Arc Audio - opinion
08-13-2004, 08:19 AM
#1
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
Hi there, I ahve been searching lately on the internet for Arc Audio reviews. Perferably the XXK Series and in that series the 1500D.
If anyone has one of these, lemme know what you think.
I was told they are compareable to Audison VRx and even McIntosh, but at half the cost.
Now all I need is quality 12" subwoofer recommendations as well !
If anyone has one of these, lemme know what you think.
I was told they are compareable to Audison VRx and even McIntosh, but at half the cost.
Now all I need is quality 12" subwoofer recommendations as well !
08-13-2004, 12:21 PM
#3
I've heard the 2500XXK.
Really wasn't impressed. It get's very hot even after only being driven for 20-30 minuets.
The subs it was drivng were Phase Linear Aliante 10's.
Never heard an XXK on a front end set-up.
Really wasn't impressed. It get's very hot even after only being driven for 20-30 minuets.
The subs it was drivng were Phase Linear Aliante 10's.
Never heard an XXK on a front end set-up.
08-13-2004, 12:23 PM
#4
Originally posted by jaretz28:
I was told they are compareable to Audison VRx and even McIntosh, but at half the cost.
I was told they are compareable to Audison VRx and even McIntosh, but at half the cost.
I find the XXK's are really nothing special. Just a CXL in a different chassis as far as I'm concerned.
08-13-2004, 03:30 PM
#6
I have owned and used the XXK 1500, 4150, and 2100. They were good amps and I did not encounter any overheating problems at all. However, I am happier with my JL amps than I was with the Arc amps, mostly because the JLs were cheaper 
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08-13-2004, 07:06 PM
#7
0 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 20
Originally posted by Brandon:
I've heard the 2500XXK.
Really wasn't impressed. It get's very hot even after only being driven for 20-30 minuets.
The subs it was drivng were Phase Linear Aliante 10's.
Never heard an XXK on a front end set-up.
I've heard the 2500XXK.
Really wasn't impressed. It get's very hot even after only being driven for 20-30 minuets.
The subs it was drivng were Phase Linear Aliante 10's.
Never heard an XXK on a front end set-up.
I take it you heard this car at Audiowaves?
Funny thing is that happens to be my car & I haven't had any problems related to heat.
Even Jason remarked the amp just gets warm to the touch. Not bad considering it's buried under two Audison Vrx's.
As far as SQ is concerned, the 2500XXK was the amp of choice for Image Dynamics for testing subs.
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08-13-2004, 07:42 PM
#8
Yankee
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,599
This is a good Q for Adam since he is an Audison and Arc kind of guy. I am familiar (recent auditions in my car) with Zapco, McIntosh, US Amps, and old school Soundstream. The McIntosh was smooth and overall a little hooded (sounded like the HF, and the HF, detail were shelved back). It is a very relaxing amp very well made. The best mid-bass control I have ever heard, the cello had body and warmth with the right amount of speed and overhang. It never sounded transparent but it did have a lot of layering or depth.
A lot of the ID boyz ARE running ARC and TRU
A lot of the ID boyz ARE running ARC and TRU
08-13-2004, 09:21 PM
#9
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,783
I'm reluctant to comment, but I will. I'll use terms that I've used before just so my message is consistent.
Audison VRx series amps provide a vice-like grip over every driver hooked up. At low volumes for example, dynamics still have impact and presence. There are some female vocalists that have very dynamic singing styles, Sara K. for example on Chesky CDs. This vocalist really pushes both amps and speakers to keep up, due to drastic contrasts in volume and detail when singing a single word. With some amps, you have to lean in to catch what she's saying, and then get your ears pummeled when the second half of a word is pronounced with strong presence. This dynamic sweeping in detail and presence is effortlessly reproduced by VRx amps. Goosebumps...and you don't have to lean in or plug your ears. Effortless...even at full boogie.
At low volume levels, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference between an Audison VRx and Arc Audio XXK amps, especially if you are driving. The differences become more established as you increase the volume level. Simply put, the XXK sounds like it has to do a bit of work at full boogie. It's not harsh, or lacking in dynamics. But it's not quite as effortless as the VRx. Details are very slightly vieled on the XXK, where the VRx places instruments a bit more precisely. If you are NOT playing highly detailed music CDs, (Telarc, Sheffield Labs, Chesky...) you will NOT notice a difference. The detail has to be there to be reproduced...so don't expect miracles playing AC/DC through either amp.
I have used both models of amp for some time now. I would buy both again, more specifically the VRx if I could afford to, and recommend both models to all that ask an opinion. Personally, my pockets aren't as deep as some people think, so my next amp purchase will proably be an XXK or 2.
For those that are worried about that the "slightly veiled" XXK isn't going to suit their needs. Consider buying an XXK, and spending the difference on a KILLER install. That's what I'm doing right now.
For the record, high power amps generate heat. Where do you think the other 30 to 50 percent of efficiency gets thrown to when we rate amps efficiency? It gets turned into heat! I have NEVER had any problems with the VRx or XXK amps with regard to heat. Home audio enthusiasts should be well aware of this....I would think...but then again...maybe they don't know jack to start with.
Thanks for reading,
Adam
Audison VRx series amps provide a vice-like grip over every driver hooked up. At low volumes for example, dynamics still have impact and presence. There are some female vocalists that have very dynamic singing styles, Sara K. for example on Chesky CDs. This vocalist really pushes both amps and speakers to keep up, due to drastic contrasts in volume and detail when singing a single word. With some amps, you have to lean in to catch what she's saying, and then get your ears pummeled when the second half of a word is pronounced with strong presence. This dynamic sweeping in detail and presence is effortlessly reproduced by VRx amps. Goosebumps...and you don't have to lean in or plug your ears. Effortless...even at full boogie.
At low volume levels, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference between an Audison VRx and Arc Audio XXK amps, especially if you are driving. The differences become more established as you increase the volume level. Simply put, the XXK sounds like it has to do a bit of work at full boogie. It's not harsh, or lacking in dynamics. But it's not quite as effortless as the VRx. Details are very slightly vieled on the XXK, where the VRx places instruments a bit more precisely. If you are NOT playing highly detailed music CDs, (Telarc, Sheffield Labs, Chesky...) you will NOT notice a difference. The detail has to be there to be reproduced...so don't expect miracles playing AC/DC through either amp.
I have used both models of amp for some time now. I would buy both again, more specifically the VRx if I could afford to, and recommend both models to all that ask an opinion. Personally, my pockets aren't as deep as some people think, so my next amp purchase will proably be an XXK or 2.
For those that are worried about that the "slightly veiled" XXK isn't going to suit their needs. Consider buying an XXK, and spending the difference on a KILLER install. That's what I'm doing right now.
For the record, high power amps generate heat. Where do you think the other 30 to 50 percent of efficiency gets thrown to when we rate amps efficiency? It gets turned into heat! I have NEVER had any problems with the VRx or XXK amps with regard to heat. Home audio enthusiasts should be well aware of this....I would think...but then again...maybe they don't know jack to start with.
Thanks for reading,
Adam
