification to in-vehicle sound systems. With design upgrades throughout, Alpine's V12 AccuClass-D amps now produce even more power, efficiency and control than ever before.

In 2004, Alpine's V12 AccuClass-D family includes Alpine's most powerful amp, the 1,000 watt MRD-M1001, and the 550 watt MRD-M501 and 350 watt MRD-M301 -- both now boasting 50 more watts of power than their previous counterparts. All Alpine V12 AccuClass-D amplifiers are compliant with the new CEA-2006 power specification.

With a focus on superior system management from the dash, Alpine's V12 AccuClass-D amplifiers feature new, exclusive Amplifier Link(TM) technology, which enables users to control setup and tuning for up to eight amplifiers directly through the head unit display with the purchase of the $50 KCE-510M interface. Amplifier Link-ready head units include Alpine's CDA-9831, CDA-9833 and CDA-9835 receivers and its IVA-D300 Mobile Multimedia Station(TM). For non-Amplifier Link systems, multiple amplifiers can be managed from the dash using Alpine's optional $100 RUX-4280 Remote Amplifier Control Center (RACC). In addition, the 'Digital Control Center' panel on the top of each amp has been revamped to enable easier adjustment of Bass Engine(TM) DSP and monitoring of battery voltage, power draw, system temperature and protection warnings.

Alpine's new mono amplifiers target audio enthusiasts looking to fortify their subwoofer system with big power without compromising the bass sound quality. They were designed specifically to handle the complex impedances of modern high excursion subwoofers and multi-subwoofer systems under heavy abuse without shutting down. An advanced thermal management IC processor constantly monitors heat levels and modifies power output as needed to maintain performance.

All three models utilize Alpine's digital signal processor for true-digital amplification and control of built-in Bass Engine DSP settings for subwoofer level, parametric EQ, low pass crossover, subsonic filters, time correction and bass compensation, as well as a new gain factor control, resulting in exceptional flexibility and accuracy.

  All Alpine V12 AccuClass-D mono amplifiers feature the following:

   --  True Digital Class D design
   --  Digital Control Center (status display and setup controls)
   --  Bass Engine(R) DSP Tuning (digital control for subwoofer level,
       parametric EQ, low pass crossover, subsonic filter, time correction,
       gain factor and multi-level bass compensation)
   --  Amplifier Link ready
   --  RACC (remote amplifier control center) ready
   --  S.T.A.R. Topology
   --  Thermal Management IC processor
   --  MOSFET DC/DC power supply
   --  CEA-2006 Amplifier Power Spec compliant

   MRD-M1001 - 1000 Watt Mono Power Amp
   --  1000W x 1 RMS (2ohm)
   --  500W x 1 RMS [4ohm @14.4 V less than or equal to 1% THD+N]
   --  S/N 60 dBA (Ref: 1W into 4ohm)
   --  8 Volt Input
   --  Buffered Pre-Out
   --  Availability: March; Target Retail Price:  $900

   MRD-M501 - 550 Watt Mono Power Amp
   --  550W x 1RMS (2ohm)
   --  275W x 1 RMS [4ohm @14.4 V less than or equal to 1% THD+N]
   --  S/N 60 dBA (Ref: 1W into 4ohm)
   --  8 Volt Input
   --  Buffered Pre-Out
       Availability: February; Target Retail Price:  $500

   --  MRD-M301 350 Watt Mono Power Amp
   --  350W x 1 RMS (2ohm)
   --  175W x 1 RMS [4ohm @14.4 V less than or equal to 1% THD+N]
   --  S/N 60 dBA (Ref: 1W into 4ohm)
   --  Speaker Level Input
       Availability:  February; Target Retail Price:  $330

  About Alpine Electronics

Alpine Electronics is the world's leading automotive consumer electronics system supplier and an ISO certified corporation. Alpine specializes in an integrated platform concept for mobile multimedia with premium components for digital audio/video media playback, digital broadcast reception, and satellite linked navigation. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the global leader for mobile sound systems and in-vehicle navigation for both after-market and OEM factory installations. Alpine Electronics is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world's premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Visit www.alpine-usa.com to learn more about Alpine products or to find an authorized retailer.