ARC Audio ARC Audio 4150-CXLR Amplifier

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Arc Audio

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 4150 XXK

Strengths:
damping factor. slew rate. harmonic balance. tonal accuracy.

Weaknesses:
none.

Summary:
I don't have much experience with car amplifiers, but as a professional music producer and audio engineer I am more than qualified to talk about sound and sound quality. Simply put, this amplifier sounds incredible! Clean, clear, dynamic and with excellent low frequency control this amp will impress the most critical of listeners. I use this amp to power a set of Dynaudio 240GT's and an ARC 12D4 sub in a custom enclusure and I couldn't be happier. The build quality is top notch and the configuration options are impressive. The attention to detail is evident from the moment you hold the amp in your hands to the conclusion of your favorite disc after you've driven way beyond your freeway exit while getting lost in the sweet sound of music pumping effortlessly from your car.

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood. PPI. Rockford Fosgate.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Price Paid:  $630.00 from friend of the compan

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 ARC xxk 4150

Strengths:
Solid build, Delivers it's RMS output, Very flexible amplifier

Weaknesses:
Not the most simplistic amp to setup, the amp controls could be laid out a bit better and clearly marked to make things easier,Manual could be a bit better, not recommended for mounting in the cabin if you are competing with the amp since the internal fan has a slight hum, Unnecessary safety precaution for making crossover's main switches on the bottom of the amp "to ensure roaming hands do not tamper with the controls".

Summary:
I've used this amp now for about two months and it's a nice piece of Equipment. It does it's job well and unlike what many people want to believe amps do, it does not "sound" a certain way. It faithfully amplifies the signal and thats what any high qaulity amp is suppsoed to do.This amp stays calm and the internal fan and well designed heat sink help keep it maintain a safe temperature. It has a very solid build and the black aluminum brushed chassis is very elegant. with it's regulated power it is an efficient amp that won't put a crazy hurt on stock electrical systems. I'm running my entire system with this amp and while it won't scare anybody with crazy volume it makes for a very enjoyable listening experience.I'm running a set of two-way SEAS lotus reference components with the two rear channels [85 watts x2] and running 1- diamond cm3 12 inch sub with the front channels [ yes the amp seems backwards but this is the way it was designed] bridged down to a 4 ohm load that delivers 330 watts. It's pleased me so far but eventually I'll want a three way setup for the front stage and two subs...It's a little expensive but unlike many other companies who move overseas to save in manufacturing you pay the extra money for the American labor.. Great amp!

Similar Products Used:
PPI pcx 480

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Price Paid:  $700.00 from authorized dealer

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 CXLR 4150-

Strengths:
*Superior speaker control at all volumes *Exellent separation *Waaayyyy more power than advertised *I'd put it against comparable Mcintosh/ ADS/Zapco amps *The amp layout is beautiful *The definition of "clean power" does exist and should have this amplifier as a description

Weaknesses:
No flaws

Summary:
In search of the best fronstage amp out I came across this baby after hearing much rave on Arc Audio's CXL/XXK 2100 amps. I'm a big fan of Robert Zef's designs(Arc audio designer and Zapco founder)- I've ran this amp at at 2ohms stereo/2ohm mono for months and It handled it like a champ- the power is amazing- Unbelievable sound from a 12" DVC 600rms woofer wired to ch 3/4 bridged- drove it like a champ I got the "black chrome" edition w/ plexi bottom and this amp is a beauty

Similar Products Used:
Soundstream, Phoenix Gold, Kicker, Eclipse

Price Paid:  $0.00

Strengths:
very good looks and u can hear the power and detail from this amp

Weaknesses:
no fan and is a class AB.

Summary:
this amplifier is one of the best amps i have ever heard. the power is so clean and clear sounding. it is rated at 80x4 @4ohms. its rugged and tough, the looks r amazing. i can tell u that u will be happy if u go with this amp. the only problem i think it that it runs without a fan. it has never shut down on me but i would like the sense of security that it wont over heat. it doesnt get too hot though.

Similar Products Used:
precision power, RF, zapco, eclipse

Price Paid:  $650.00 from Friends

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2002 4150-CXLR Amp

Strengths:
Everything!!!

Weaknesses:
Nothing!!!

Summary:
Great amp. recommend highy. Has so much power it is hard to waster it all.