6 replies to this topic

[thebookfreak58]

So I've been having some problems with the amp in my sig, the ARC Audio XXD4080. Basically, what would happen is on low frequency sub-bass notes (20-80Hz) a high frequency squeal would come out of the tweeters. So I took it back to Northfield Moorooka to have to all checked out. Matt decided to switch amps to a new one (same model), I had a listen and it all sounded good, so off I went, happy as larry.

Now, I wasn't sure if it was my ears playing on me, but every now and then I'd hear the squeal, or I thought I did. So I dismissed the thought and kept going. But I keep hearing it, it is very subtle and very hard to notice, but it's there. So to get to the bottom I did a Google and found one other had the same problem. So to test things once and all (without access to an oscilloscope) I got some 20-80Hz sine sweeps and played them at very low volume (as not to damage anything) and there was the whine through the tweeters. (By the way, this thread isn't about diagnosing the whine) Now I emailed Matt my concerns and they've been great and presented me with two options:

1. Swap to a Genesis Profile 4 free of charge.

2. Pay a small 'nominal' amount and they can upgrade the above amp to a more powerful option. (Matt is getting back to me about which models would be offered)

Now; currently the XXD4080 is providing 80 W to the splits and around 120 W to the sub (wired in 8 ohm). The system goes very loud (to my ears) and I'm happy with how it sounds.
The Genesis will provide 50 W to the splits and 60 W to the sub (again; 8 ohm load). Now, Matt has previously offered to switch the sub to the D2 version (free of charge), giving a 4 ohm load, but I have kept it the way it is as I liked the sound and 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. So with a 4 ohm load, it will be 50 W to the splits and 150 W to the sub.

Now my question is, what to I do! Will the Genesis provide enough power? How does it compare to the ARC? The extra money for a new amp isn't a huge amount and I can easily be persuaded to spend it, if justified. (Will update when I hear back with the new options)

Thanks for your thoughts!

P.S Matt and the guys at Northfield Moorooka have been nothing short of amazing, answering all my n00by questions and Matt has always answered my emails quickly!

Edited by thebookfreak58, 11 March 2011 - 05:14 PM.

[mad89]

First and foremost, sounds like excellent after sales service and support from Northfield Moorooka!

If it was me? I'd wait to see what they can come back with in terms of upgrading the amp. My guess would probably be up to one of the Arc KS amps, and thats going to mean more power - nothing wrong with that, a little extra headroom is always welcome. Then decide if you want to change or not.

If you don't want to lash out the extra cash, then the Genesis Profile 4 is a more than capable amp to drive that setup. Take the chance to swap the sub to the D2 version (should be very little audible difference - if any!) and the Genesis will be giving it a little more power than what you have now.

Sounds like a win-win situation with either option to me.

[thebookfreak58]

mad89, on 11 March 2011 - 11:57 PM, said:

First and foremost, sounds like excellent after sales service and support from Northfield Moorooka!

They have gone above and beyond the call of duty!

mad89, on 11 March 2011 - 11:57 PM, said:

If it was me? I'd wait to see what they can come back with in terms of upgrading the amp. My guess would probably be up to one of the Arc KS amps, and thats going to mean more power - nothing wrong with that, a little extra headroom is always welcome. Then decide if you want to change or not.

Correct sir! They offered a KS300.4. Now, they question is, is it worth it!? I'm a bit torn really...looking down the track, I'd keep either amp, and add a mono-block and either; bridge the 4ch for front stage, or go active. I guess...which has more SQzzz hah!

mad89, on 11 March 2011 - 11:57 PM, said:

If you don't want to lash out the extra cash, then the Genesis Profile 4 is a more than capable amp to drive that setup. Take the chance to swap the sub to the D2 version (should be very little audible difference - if any!) and the Genesis will be giving it a little more power than what you have now.

Sounds like a win-win situation with either option to me.

Yep, Matt agreed with the sub swap. I'm just quite unsure what to do...

[Pulse-R]

I think the Genesis would sound nicer, even if it has less power.

If you're looking to upgrade to a separate mono later, then I recommend the better amp, as you won't need more power for the fronts.

[thebookfreak58]

Pulse-R, on 13 March 2011 - 10:09 AM, said:

I think the Genesis would sound nicer, even if it has less power.

If you're looking to upgrade to a separate mono later, then I recommend the better amp, as you won't need more power for the fronts.

With the 'better amp' being the Genesis? I'm tending to lean that way, I won't be upgrading the system in this car any further, but I'd certainly re-use the components (with a mono) in a future car.

Another question, how does the Profile 4 compare to the Series III compact 4? This was also offered for a "bit more" than if I were to go for the ARC...

[thebookfreak58]

Well just went ahead with the Profile 4. I think it'll do exactly what the old XXD did (but better) which I was perfectly happy with. It'll be good too for the future when I get a monoblock and can bridge the P4 for the fronts. Can also put the money towards the mono too...

Thanks all for the thoughts!

[hardyards]

Nice choice Sir!

When you get a mono you can run those DLS speakers active, should be a mint sounding system.