The Acoustas AC650 DSP amplifier promises a game-changing experience for DIY speaker enthusiasts, addressing the long-standing challenge of accessibility in the world of digital signal processing. Traditional DSP amplifiers, while offering unparalleled control and customization, often require extensive technical expertise and significant time investment to master their complex software. The AC650 tackles this barrier head-on with its intuitive app-based interface, simplifying the process and making powerful DSP features accessible to a wider audience. This review delves into the amplifier's capabilities, examining its strengths and weaknesses to determine whether it truly lives up to its revolutionary claims.This in-depth analysis explores the AC650's features, including its 10 DSP outputs, customizable presets with 15-band EQ, and versatile crossover points. We'll assess its power output, examining the trade-off between its advertised wattage and its actual performance, and discuss the implications for various speaker setups. Furthermore, the review will investigate the amplifier's limitations, such as the current absence of parametric EQ and analog inputs, and evaluate its overall value proposition for both novice and experienced DIY audio enthusiasts.
Pros And Cons
- User-friendly app for easy DSP control.
- 10 DSP outputs for DIY multi-channel speaker systems.
- Four customizable presets.
- 15-band EQ.
- Up to 48 dB crossover points.
- Delay adjustment for time alignment.
- Potential to eliminate passive crossovers.
- Ability to configure outputs as mono or stereo.
- Easy selection of active outputs via app.
- Higher power output (100 watts per channel) when using only two outputs.
- Simple speaker swapping via app.
- Instant audible changes via the app.
- Lower continuous power output (30-35 watts per channel) than advertised (50 watts).
- Power output significantly reduced with 8-ohm drivers.
- Requires a separate amplifier for subwoofers or low-sensitivity woofers.
- No analog RCA input, only fiber optic.
- Limited to stereo input, requiring multiple units for multi-channel surround sound.
- Currently lacks FIR filters (although planned for future update).
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Addressing the High Cost of Entry in DSP Amplifiers
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) amplifiers have long been coveted by audiophiles for their precise control and customization options, but the steep learning curve associated with their software has historically limited their accessibility.
Many powerful DSP programs, such as Sigma Studios, require hours, days, even years of dedicated study, creating a substantial barrier to entry for many DIY enthusiasts.
This high time investment often outweighs the relatively affordable cost of the amplifiers themselves, which are readily available for as little as $50 in some cases.
The Acoustas AC650: User-Friendly DSP Powerhouse
The Acoustas AC650 aims to revolutionize this landscape by simplifying the DSP experience. With its intuitive app-based interface, it eliminates the need for extensive software training.
This amplifier boasts 10 DSP outputs, four customizable presets with 15-band EQ, and up to 48dB crossover points with adjustable delay for time alignment.
This makes it exceptionally versatile for creating complex multi-channel DIY speaker systems, including subwoofers and multiple satellite speakers.
Power Output and Limitations
While advertised as having six 50W outputs, the AC650's actual continuous power output is closer to 30-35W per channel, depending on the power supply and speaker impedance.
This lower power output may present challenges when driving low-sensitivity woofers or subwoofers. However, the inclusion of four passive outputs allows for integration with a more powerful amplifier for those applications.
The power limitation is a trade-off for the amplifier's ease of use and accessibility, making it a suitable option for those focusing on simplicity and ease of use rather than maximum power.
Versatile Configuration and Functionality
The Acoustas AC650 offers a range of configuration options via its app, including the ability to configure outputs for mono or stereo subwoofers, and to easily switch between different speaker setups.
Users can create and switch between four custom presets, which allows for optimized EQ settings for different music genres or even different speaker configurations.
The ability to easily enable/disable outputs to quickly switch between different speaker setups is another key benefit, simplifying workflow and avoiding cumbersome wiring changes.
Missing Features and Future Developments
Currently, the AC650 lacks parametric EQ filters, a common feature in higher-end DSP suites. However, the manufacturer has indicated that this feature will be added via a future app update.
The lack of analog RCA input (instead offering fiber optic) is another limitation; while a converter can be used, it adds cost and complexity.
Also, its stereo input limits its application to multi-channel surround sound setups requiring multiple units.
Conclusion: A Promising Entry-Level DSP Amplifier
The Acoustas AC650 offers a compelling blend of power, flexibility, and ease of use, making it an excellent entry point for those new to the world of DSP amplifiers.
While some limitations exist concerning power output and feature set (currently lacking parametric EQ and analog inputs), the planned updates and the user-friendly app interface promise a strong value proposition.
Its suitability greatly depends on user needs, but for stereo enthusiasts or those building multi-channel systems with careful consideration of power requirements, the AC650 offers a user-friendly route to exploring the possibilities of DSP.