Car Amplifier Reviews

Powerful and Affordable Amplifier - AudioFonics ADF-2845 Review

2008-04-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Let’s talk about a powerful 2 channel amplifier for a moment. In 2008, AudioFonics brought forth some well built and well designed amps with the ADF-28xx series. At the top of the series of amps is the AudioFonics ADF-2845.

The AudioFonics ADF-2845 is a powerful two channel bridgeable amplifier. It boasts an incredible 2200 watt maximum output. At 4 ohms, this amp puts out 200 watts x 2 channels. At 2 ohms, this amp can produce 300 watts through 2 channels. At the peak of its performance, the AudioFonics ADF-2845 can generate 1100 watts x 2 channels! AudioFonics included a few safety features that protect against both heat/thermal and also short circuiting. While most amplifiers come with these safety features, it is a good to be reassured that is was not overlooked in the AudioFonics ADF-28xx series.

Other features included in the AudioFonics ADF-2845 are the variable high-pass and low-pass filters (40-400 HZ, 12 dB/octave). The gold-plated RCA inputs and the gold-plated screw terminals, along with the aluminum heat sink are some good examples of the details that render the AudioFonics ADF-2845 an amp of finer quality. It also comes with a wired remote bass level control, which is always a nice convenience to have. One thing to keep in mind with the AudioFonics ADF-2845 is that 4 gauge power and ground wiring is required. Some might view that as a set-back, while others might see the advantages to it.

The design of the AudioFonics ADF-2845 is very simple. Just brushed metal capped with chrome sides. A classic rounded design that will add to the appearance of any car. Overall, the AudioFonics ADF-2845 is a well built amplifier that will produce the sound that most car audio enthusiasts need.

Affordable Monoblock Amplifier Bazooka ELA100.2

2008-04-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

When considering car audio, we all have different needs. Some of us need bigger amplifiers and subwoofers, while others need “just enough” power. In any aftermarket system, an amplifier is practically necessary to produce the sound that we want. Bazooka has been a trusted name to do this for a number of years now. The EL Series is a great line of amplifiers that kept in mind two things, money and power. For the price, the EL series is an excellent choice for amplifiers. The Bazooka ELA100.2 is a fantastic 2 channel amplifier with plenty of options.

One unique feature of the Bazooka ELA100.2 is the auxiliary outputs. They are designed to make daisy chaining to an amp bass tube or a class D amp simple and easy. Bazooka also offers protection against overheating, being overloaded, and problems due to short circuiting.

The Bazooka ELA100.2 is a 200 watt amplifier that offers performance. At 2 ohms, it can produce 165 watts through 2 channels. At 4 ohms, the Bazooka ELA100.2 can produce 115 watts through 2 channels or 330 through one channel. The peak power output when running through one channel is 500 watts! A crossover is also built into the amp. It can divide the frequency into a high-pass, low pass, or a full pass. The Bazooka ELA100.2 is also tri-mode capable. This basically means that speakers or tweeters can be connected in stereo and a separate subwoofer can be hooked up in mono at the same time.

Remember how the Bazooka ELA100.2 was a great amplifier for the price? This particular amp comes optional with a bass remote, however at some stores and online sites, the Bazooka ELA100.2 can be found in a package with the wired bass remote. Those deals really make this amplifier an ideal amp for the price.

Written by Associate Writer Seth Wilde

Kenwood KAC-8404 Amplifier Review

2008-04-02T15:13:00.001-07:00

Its design is geared for non-competition usage but Kenwood still used high-quality material and features high performance technology that is usually reserved more high-powered amplifiers. Instead, Kenwood understood that most consumers would like to do nothing more than to enhance their existing audio system. With this in mind, Kenwood designed an amplifier in a class of its own, allowing it to perform extremely well even as a “minor upgrade”.

Kenwood’s brand new KAC-8404 4-channel amplifier is housed within a sleek and stylish chassis. Not only that, the amplifier is only slightly bigger than a standard piece of printer paper with a depth of less than 2-½ inches. Don’t let the compact design fool you because as you will see, it is loaded with great features that sets this amplifier apart from similarly priced 4-channel amplifiers.

The amplifier is capable of putting out a maximum of 150 watts into 4 channels. It could put out 50 watts RMS into 4 channels at 4 ohms or 75 watts RMS into 4 channels at 2 ohms. It could even be bridged and put out 180 watts RMS into 2 channels at 4 ohms. If you have an additional subwoofer, you could even operate the KAC-8404 in tri-mode 3-channel output.

If you’re worried about compatibility, fear not because the KAC-8404 is also equipped with speaker-level (or high-level) inputs. The amplifier features short circuit, DC offset, overload, and thermal protection circuitry that will ensure that any mishap will not ruin your system entire audio system. The Kenwood KAC-8404 also ensures, with its variable high pass and low pass filters, that distortion is kept to a minimal level. In addition, the amplifier features gold plated RCA and screw terminals to further reduce potential signal loss.