8 Ohm Compatible Multi-Channel Amps and DSP . . .

Steve_Lee

Looking at this compact multi-channel amp [the manual] says this concerning speaker load impedance -->

"Speaker Connections - Each channel of the Z•660 is rated to handle a minimum 8 ohm load. Amplifier loads below 8 ohms can switch the output devices into "limit" at high dynamic music peaks, causing distortion and/or damage to the amplifier"

Data source = https://www.manualslib.com/manual/808037/Elan-Z-660.html?page=6#manual

My question to you knowledgeable guys is --> If the ^ amp is used to power individual drivers of lower impedance [3 ~ 6 Ohm] (W, M, T) at low SPL levels of less than 90 DB, would the amp be suitable for a multi-channel DSP application regardless of the 8 Ohm minimum admonishment?

In my mind, the woofer is the real issue as it requires the most current/voltage to function while the the mid and tweeter are not going to stress the unit very much if at all.

Thanks for any useful feedback.

ugly_woofer

Not trying to be rude, but I would buy a better amp. That one appears to be very current limited

charlielaub

Yea, I hate to glom on but the Z-660 is regarded as a very crappy amp. I would look for another option. I think is uses LM3886 inside. Would it blow up? No. Might run hot on 4R...

rjj45

I had one of these for a few years and like an idiot, gave it to a friend. Massive, clean, 6 channel power.

Search for Kenwood KM-X1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275594505856?hash=item402ab66e80:g:6NwAAOSw6w1jo3zY&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAwDIAE6TOKlXB5blX6YVhGEiX4gs8fAYs1uE3OcdmEriHhLjZtnONSZosc1ubcWssYNc7wyJKqNaBjTIFegg3yC94mxNzcOwT2qEYuXmF2ro+TuavOqC1jFEAsJ64gwkuXoA8ExGEJwRBfaZE+9Sr4PKAWCFQvGjULXZeBbLr2ejcyA2mjOVZX/mvYwH0P/F+oyovF9l76c4zM6WsWdKocRUKGZEqJGvan81p1ha7DzzhDXX5WVI8EjXh0QufUUNCNA==|tkp:Bk9SR-T51crgYQ

Steve_Lee

Thanks for the feedback guys - glad I check-in here before purchasing the Elan box!

ScottS

I bought a second hand QSC CX168 a few years ago in case I ever need such a thing (8 channels, about 100 WPC into 8 ohms and 150 into 4 ohms). I like it. Mine was really cheap because it was missing the fancy rear connector. I figured out which Phoenix connector it is and found it on ebay for about $20 (QSC wanted $50).

Wolf

I see why you bought it used! Ouch!

6thplanet

I just found out Bose has a multichannel/DSP line up in their professional line (PM series). They are discontinued, but we have some backstock to cover warranty. I'm trying to get my hands on one. They have the full feature DSP with PEQ's, xovers, and delays, with up to 500 watts X8. Neat feature is being able to bridge 2,3,or 4 channels together for up to 2000 watts (PM8500)

Steve_Lee

Here's one at Reverb.com for a paltry $4280.00

https://reverb.com/item/38439968-bose-powermatch-pm8500-configurable-amplifier

6thplanet

Crazy right! There is a possible easy fix for the DOA ones, but can't disclose that information.

Silver1omo

I have been looking at this one:
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ele/d/mckinney-episode-channel-amplifier/7600971163.html
Supposed to be Ice power modules and they are bridgeable, so, 2w.2 or 3w.1 options are doable.
https://www.snapav.com/shop/en/snapav/episode-dynamic-series-class-d-amplifier-ea-dyn-xd-xxx-a

charlielaub

Has anyone mentioned the Emotiva BasX line? E.g.
https://emotiva.com/collections/amps/products/basx-a6-six-channel-power-amplifier
The BasX line would be great with an 8 Ohm load but is a little under-designed for 4 Ohm loads IMHO. You can find them now and then on Ebay for less.

Steve_Lee

That ^ one is class A/B too - which is a big plus to me.

Steve_Lee

I've still got a pair of these Wondom T amps and a 600W power supply I should probably build an enclosure for and test out before spending any more money right now (see attached) its the 3 x 200W @ 3 ohm unit . . .

tktran

@6thplanet said:
Crazy right! There is a possible easy fix for the DOA ones, but can't disclose that information.

You’re such a tease. Can you start a private conversation with us?

6thplanet

Thing is, people still want 500-750 for a DOA unit. So it's a 50/50 chance the fix will work. Anyone that'd actually play that lotto, I'd gladly help out.
Otherwise, there's options on eBay for working units in the $1500 range. Not bad for eight 500 watt capable channels of DSP controlled amplification.

Steve_Lee

It sounds like a good capable unit but I just don't need that level of power nor expense.

charlielaub

@Steve_Lee said:
It sounds like a good capable unit but I just don't need that level of power nor expense.

Steve,

I have a Control4 C4-8AMP1-B that I am willing to sell for $150. It has 8 channels with 60W@8R, 120W@4R per channel power, and RCA inputs. I bought it used but needed more power so I put it into storage. I completely forgot about it and just came across it while I was re-arranging some other stuff.

Info:
https://www.ielectronics.com/products/control4-c48amp1b-multi-channel-amplifier-4-zone

The amp is designed for whole-house audio systems but can be used as a power amp. It's pretty expensive when new, but comes up on Ebay now and then and makes for a total bargain!

Wolf

Wow, heck of a deal!

Colonel7

@charlielaub said:

@Steve_Lee said:
It sounds like a good capable unit but I just don't need that level of power nor expense.

Steve,

I have a Control4 C4-8AMP1-B that I am willing to sell for $150. It has 8 channels with 60W@8R, 120W@4R per channel power, and RCA inputs. I bought it used but needed more power so I put it into storage. I completely forgot about it and just came across it while I was re-arranging some other stuff.

Info:
https://www.ielectronics.com/products/control4-c48amp1b-multi-channel-amplifier-4-zone

The amp is designed for whole-house audio systems but can be used as a power amp. It's pretty expensive when new, but comes up on Ebay now and then and makes for a total bargain!

Steve, if you don’t take it I might!

Wolf

I was thinking it was a possibility too.

a4eaudio

Lol, Steve should get first dibs and then it goes to blind auction for the rest of us.

Steve_Lee

@charlielaub said:

@Steve_Lee said:
It sounds like a good capable unit but I just don't need that level of power nor expense.

Steve,

I have a Control4 C4-8AMP1-B that I am willing to sell for $150.

PM sent - Thanks Charlie!

Steve_Lee

Funds parked - this box is mine guys - thanks Charlie.

charlielaub

The Control4 C4-8AMP1-B do come up on Ebay now and then, and make for a nice low-cost 8-channel power amp. Glad I could help you out.

Steve_Lee

Arrived and unpacked - looks brand new - packaging was wonderful - still need to test it out yet but, Thanks again Charlie!

tktran

Whatta buy!

Please post photos of the innards!

Would make a great multichannel amp for DSP. As long as the SNR is reasonable (>= 80 dB IMHO)

Steve_Lee

Specs say SNR > 95 db --> https://www.control4.com/docs/product/4-zone-matrix-amplifier/data-sheet/english/latest/4-zone-matrix-amplifier-data-sheet-rev-b.pdf

Only thing missing is the Dealer Only "Composer" set-up software.
Described here --> https://content.abt.com/documents/35357/c48amp1b_ins.pdf
Download instructions here --> https://www.control4.com/help/c4/software/cpro/dealer-composer-help/content/composerpro_userguide/update_composer_software_and.htm

Hopefully, the default settings are 1:1 and flat response. More later.

charlielaub

@Steve_Lee said:
Hopefully, the default settings are 1:1 and flat response. More later.

I had the amp set up that way when last used. You can access routing and set up via the front panel LCD display and control wheel/button.

Steve_Lee

Excellent!

Thanks.