Dual XPE2700 - 2 Channel Amplifier Review

When you think of Dual. You'll most likely think of Wal-Mart. Since Dual has been a brand of car audio equipment that Wal-Mart has branded for years. And, what good quality equipment can you get from Wal-Mart?

Well, you're in for a surprise. Especially about the Dual XPE2700, 2 Channel, 400 watt amplifier. And, yes 2 channel amplifiers are possibly the most over looked amplifiers on the market. As in being the most common purchased amplifiers are 4 channels, and up. Along with monoblock amplifiers among car audio enthusiast.

Unlike most amplifiers the model name of the XPE2700 is definitely a curveball. Since most amplifier model names come from the product line, and wattage of the amplifier. Something like XPE400.2 would be a more appropriate name of a product like this. Because seeing a model name like XPE2700 is like saying this little amplifier can put out 2700 watts of power. Yet, that's not the case with this product.

Besides a misleading model name. This amplifier can be placed among one of the best budget amplifiers on the market. Is that speaking for the rest of the XPE line from Dual? Well, that's another review for another day.

But, lets get back to the topic of the matter. The Dual XPE2700 as previously stated is a 2 channel amplifier capable of 400 watts of output. And, that wattage statement is very true with this amplifier. Since the XPE2700 amplifier is CEA rated. CEA RATED YOU SAY? Told you guys that you'd would be surprised what you find in Wal-Mart.

So, lets get into the hard facts about the XPE2700 amplifier. This product is very well built. Sporting a cast aluminium body, built in heat sinks, silver plated RCA, and speaker terminals. That can fit up to 8 gauge speaker, power, and ground wiring. With an output of 50 watts at 4 ohms, 75 watts at 2 ohms, 150 watts at 4 ohms (bridged), and 400 watts at 2 ohms (bridged). MOSFET power supply with variable high, and lowpass filter. Ranging up to 500hz on the high, and 50hz on low end. With select-able bass boost at 0, 6, and 12 decibels at 50hz. The Dual XPE2700 is not a 1 ohm stable amplifier, but it is 2 ohms stable.

With all that information. The question that stands is the Dual XPE2700, 2 channel, 400 watts amplifier recommended? The answer... YES! This amplifier is perfect for a budget, low wattage beginner system. The Dual XPE2700 can do its rated wattage, and a little more with a strong enough power input. A perfect pick for a sub, and component (front or rear) setup. Or, it can be used just as a subwoofer amplifier bridged for one channel output, and visa versa for a component setup. But, whatever the application the amplifier is used for. It is definitively a steal with $55.00 price tag on it.

But, the only tricky part is.. to some car audio dealers as in Sonic Electonix to name one. The XPE line from Dual is a discontinued line. But, the Dual XPE2700, and many other amplifiers from the XPE line can be found online, or maybe even at your local Wal-Mart store.

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Sony CDX-700HD CD Receiver Review

In the world of car audio receivers there are a million, and one companies that make them. But, only few stand out as the cream of the crop.

And, it is always difficult to say which one is best. Well, lets make this easy. The Sony CDX-GT700HD CD Receiver is most definitely on that list.

But, as many would audiophiles would say. Sony? Yes, Sony! For years Sony has been the jack of all trades in the world of media consumption. From TVs, DVD players to Surround Sound components, and receivers. And, in the car audio world also. Making budget subwoofers, door speakers, and head units. And, with making so many products. Some are better than others. And, the CDX-GT700HD CD Receiver is one of them.

Reasons why? This is a well made receiver packing some nice features. For a reasonable price. The CDX-GT700HD CD Receiver is HD Radio compatible. And, has seamless integration with Satellite Radio. Plus it is iPhone, iPod, iPad ready. And, the CDX-GT700HD can play USB sticks. Multiple sound formats as in MP3, WMA, and WAV files. Making playing your own music on this receiver a breeze. Allowing the user to control their devices directly though the unit itself, and having clear ID3 tagging on the screen. Letting the user know what song is playing. The unit also carrying a feature Sony calls ZAPPING.

What is zapping? Zapping is a 6, 9, or 30 second preview of multiple songs. Allowing the user to skip through songs without continuously hitting the skip button. Until the user finds a song of their preferred listening pleasure. This is a iconic feature to few Sony receivers. So, what else does this unit have in store?

The CDX-700HD CD Receiver delivers 52 watts of peak power to all four speakers while DSO, and the EQ3 stage 2 feature allows the user to adjust the mix for a dynamic listening experience. The use of the built in front, rear, and subwoofer pre-outs allows the user the power to customize output of your external amplifiers, and other components with the built in  Low Pass, and High Pass filters of the unit.

And, as most units of the last decade the CDX-700HD CD Receiver has dual color illumination of a electric blue, and glowing green. This unit also comes with a wireless remote, and your basic connection harness, mounting cage, and front plate.

So, what is bad about this product? Not a thing. Its a perfect replacement unit for a factory receiver. With the crisp sound it delivers, and added features to enhance sound. The unit is definitely worth its money. Perfect for any audiophile who likes detailed sound. And, lets not forget the car audio enthusiast who has a custom set-up as in a iPad in-dash. This unit gives the user that seamless integration of the iPad to external speakers, amplifiers, and components. With the extra ability to customize the sound, and something that looks extremely nice in the looks department.

Recommended? Yes, highly recommended for anyone looking into a replacement head unit at a decent price, and loaded with features. In what this unit does lacks. Like Bluetooth compatibility. It makes up for in another. Where to purchase you ask? That's easy! The Sony CDX-700HD CD Receiver can be purchased from Amazon.com

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