Alto Macro 830: 870W into 4 ohms, $219. Any good? (1 Viewer)

[Rory Buszka]

http://www.directproaudio.com/produc...directid=13499

Has anyone ever seen this amplifier? It appears to offer an awful lot for very little: 870 watts bridged into 4 ohms. This would be a great option for subwoofer guys, and I don't think I've ever seen anything that can beat it for its price.

 

[Mitch N]

well with a freq response of 20Hz to 20kHz, I think there are some limiting factors for certain forms of entertainment.

But the price seems quite good. Buy it and tell us how it goes

 

[Jack Gilvey]

Like?

 

[Darren_T]

I think Mitch is saying that you won't get much below 20Hz depending on the accuracy of the frequency range. Home theater may suffer a bit as more and more movies have effects at or below 20Hz.

 

[Dan Hine]

I don't know that I've ever seen a pro amp rated lower than 20hz. I'm sure they are out there but they will also be the ones that cost $5-6k. A 20hz-20khz rating is standard and would be perfectly fine for both HT and musical applications. It's not a brick wall, afterall.


- Dan

 

[Darren_T]

I was just interpreting what Mitch said... I have no opinion myself.

 

[Mitch N]

I was more or less getting at 20Hz is may cut out some material. However, doing some figures in my head... If it's 20-20kHz +/- .1db then it would be something like -3db at 5Hz. Nothing really bad at all thinking about it. You can easily compensate for that.

It's a good deal nonetheless. Most other amps I've seen are in the $300+ range.

 

[Jack Gilvey]

Just wondering what subwoofer design would be hampered by an amp -3dB at 5Hz. You certainly could compensate, though.

 

[Ryan Schnacke]

This is directly from the PDF manual:
POWER SPECIFICATIONS
STEREO MODE (Both channels driven, 20Hz-20KHz)
2ohms - 480
4ohms - 300
8ohms - 205

Bridge Mono Mode (20Hz-20kHz)
8ohms - 560
4ohms - 800

FREQUENCY RESPONSE (at 10dB below rated output power)
25Hz-25KHz +0/-1dB
-3dB points: 5Hz-50KHz

I think you'll get very good response down to 5 or 10Hz. So long as you turn off the 30Hz high pass rumble filter. A very good deal for $215 and free shipping.

The only comparable value I've heard mention of is the Nady XA-900 from musiciansfriend.

Its $180 and the cheapest shipping option to Dallas is $13.
POWER SPECIFICATIONS (1Hz, THD maximum 1%, both channels)
2ohm: 400 + 400
4ohm: 300 + 300
8ohm: 200 + 200
Bridged 4ohm: 675

FREQUENCY RESPONSE (at 10dB below rated output power)
20Hz-20KHz +/-1dB
-3dB points: 5Hz-50KHz

The Alto has defeatable rumble filter (30Hz) and defeatable clip protection. I don't think the Nady has either.

 

[Rory Buszka]

I guess those Google ads really ARE good for something!