rubicon501 vs. JL500/1

Where did you hear that the JL was higher quality? I have been around and that is news to me.... they both have all the terminals on one side of the amp and both put out the rated power so either will be great.... IMO the Rubicon amps have just way too many options that will rarely be used making them difficult for a minimalist like me.... i hate all the switches, but they are great amps for sure.

Honestly i have no preference, but the Rubi looks nicer.

My first amp was a Soundstream USA 180. A great little amp. That amp is four years old and is still going strong.

I don't know about the JL amps, but I got a Rubicon 702 pushing some JL subs & it hits loud,clean and deep. The Rubicons have a lot of options 2 mess with but it's not that bad if your a Beginner, I went from a little 150 watt Sony amp 2 the 702 & it was no problem. But if U get the Rubicon & if U install it & can't quite figure it out just send me a PM or go 2 your local stereo shop & they can tune it 4 U. It won't take long to set up.

yep, the soundstream beats up on it, for sure. that's all i have owned on all my previous installs. right now i have a reference 700 and a reference 604. awesome amps.

OK cool, the other concern I have is that soundstream was bought out by mobile authority..... so what kind of usses's might I have if warranty ever becomes an issue?

My bf swears by Soundstream. current setup is Soundstream200 and Soundstream 500sx, and 2 Soundstream SPL15's. He used to have the Soundstream6.11 6.5" seperates in the doors but one got wet and shorted so now he has the Infinity Reference 6'5" components. Don't really see anything too bad happening with Soundstream being bought out right off. They should still warranty their stuff. It's the "new" stuff coming out he's worried about. EVerything made thus far should still be good. LONG LIVE THE TARANTULA!

he is Soundstream hardcore. I also have a Soundstream200 pushing my Pioneer 6.5" components in the Alty. Autotek is good too.

hmmm now I'm really confused as to which to get I just got a hookup on a 2 month old jl500/1 for $100 less than the soundstream......$450 cdn for the JL and $525+tax for the ruby.....
What do I do... oh by the way this will power 3 JL 12 W0 4 ohms so I need the 1 ohm capability

woo looks good bro

The JL is designed to run from 1.5-4 ohms producing 500 watts at minimal distortion. Running 3 12W04 will make your impedence ~1.336 ohms which could create some distortion or possibly thermalling issues with the JL. Though, I haven't personally used the Rubicon series amps, I have owned 2 Reference 600's and they were both outstanding. I personally think that they are both good amps, but I would go with one that is designed to run at a 1 ohm impedence.

taz said:

hmmm now I'm really confused as to which to get I just got a hookup on a 2 month old jl500/1 for $100 less than the soundstream......$450 cdn for the JL and $525+tax for the ruby.....
What do I do... oh by the way this will power 3 JL 12 W0 4 ohms so I need the 1 ohm capability

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you can get a rubi for a heck of a lot cheaper on ebay - probably in the $175 - $200 range.

soundstream is VERY VERY nice equipment