More Punch For the Buck!
Written: Aug 09 '03 (Updated Sep 04 '03)
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Pros: More and better power! Functional features found in high-end amps.
Cons: Plain Jane looks. Not really built in USA.
The Bottom Line: It's easy to get swept up in the hype and glitz of marketing car electronics biz. The USX2100 is somewhat the antithesis of all that.
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| dkmura's Full Review: US Acoustics USX-2100 Car Amp |
First off, let me state that I am no audiophile. My ear is not so keenly attuned as to catch all the highs and lows in each song. But after hearing some high-end systems in other cars, let's face it, even my ears could pick up the difference. For my 2003 Nissan 350Z track model, the plan was to take the stock stereo and make it better- quantifiably better.
After reading and looking at several amplifiers, I elected to go with a two-channel amp by U.S. Acoustics. Why? The power ratings and construction were in line with my plan to replace the front paper speakers and tweeters with high quality upgrades. For that, I needed the USX2100, an amp rated at 100 watts per channel at 12.9 volts. Even better, it offered both high and low (built-in) crossovers to properly direct the frequencies to the tweeters or woofers. It also features MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) which is used in other high-end amps for increased power efficiency and low heat generation (being installed under the front passenger seat made this a consideration). Finally, the unit offers speaker-level inputs, so I could use the amp to augment my stock stereo without a lot of additional wiring and an anti-thump circuit to prevent potentially damaging 'thump' at startup.
Two other factors were durability and cost. If you elect to purchase this amp from a web-based retailer like Crutchfield, they offer a 3-year warranty on all U.S. Acoustics amps. To me, this means that their experience with returns on the amps have been low enough that they can stand behind it. Design and construction do count. Cost is a big plus: my USX2100 was just this side of 125 bucks and I could not find another amp that came close to offering the functional features that it does.
Now, there are some downsides. First, depending on your taste, U.S. Acoustics amps don't have the flashiest graphics. The housing is primarily gray with raised and polished heat fins on either side. Gold-plated preamp outputs (on the side) is another sign that the company put their money into functional items rather than eye-candy. A nicely cast silver badge on the top tells you who the manufacturer is, while a blue bar illuminates next to it when the unit is turned on. The unit does not come with a power, ground or signal cables (like most amps) and my advise is to make sure you buy these at the same time (and at a discount) you buy the amp if you are dealing with a web-based retailer. For those that care about such things, the amp is actually built in Korea, from an American design.
Now my 350Z has MB Quart separates up front (see epinions review "An Economical Upgrade" of the DSC-216 at http://www.epinions.com/content_111890697860) powered by lots of pure, clean power. It sounds great, with clarity and punch that the stock system could only dream of. I paid a pro to install the system and am glad I did. You cannot tell from any outside angle that the car has anything but the stock stereo in it. Now, this system may not be enough for some people as it lacks a subwoofer, but that can be added in the future as the USX2100 can be easily "daisy-chained" into a second amp. But the truth is, my ear is satisfied as the speakers and amp offer more than enough sonic goodness for my journeys. In conclusion, if you're looking for a good 2-channel amp, this one offers many features found in high-end amps. Combine that with a low price and I think it's a very good value.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 123.99
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Epinions.com ID:
dkmura
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Member: David Muramoto
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 33 members
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