Alpine KTP-445U Amplifier Problems And Is It Worth Installing?

Audio systems have been an important part of vehicles for decades. Most people are satisfied with the factory audio system in their cars.

But some people want to improve the sound and quality of the system. In those cases, what they need is an amplifier.

One of the best current receiver amplifiers currently available is the Alpine KTP-445U. This highly compact amplifier can greatly crank up the power of your receiver and improve the audio quality in your car.

However, there are some downsides you need to know before you decide to get one. Let’s take a look at them.

Potential Issues With The Alpine KTP-445U Amplifier

In case you do decide to get an Alpine KTP-445U amplifier installed, you can expect an increase in your power output up to 45 Watts RMS by 4 channels.

This is a drastic increase from the usual 7 to 20 Watts per channel put out by a car audio system. Even better than that, the KTP-445U is so compact and efficient, it can easily run off the same circuit that powers your receiver.

There really are not a whole lot of issues with the Alpine KTP-445U amplifier. For what it is, it is a perfectly well-designed and great-sounding compact amplifier.

Most of the possible issues with installing and using one are either completely negligible or easily fixable.

With those in mind, let’s look at some of the problems you may face when using the Alpine KTP-445U amplifier.

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• The Alpine KTP-445U Amplifier Does Not Have Any Low Pass Crossovers

One of the few potential drawbacks of getting an Alpine KTP-445U amplifier installed for your car’s audio system is that it does not have low-pass crossovers.

A crossover is essentially a filter that either separates or totally blocks out different frequencies and then routes them to the right speaker.

Crossovers generally have two main types of crossover filters, a high pass filter, and a low pass crossover filter.

A high pass crossover filter separates or blocks out frequency signals that are in the lower range. The filtered out range is generally between 50 Hz and 250 Hz.

While the lower range is filtered out, a high pass crossover passes the frequency signals in the higher range to be passed to the speaker(s).

On the other hand, a low pass crossover works exactly the opposite way. It filters out higher frequency signals while letting lower frequency signals be passed to the speaker(s).

So, since the Alpine KTP-445U amplifier does not have a low pass crossover, it can only play higher frequency signals using its high pass crossover.

• The Sound Control Switches Are In An Awkward Position

Every amplifier out there comes with sound control options in the form of switches, buttons, and knobs. The Alpine KTP-445U amplifier is no different in this regard.

However, in most cases, amplifiers have all their sound control options either on top or on the side. This helps anyone controlling it to have easy and comfortable access to the buttons and switches for easy sound control.

But on the Alpine KTP 445 U, the sound control switches and buttons are kind of in an awkward place. The sound controls are located at the bottom of the amplifier.

This makes it slightly awkward and difficult to get to the sound controls, especially if you installed the Alpine KTP-445U amplifier under seats or other hard to reach areas.

However, this is not much of a deal breaking issue. It is at best a minor complaint about the design choice of the amplifier that can easily be overlooked or ignored altogether.

• The Amplifier Is Not Suitable For Extreme Power And Volume Levels 

Some people desire large and loud sound systems for their vehicles.

With that in mind, they install subwoofers and large high volume speakers in their car.

If you are someone who wants that, unfortunately, the Alpine KTP-445U may not be the right amplifier for you.

This amplifier can provide a significant boost in power to the factory receiver in your vehicle’s audio system.

However, since it is a rather compact small scale amplifier, it is not compatible with large sound systems and subwoofers.

For those, you may need to look at other more powerful amplifiers.

• Not All Installation Materials Are Provided With The Package

As the Alpine KTP-445U amplifier is pretty compact, it is also naturally pretty easy to install even for people who are not very tech savvy.

However, in some cases, the installation materials provided with the amplifier may not be enough for you to install it in the best location in your car.

As such, it is recommended that you go out and purchase some inexpensive materials to help you with the installation. Materials such as a roll of speaker wire and zip ties will make the installation process much easier.

Is The Alpine KTP-445U Worth It?

Yes, for what it is and what it provides, the Alpine KTP-445U is an excellent amplifier to provide a significant power boost to your car’s audio system.

With all its features and design, it will prove to be a great upgrade over weaker aftermarket or factory audio systems.

Check out some of the features of the Alpine KTP-445U below-

• It is very small and compact in size.
• It has great sound quality while also having low distortion and noise design.
• It can easily handle 2 Ohm speakers.
• It has 4 total channel outputs.
• The amplifier is bridgeable to 90W RMS x 2 channels.
• It has selectable 2/4 channel input switches without requiring Y adapters.
• It has built in optional high pass crossovers.
• The amplifier is very easy to install and does not require any large wires.

All these features make for a well-designed and great sounding compact amplifier.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

A good audio system can help make journeys in your car much more enjoyable. In most cases, the existing audio system and amplifier are adequate.

However, in case you would like a boost to your sound, you can choose to install the Alpine KTP-445U.

Hopefully, this article on possible Alpine KTP-445U problems gave you all the information you were looking for.