7 replies to this topic

[0{noidea}0]

I finally went ahead and bought 2 x Helix amp running active for my Front split.

I heard and knew that Brax is recognised as one of a few top amplifier in the World. So i don't hesitate to use thier little brother (Helix) which claim it were built By Brax and using the same quality component.

When i first have a look of this Baby i was like WTF ? the amp is so tiny. Dimension is only 31.5mm(H) x 185mm (W) x 236 (D). These baby only weight 1.8KG. I have never seen a quality amp in this size so i was saying no no no to the shop at the first time because i remember my crap sansui back in 9 years ago was similar size to this. My mind change after i had a look 2nd time at the component inside the amp. The layout is so tidy and you can judge by the way its lay-out will define what is a quality built meant. After 2nd inspection i was re-think again what i thought before. For those people after "Look", hey these Baby come with Plexiglas cover showing the component inside. That's cool ! But that surely not what my intention. My intention is these baby SQ. How do i know that? I dunno, perhaps i'm the royalty fans of Brax. These is Brax little brother. Just like u after a girl i persume. Can't get older sister but younger sister also good enough ! same gene perhaps !

The amp has 2x60wrms(4ohm) or 2x90wrms(2ohm) or 180wrms (bridged). It come with a fully active crossover from 15Hz-5000Hz HP/LP. There is a few features that i never come across in other amp before which can be found using the below link.

Helix broucher

I found these amp is so easy to use and understand. A few example are These amp come with a "Residual summation signal output" tm. If i want to running active, what i do is highpass in one amp and then connect the output from that amp to another amp. Because i highpass at the first amp, the signal output from the first amp will be Lowpass to other amp on the same frequency that i cross. How easy is that ? You don't need a external X-over for active. That's make life simple !

Can you believe that this amp have No Gain ! well, sort-off. The input of the signal from the deck is match by using a signal input sensitivity. For those running active will know that the pop noise will causing damage especially to the tweeter. A few people put a cap inline with the tweeter to protect the tweeter. You don't have to do this because these baby have a "Intelligent noiseless on/off switching". Another advance feature is ADC "Anti Distortion Choke" which for noise suppression.

I have yet have this baby install in my car yet. There is more top range Helix amp especially thier new line A & B series WHICH SO GOOD THAT THEY WANT TO REDESIGN BRAX AMP. I wish to test them out but due to $$ concern and i want my system to be cost effective, there is no way i'll getting them.

There is not much i can review the sound of it compare to my last system which amplification consist of a Tube driver Blue 2150. But Yet i used a Pioneer deck and a dynaudio 340 that time. It is not fair to judge a system that using a different component and installation especially from different environment from a rav4 to a bmw E46. So i won't comment much about the sound but if there is a CAA meeting i'm happy to let u guys hear it and u judge by urself.

This time i'm more aiming to a natural and simple but cost-effective SQ system. I can spend thousand of dollars invest in a top range of system but as in cost-effective wise simple is better.

Thanks for looking !

*one last things never said u will get out of sound system. I get over it selling all my gears before and a year later. Fuk, I'm back. Main influence @nthony, vincent,auto salon & CAA ofcourse.


ADD: Review of IDMax10.

Just after i doing the review of the Helix amp my phone rang and it is the audio shop called that my IDMax10v3 has arrived.

I quickly ran to the shop as fast as possibly could to pick it up. It has been a myth for me as i wonder why this sub has grown so strong over the years when it first released. I remember this sub was released back in 2002 and i have a chance to know one of the dealer in USA and have an opportunity to get my hand on a IDMax12 which i order for my friend. It took 3 months to arrive and the things weight like 10kg or something which the only way to ship it was via seamail. That time only the version II.

But things started to change now as there is finally a distributor in Australia and we can buy from an authorised dealer today that's where i got my Max from. The different now and back then is that we get a version III now. I haven't really do a research of what the different between II and III, from what i heard is that the III is repairable with the repair kits. And also many reported a problem with the alignment so version III will fixed that.

When i was in the shop the guy told me he order the wrong one for me. He ask for 10 but it came 12. But after we look more closely and open the box and we found that is indeed a 10" IDMax10. The guy is like embarass and he said why the Max is so heavy and the box make them look like they are 12". Well, let's get serious there is same package box size between a 10" and a 12".

In the IDMax 10" i found out that the cone of the sub is not directly attach to the rubber. There is another like a paper thinggy attached from the rubber to it then to the cone. The instruction manual is easy to understand and th sealed box recommented is .90cu.ft. I kinda shock to see this as the weight so heavy and the box is so small. It also important to know that this sub need a break-in period of 1 week. so please don't push it hard when new. The reason why i choose 10 is because i want a more accurate bass, tighter and more control.

Beware that this sub have a 1 year from date of purchase and 90 days if not installed by an authorized dealer. I have yet to put it in action as my Denon deck not arrived yet. Enjoy the pictures !

[SimpleHunk]

Thank you noidea, very nice and neat write up. Be sure to inform us on the SQ when you have used it for a period of time.

Yes, i do agree that we can always get more gears ( more money ) to get a system more SQ, but use the least equipment to get the best SQ is the challenge is.

I am also interested in Brax, or getting a Helix is more ... cost effective? The difference in price dont justify the betterment in SQ to get the Brax ?

Keep us informed please.

[dr3tz]

Hey, good to see you use a helix amp Currently I'm also using a helix amp, HXA500 (one of the older series) and IMO they sounded very nice and smooth

Now, I'm just wondering where did you get those helix amp? and if you don't mind, how much do they cost? I got mine from overseas way back in 98, but not sure where else to get the newer series.

Thanks for your help

Andre

[0{noidea}0]

Price doesn't means anythings....there is other factor like pre-amp, installation, component &.....and nowaday include people voice, expectation, quality of the vehicle build.....

it is so hard to judge an amp nowaday since most amp made so similar and each amp have its own characteristic.

especially people voice spreading has really effect what people thought and sometimes can cause a huge damage to the manufacturer.

Another important aspect is people expectation. I find this is important to people when it come to choosing a system component. A few people advise this particular amp have a great sounding so u will go ahead to get it. It sound good in his car but doesn't means that it will sound good in your car. Sometimes when u buy something cheap but outright ur expectation u will think that's awesome.

When you asking the Brax cost that much and Helix A2 cost half of it so u thinking can the helix sound as good as the brax ? Think like this, U spend thousand of dollars in Brax and after u install it i'm sure u will said it will sound better. WHy ? because it cost more ! when the thing cost more will increase the satisfaction of the product. The real question does it really improve the sound ? No one know ! It might but when u think of cost-effective way does it worthwile to spend that much to achieve that increment SQ? is that increment of SQ make it so important to you ? Does that small increment really that important to force us to reduce our quality of living ? is that small increment important to you to let say spend it on a holiday with your family ?

[SimpleHunk]

makes a lot ot sense noidea, skeptical but to the point.

actually i m thinking of the other way round - to get a Helix, not a Brax. I have been so close to counting my money and put a Brax in my boot, last minute i back off.

Yes, user's opinion are MUCH important than advertisment, there exist our CAA forum, great stuff.

I will take a closer look at Helix again .....

Thanks noidea 4 yr view.

[@nThOnY]

Influenced by me ? hehehe..............I knew you will come back when you said you were sick of car audio last year. Once your spoiled ears are used to an after market system, its quite difficult to quit and go back to anything stock.

The 3 series have good acoustics and build quality is top notch. I think the only weak link is the midbass is attached to the door panel and not the door itself.

I reckon idmax is the one I would go for if I ever upgrade my subs, heard it in various setups and find it very versatile.

Will you be able to complete the install to attend the AutioSalon in Oct? Tell me more about it.

Anthony

[0{noidea}0]

yes..the stereo will definately be done before the show.

I will get back my car this friday which they already done my front lips....I need my car for a week to design my boot, then i will ask them to glass the whole boot and painted in 2-pak.

Yeah, @thony...no more golf for the next past few days as i will fully concerntrade on my design. Ask vincent don't come...hahaha Opp! forgot u back already..hehe

I will posted some pictures when it is done. Stay tune !

[Stooge007]

sounds like its going to be one helluva system.

nice work on the reviews too :thumb:

- Stooge007 out