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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Audiopipe AP1500.1D Monoblock Amplifer Review

What can be said about Audiopipe? Its pretty much your hit, and miss type of company. It's one of those brands that has something good in one category, and missing something in the other.

But, one thing Audiopipe does right on is amplifiers. And, the amplifier we're speaking of today. Is the AP1500.1D from Audiopipe. This is one of the best budget monoblocks on the market. Unlike some other budget companies, that will not be named. This monoblock gives about 300 watts give or take from its max rating. And, in many budget amplifiers that is rare.

The AP1500.1D is a 16 volts monoblock with ratings of 600 watts at 4 ohms, 950 at 2 ohms, and 1500 at 1 ohm. Although this monoblock is rated to run at 16 volts. It will run on 14 volts systems. But, will you get these numbers? Not entirely. But, you can get something close to the rated wattage. But, working on a variable of voltage, and wattage gives this monoblock a wide variety to work with.

Estimation of the AP1500.1D running on a 14 volt power will give about 300 watts at 4 ohms, 650 watts at 2 ohms, and 1200 watts at 1 ohm. Which is not much of a lost in wattage. And, with that small decrease in wattage. Opens a large configuration in subwoofer setups.

Now, lets get back to hard facts on the AP1500.1D monoblock amplifier. This amplifier can take up to 0 gauge power, and ground wire. And, 8 gauge on the speaker terminals. In the box it comes with a attractive looking bass knob, and an included 100 amp in-line fuse holder. Side note... the in-line fuse holder that comes with the AP1500.1D is the only fuse found on this amplifier. Indicating that this amplifier is running off true RMS power.

The AP1500.1D is also strappable. Meaning that if you have another AP1500.1D it can be placed in a series to give a max wattage output of 3000 watts. But, the AP1500.1D brings something else to the table that no budget amplifier has. It has internal fans, making this amplifier convenient for small areas with low air flow.

Recommended? Yes, this amplifier is highly recommended. Its affordability, and power handling makes this amplifier almost perfect for any set up. And, the only down side to this amplifier is that if the amp is close in hearing distance at times when it is quiet in the vehicle the fans can be heard running. But, its a small complaint to say that the AP1500.1D avoids the hassle of creating a cooling system.

The last question to answer is.. Where to purchase the Audiopipe AP1500.1D? Here, is the punchline... the AP1500.1D is now a discontinued model from Audiopipe. But, all is NOT lost. Audiopipe did reincarnate the AP1500.1D in the form of their new line of monoblocks as the APCL1500.1D. And, can be found VMInnovations for purchase. But, if you MUST HAVE the AP1500.1D monoblock amplifier. EBay does have a few used, and new ones.

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Kaye Khaos Does a Mini Vlog Update

Where has Kaye Khaos been lately? Seems as if he's been out of the picture lately of car audio. Well, he's back, and decided to do a little vlog.

Kaye Khaos gives a update on where his been, and why he hasn't updated his Youtube channel with his builds.

 He also talks about his new budget build, and speaks on his final build for his vehicle. While giving a little walk around of his 03 Silverado while doing his update.

Also, he speaks on his tumblr page where he updates with ideas of what he wants to do with as builds. And, shares other interesting builds that others have done. Check out the video below.

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Power Acoustik PWM-16 4 Band Parametric Equalizer Review

Kaye Khaos takes a little time out to review PWM-16 Parametric Equalizer from Power Acoustik. That he recently installed into his 2003 Silverado LS. To work with his in dash Nexus 7 tablet. 

Here is the run down of the PWM-16 for those who are wondering.

Installation: BASIC | Provide a 12V Power Source, Ground, and Remote

Performance: AVERAGE | 4 Band EQ (Mid, Low, High) with sub control. Nothing over the top, does what it was made to do. Nothing more.

Build Quality: AVERAGE | Built with an aluminium body, come with mounting brackets, and screws. Seems that it can handle a little bumping, and bruising, but nothing extreme. Rotary controls feels smooth as they turn, has small grooves for better gripping. Although at time they feel cheap to the hands to turn because they are kind of small.

Overall: A nice product for what its worth. Unit is CEA rated for 7V preamp output, which is a plus for a budget project. Overall, it does ets the job done as far as cleaning up music. Would recommend to audiophiles on a budget. But, not for extreme audiophiles.

Interested in purchasing the Power Acoustik PWM-16 Graphic Equalizer. You can purchase it from Sonic Electonix for $34.99 plus shipping.

Check out the video review below:

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Unboxing of Quantum Audio QXA1500.1D Monoblock Amplifier

Nothing is as great as unboxing a new amplifier. Its just something about that smell. 

Well, here is the unboxing of the QXA1500.1D monoblock amplifer from Quantum Audio. Check the video below of the unboxing from Kaye Khaos. Like that unboxing? Here is a few facts on the QXA1500.1D from Quantum Audio. This amplifier is not CEA rated so the ratings on the box may be far from what this amplifier can do. Although there is a possibility it can do the rated 1500 watts at 1 ohm as stated. From the specs on this amplifier. Quantum Audio states that this amplifier does 1500 watts at 1 ohm, 750 watts at 2 ohms, and 500 watts at 4 ohms.  The amplifier comes with dual 20 amp fuses, but it is recommended to replaces those 20 amps with 30 amp fuses. This amplifier runs at 12 volts. The terminals can fit up to 4 gauge power, and ground wire. With speaker terminals that can accompany up to 8 gauge.  Overall build quality for this amplifier is pretty well. Has some nice weight to it courtesy of the aluminium body. This amp does get pretty warm under the lightest conditions. So, it is recommended to place this amplifier in an open area where air can flow over the heatsink.    Recommendation? This amplifier is NOT highly recommended to any type of bass head or audiophile. Due to the fact that this amplifier may be overpriced for the amount of wattage that it can deliver. Retail price on this amplifier is around $208.00 may find it cheaper else way as in Ebay. But, there are many other budget brand amplifiers on the market for that price, that can deliver better wattage, and build quality.  

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