PowerBass M124D Subwoofer Review

Looking for subwoofers can be a task when building a new system. There is so many out  for so many different applications. It's almost as frustrating as finding a amplifier.

But, what if you have what type of subwoofer your looking for in mind? Something like a entry level subwoofer. A little boom for your car. Now, there are many companies that make subwoofers, and coin them as their subs as entry level woofer.

And, this little entry level subwoofer can have some crazy RMS, and peak numbers. It sounds too good to be true. Well, most likely it is. Alot of companies will overrate their products to make it more pleasing to consumers. Those who see big numbers with a cheap price will most likely buy this subwoofer. When in actuality this subwoofer can not even take half of the rated power.

Well, the M124D from PowerBass is not that type of subwoofer. Rated at 375 watts RMS and 750 watts peak. This subwoofer is affordable, and built true. Sporting a 2 inch, 4 ohm voice coil, 4 layer non-paper pressed cone, a large santoprene surround. This subwoofer is built with great sound quality in ported, and sealed enclosures.

Even with the specs from PowerBass. This subwoofer proves more than what the specs can tell. So, lets break down into greater detail the power, and build quality of the M124D from PowerBass. In a optimal sealed enclosure with a amplifier of 375 watts. The M124D delivers an accurate bass reconstruction of the music being played. From 29Hz to 250Hz, and above. The bass is punchy, tight and hard hitting as it should be. But, don't think because this woofer is in a sealed enclosure the lower hertz is out the question. Even with more bass heavy songs with lower notes. The M124D will perform above, and beyond expectations. With these certain songs the M124D performs as if it in a ported enclosure. Letting these long, low bass notes release with precise precision.

Now, placing the M124D into a ported enclosure with its rated 375 watts. This woofer is performs at all most peak. Allowing the reconstruction of bass to be played back lively with great quality. And, with heavy bass songs, that have longer bass notes. The M124D pushes larges amounts of air through its ported enclosure going below its rated frequency of 29Hz into the lower 20Hz area with no problem at all.

With all that said, and your enclosure chose. It comes down to how your going to power the M124D from PowerBass. As previously stated the RMS of this woofer is 375 watts, and the peak is 750 watts. How much power that is going to this woofer is the choice of application. For more sound quality setups. The recommended 375 to 500 watts will work. Now, for a little more boom, but not truly SPL setups. Recommended wattage is from 500 to 750 watts. But, the M124D can take a more power than its peak. About 200 to 300 watts more depending on the amplifier used, and how clean the signal is. Trying to reach this extra power mark with a amplifier that is clipping, an distorting will fry this woofer. But, a clean signal this woofer will more than surpass its peak rating.

So, is this woofer recommended? Yes, this woofer is highly recommended for its sound quality, and affordability as previously stated. The build of this subwoofer is that what is found on woofers that retail at 100.00 dollars, and up. But, with some shopping around online. The M124D can be found as low as 54.00 dollars without including shipping. The M124D is a steal for those who are budget building, looking to add a little low end rumble, and just have some punch with their SQ setup.

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Sonido Mask Amplifers Overview

Finding a amplifier for a great price with great power can be a great task. Most problems car audio builders run into finding a amplifier that does deliver great power, but the price can be costly.

Well, maybe Sonido Mask has a answer for this problem. Although being a new name in the car audio world. Sonido Mask may prove to be a real contender in budget car audio with their amplifiers. But, being a new contender many people may be turned off by a brand that has yet to prove itself.

Hopefully a little light can be shed on Sonido Mask. So, let start off with the Sonido Mask ZX-1500.1 monoblock amplifier. The ratings on this amplifier from Sonido Mask says this amplifier does 600 watts at 4 ohms, 950 watts at 2 ohms, and 1500 watts at 1 ohm. Now with the rated specs listed. The question that stands is will this amplifier do what its rated?

Thanks to the SMD AD-1 those questions can be answered. The Sonido Mask ZX-1500.1 was tested at 1 ohm. And, the results at 1 ohm on a certified run to 1% distortion. The Sonido Mask ZX-1500.1 produced 1330 watts of power. That's a 170 watts off of its rated wattage. Which is close to its rated power, but not yet there. Maybe an uncertified run to clipping will produce that rated number. And, the ZX-1500.1 produced 1502 watts of power. But, the real test of the ZX-1500.1 is in the dynamic run. The dynamic run on the SMD AD-1 is to simulate real world playing of music on the amplifier. And, the ZX-1500.1 produced 2121 watts of power.

Now with all the numbers put out there. What do they exactly mean for the Sonido Mask ZX-1500.1? They mean that this amplifier can produce its rated power, and above under certain situations. Like using this amplifier for a daily driver system. The ZX-1500.1 will perform beautiful with stable power. But, using the ZX-1500.1 for a strictly SPL system. It comes up short on the list.

Is this amplifier recommended? Yes, the ZX-1500.1 is a affordable amplifier that will deliver power with the correct electrical in your daily driver system. It has a beautiful look appearance. Will fit in with just about any daily driver system that requires 1500 watts. The only setback with the ZX-1500.1 from Sonido Mask is that this amplifier will not go lower than 0.5 ohm. Which is like many amplifiers that is not 0.5 stable, and not recommend to do with amplifier that are not 0.5 ohm stable.

Now, moving onto the heavyweight class with the ZX-3000.1 (FX-3000.1) amplifier from Sonido Mask. The ZX-3000.1 is the largest amplifier that Sonido Mask makes with rated specs of 1100 watts at 4 ohms, 2000 watts at 2 ohms, and 3000 watts at 1 ohm. Lets see what the ZX-3000.1 does on the SMD AD-1. With the first test being a certified run to 1% distortion at 2 ohms. The ZX-3000.1 produced 2100 watts of power. And, now the uncertified run to clipping at 2 ohms And, the ZX-3000.1 produced 2156 watts of power. The dynamic run of the ZX-3000.1 produces 2187 watts of power at 2 ohms.

Lets see what the ZX-3000.1 produces at 1 ohm on the AD-1. With a certified run to 1% distortion the ZX-3000.1 produces 2600 watts of power. And, the uncertfied run to clipping. The ZX-3000.1 produces 2770 watts of power. Now, for the results of the test that counts. The dynamic run of the ZX-3000.1 which produces 3851 watts of power at 1 ohm.

Now with all the numbers out there of the ZX-3000.1 (FX-3000.1) monoblock amplifier. What does it mean? It means this amplifier is a power house. The ZX-3000.1 does fall short of its rated wattage at 4 ohms, but comes through strong at 2 ohms, and 1 ohms. Which is great for Sonido Mask who is a new comer to the amplifier market.

Is this amplifier recommended? Yes, the ZX-3000.1 is a recommend amplifier for systems that require high power. What is great about the ZX-3000.1 is that this amplifier can be strapped with another ZX-3000.1, and produce even larger amounts of power. Another upside to the ZX-3000.1 is that it can be ran not only with 14 volt systems, but with 16 volts systems. And, at 16 volts the ZX-3000.1 can possibly provide even more power. Now, just like the ZX-1500.1 this amplifier can not be ran at 0.5 ohms. But, with all the added extras of being strappable, and can be ran with 16 volt systems. Not being 0.5 stable is not a major lost.

And, just like the ZX-1500.1 monoblock amplifer. The ZX-3000.1 will perform best in certain situations. But, can be used for SPL, and daily driver with the right tweaks, and power.

Now, with all this said. What does it mean for Sonido Mask as a manufacturer? For Sonido Mask as a company, and manufacturer it has potential to be something great amongst the other car audio companies. With reasonable prices, and well built products. Sonido Mask may just be around for a long time if consumers give the company a try. Now, getting a Sonido Mask product is not as easy as finding any other.

At the moment Sonido Mask products is only available from Sonido Mask website.

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Crunch PowerONE 6.5 Component Speakers Review

For car audio there are many products on the market. Some made for the extreme car audio enthusiast, some for the audiophiles, and some for the newcomers who are just trying to increase their listening experience from stock.

And, with so many products its hard to pick which product is made for that type of person. Well, put one product into category with this review of the PowerONE 6.5 Component speaker set from Crunch. 

For most applications the PowerONE 6.5 Component speaker set would fit in with those who are trying to increase their listening experience from stock speakers. These speakers are affordable, and perfect replacement speakers for a stock system.

But, with a reasonable price there are some setbacks. The construction of these speakers is not the best to begin with. The passive crossovers on this unit is very small, not something you'll usually see in a higher priced component set. The 2 inch impact resistant dome tweeters are nicely built, but the mounting parts are made of very light plastic. So installation wise, one must be very careful or the parts may break. The 6.5 component itself is constructed nicely. With a steel stamped basket, alpha-cellulose woofer cones, and a mounting depth 2 1/8 inches. These speakers will fit in just about any vehicle with any depth problems.

So, with all that said. What's the good about the PowerONE 6.5 Component speaker set? Although as previously stated the unit itself feels cheaply made. This product definitely performs better than it looks. The 6.5 mid-range speaker reconstruct mid-level frequencies almost perfectly. The dome tweets complements the mid-range with a nice clear high range frequency. Each working together, and not against. But, these speakers lack great bass reconstruction. If bass is added to the equation. These speakers seem to sound muddy, and un-crisp like. Reaching distortion levels at the mid-level volume.

Recommendation? As previously stated these speakers are perfect for someone who is just looking to replace their stock speakers. With some minor adjustments on frequencies these speakers can really shine, and perform. On a amplifier these speakers will get very loud. Spec wise these speakers are to handle 55 watts RMS, and 800 watts peak. But, 800 watts peak seems a little overkill. At minimum these speakers will sound great around 55 to 100 watts. Anything over that will be overkill.

As of now the PowerONE P1-6.5C is discontinued. But, with a little searching there are some that are still hanging around waiting to be added to your system.

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Power Acoustik Bass-10C Bass Reconstruction Processor Review

In the world of car audio there are many products on the market. That serve the same purpose. Different brands, different construction. But, for true audiophiles ever piece matters to get the best sound.

When dealing with car audio, and being a audiophile trying to get the perfect sound reconstruction. You'll come across some hurdles. But, for every problem there is a solution not to far away.

One problem that is dominate in car audio is different genres of music play different on each, and every system. Some genres as Hip-Hop sound great for bass, but may efficient lack highs, and mid clarity. Latin/Spanish genres may have the highs, and mids clarity, but lack the bass. Don't fret it isn't your system that created these problems. Its the mixing of the genre being played. Different music from different decades, and genres are all mixed different. If you play music from the late 50 through early 80s. Alot of the music was recorded, and mixed live. Music from the late 90s, and early 2000s was mixed after recording, and had the latest features added to the mix.

With that being understood. Music from earlier genres tend to sound clear, but lack the bass of modern day genres. Now, if your a person who listen to these earlier genres. A component you may need for your system is a bass processor. What does a bass processor do? A bass processor enhances the low end of your music, bring that dull bass line to the surface giving the music the low end it was missing.

Now, there are plenty of bass processors on the market. But, the one of topic is the Power Acoustik Bass 10-C Bass Processor. This unit is nothing fancy to look at, but it may fix your problem. Hook up is so simple that you may not even need to read the instructions. But, it is nice to see everything that this unit does. All of your hook ups are conventionally labeled on the unit itself. Beginning with the Balance Input. This is where your head unit output goes into the unit to create a balance signal, following the input you have your Output. Which goes into your amplifier of choice. Following the output. You then have your Dash Remote. Which allows you to increase the units signal to your amplifier, or decrease to your discretion. Following the dash remote, you have your 12V, Ground, and Remote. See the unboxing of this unit below..


    And, that covers the basics of this unit. Now this unit does have some configuration to it. It doesn't have a preset setting. It can be set to your choosing once up, and running. But, here are some facts about this unit. When playing to earlier genres this unit is flawless at bring up the low end in the music. It is your choice by the simple flip switch on the unit to restore the low end at 35Hz, 50Hz, or 80Hz. Once you have that chosen you can then start adjusting the Wide, and the Sweep of the unit.

To explain how the wide, and sweep works is. If you have your restore limit set to 50Hz, and then set your sweep high. The unit will restore from 50Hz down. Adjusting the wide on the unit will bring out how wide the sweep is. The higher, and wider the sweep the more notes get restored, the lower, and slender the sweep will only bring out notes with in your choice range. The unit has a area that is marked MAX BASS CONTROL what this means is the low end signal is reaching the peak of the unit. If this area lights up the unit continues its job of add on to the low end, but it is letting you know that the signal maybe distorting.

Now, understanding everything that has been said about this unit. Is it something worth adding to your system. The answer is.. YES, and NO. This unit is perfect if your a listener of older genres as previously listed. The Bass-10C will restore the low end of these genres with easy. Bring out the low notes of these songs. That you couldn't hear without it.  But, if your main genre is something more modern like Rap or Hip-Hop this unit is not for you. With more modern genres as previously stated the low end are already persistent in the music. The Bass-10C can not restore the low end of something that is already there. More, or less playing modern genres with the Bass-10C on you will experience a more condensed low end reproduction in your music. The notes won't sound natural as they should, and will distort more easily.

Overall, this unit is perfect for audiophiles of older genres with its easy hook up, and installation. And, this unit comes in at a great price. Of course there are other units out there that are similar to the Bass-10C, but if you want something that isn't over complicated, and isn't to simplistic. This is the unit for you.

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Audiopipe APCL-1500.1D on AD-1 Full Testing Results

We recently posted the AD-1 testing of the Audiopipe APCL-1500.1D monoblock amplifer at .5 ohms. Which delivered some ground breaking results. To view that post click here.

And, just as we promised in that post. That when the full testing of the Audiopipe APCL-1500.1D was posted by Big D Wiz who did the tested on the AD-1 was released. We would update the post.

Well, here it is.. the full review, and results of the Audiopipe APCL-1500.1D monoblock amplifer. As previously stated this video is property of Big D Wiz of Old School Stereo.com. Disclaimer: we are not affiliated with OldSchoolStereo.com We are just sharing the results of a budget amplifier that deserves its respect. Video is below of the full review. Test is ran at 4 ohms, 2 ohms, and 1 ohm. With a special testing of the amplifier ran at .5 ohms.

Impressed yet? If you didn't watch the full review, and only want the numbers that the Audiopipe APCL-1500.1D produced. Here they are:

• Certified run at 4 ohms: 526 Watts RMS, Uncertified run at 4 ohms: 548 Watts RMS, Dynamic run at 4 ohms: 573 Watts RMS.

• Certified run at 2 ohms: 891 Watts RMS, Uncertified run at 2 ohms: 984 Watts RMS, Dynamic run at 2 ohms: 1085 Watts RMS.

• Certified run at 1 ohms: 1314 Watts RMS, Uncertified run at 1 ohms: 1458 Watts RMS, Dynamic run at 1 ohms: 2024 Watts RMS.

• Special Dynamic run at .5 ohms: 2753/2810 Watts RMS.

Again, like said in the previous post the Audiopipe APCL-1500.1D is a power house monoblock amplifier with a nice price. It does its close to rated wattage, at 4 ohms, and over at 2, and 1 ohms. Even though its not rated at .5 ohms it does almost double it rated wattage. Which is great for amplifier that doesn't break the bank.

Don't know how the test was ran? Let us explain.. in a certified run with the AD-1 a sine wave is played at 40Hz until  the point of 1% distortion, and the test is stopped. The AD-1 records the wattage output up til the point where it is stopped. Uncertified run is done the same as the certified run, but is ran up til clipping of the signal. Again the AD-1 records the wattage output of the amplifer until the test is stopped. Dynamic run is a little different from Certified, and Uncertifed. The Dynamic run is made to recreate the idea of the amplifier is playing music. A pulsating sine wave of 40Hz is played, and the AD-1 records the wattage output.

What test matters? For most the Dynamic test matter most since it is the most accurate in the situation of the amplifiers usage for most people.

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Scosche Electronics HD Series Speaker Review

When you think of Scosche products. The first thing that usually comes to mind is Wal-Mart. Since Scosche products have been found in Wal-Mart for the longest of time. With such products such as Wiring Kits, Dash Kits, RCA Cables, Speaker Wire, In-Line Fuse Holders, Fuses, and many more.

And, the biggest down fall of a company that makes just about everything. Is that their products tend to lack quality for they make a large quantity of products. But, with Scosche that is not a problem. As to making so many products. The quality of these speaker are as close to prime quality without the prime quality price. For example the HD Series car speakers they make. Yes, you read that correctly. Outside of the large numbers of add-on Scosche makes for car audio. They indeed do make car audio speakers with the HD Series being one of three lines. The other series that Scosche makes are called EFX, and REALM. But, the HD Series is easier to get to than the others.

The HD Series car speakers you can pick up at your local Wal-Mart store in the car audio section. But, why would you pick up Scosche brand speakers when you have other brands to chose from at Wal-Mart. Like Sony, Pioneer, Kicker, and Dual. Well, maybe this review can help you decide a little better next time your in search for some aftermarket door speakers.

Scosche decided with their series to reach all speaker sizes. From 4 inch  to 6.5-6.75 inch to 4x6s, 5x6s, and finally 6x9s. A size fit for any vehicle. Now what point did that make? A lot of brands only make sizes that are popular. Most company choose to make 6.5-6.75, and 6x9 speakers more than the rest of the sizes that are in between to save on resources of certain sizes not selling at all.

Well, for Scosche that's great that they make all sizes of speakers. But, the question that stands is.. ARE THEY WORTH THE MONEY? Well, the answer to that is simple. YES! For the price these speakers are well worth their price tag. In which the price varies per speaker size. But, no matter the size these speakers are in. They all deliver with great sound quality, and music reproduction. These triaxial speakers as Scosche labels them. Perform great with just power output of the standard aftermaket head unit. But, put these speakers on a external amplifier. And, they really shine.

The HD Series speakers on a external amplifier deliver crisp highs, with a great mid-range frequency, and a punchy low bass. Whereas some car speaker mix all these frequencies together. Making listening not so great, and music reproduction sounding sloppy with clipping, and distortion. The built in crossover on the HD Series take care of those problems. Meaning no bass in your highs, and no highs in your bass. Creating a even sounding experience. The IMPP molded polypropylene cone gives these speakers not only a great look, but added durability in construction for music reproduction .

Now wattage to these speakers varies among sizes, but they all have a common variable of 50 watts RMS. Just about all the sizes are built as followed with 1 inch copper voice coils, 0.6 inch tweeter, 0.7 mid range, and 13 to 20 oz magnets. But, specs can't always describe how well a speaker will perform. If your in the market for some new speakers for your car. And, looking for some nice, that will sound amazing, and won't break the bank. Stop buy your nearest Wal-Mart pick up a pair of Scosche HD Series speakers, and try them for yourself. You won't be disappointed at all.

Where to get the Scosche HD Series, or EFX, and REALM series speakers. You can pick the HD Series speakers at your local Wal-Mart, or online at Scosche website

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Audiopipe ACPL1500.1D on AD-1 Amp Dyno - The Numbers Will Suprise You!

We've done a previous post about Audiopipe amplifiers. And, you can read that here. But, since the publishing of that article. Audiopipe has discontinued the AP line that we reviewed. Now in that article we spoke about the new line that would be replacing the AP line. And, that was the APCL line.

But, the question that stood to all consumers of Audiopipe products. Would they stand by the APCL line of amplifiers as they did the AP line? Would the APCL line be as powerful as the AP line? Would the pricing change? Well, as time has progressed some of those answers have been answered.

There have been some Audiopipe customers who have stood by the brand even with the discontinue of their favorite line, and have purchased the APCL line. And, found that the APCL to be as adequate to the AP line, or maybe even better. Now as far as power stands with the APCL line. That answer has came with some hard evidence. The video below provided by Big D Wiz of OldSchoolStereo.com put all the doubts to rest.

Now this test was ran at 0.5 ohms which is really pushing the limit of this 1 ohm stable amplifier. But, the APCL line have proven that it is now joke. Putting out a whopping 2810 watts. That's 1310 watts over the amps dynamic output of 1500 watts. Now imagine running this amplifier at 1 ohm. Estimation wattage is around 2300 watts. That is a estimation figure. Big D Wiz said that he will upload the full test of the APCL-1500.1D onto his channel.  If you don't know how this test was ran. Here is the answer. The AD-1 Dynamic RMS Power test is simulating as if this amplifier is in car, and playing music in real world terms. Sending a sine wave in short burst, rather than one long tone. Which is simulating the bass of a actual song. The AD-1 will read the cleanest output of wattage from the amplifier, and display the maximum RMS rating of the amplifier that was produced before clipping. Check back for the full AD-1 test on the Audiopipe APCL-1500.1D.

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