Axiom Audio A1400-8 Digital Multi-Channel Amplifier Review
Summary
- Product Name: Axiom Audio A1400-8 Digital Multi-Channel Amplifier
- Manufacturer: Axiom Audio
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: April 14, 2009 22:40
- MSRP: $ 3,850
- Specifications
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Amplifier Type: Class D
Power (1 channel driven)
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8 ohms - 350 watts
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4 ohms - 700 watts
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2 ohms - 1,200 watts
Power (1 channel full and6 channels at 1/8 power)
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8 ohms - 350 watts per channel
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4 ohms - 700 watts per channel
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2 ohms - 800 watts per channel
Power (7 channels driven)
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All impedances - 200 watts per channel
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H x W x D (inches) = 4 x 18 x 17.5
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Weight: 58lbs
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Capacitance - 140,000 microfarads
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Warranty: 5 Years
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Pros
- A true powerhouse with sonic chops to match
- Superb bass response that rivals competitor linear amp designs
- A true space saver
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Susceptible to ground loops via unbalanced connections
- Easier than most amplifiers to blow out/damage due to negligence
- Too wide for standard 17” rack mounts
Introduction
Axiom Audio has redefined performance expectations of Class D amplifiers with their A1400-8. They have proven that a highly efficient space saving digital amplifier design like this can not only hang with some of the best traditional linear amplifier designs, but also surpass them in some aspects such as dynamics, bass accuracy and power delivery. If you’re assembling an upscale home theater system with the design goals of uncompromised fidelity and dynamics, and your speakers are capable of handling its mighty power, you should definitely add the A1400-8 to your shortlist of high power multi-channel amplifiers for consideration.
See also:
Recent Forum Posts:
Post Reply
gene posts on April 28, 2009 22:21
The Clone Wars have begun [audioholics.com].
Dan Banquer posts on April 23, 2009 17:49
chriscmore;557170
While I'd argue their 1000ASP is not their best, they don't all switch in the same frequency range:
You can in fact deliver full bandwidth rated power 24/7 through ICEpower modules if you're playing actual music or movie content. B&O argues music's peak-to-average power ratio is about 8:1, which is similar to what I measure.
If you're needing something to amplify non-transient test tones 24/7, then yes, - please - look elsewhere.
Cheers,
Chris
I note that the same or similar arguments you have used in your post are the same arguements that were used some 30 years ago.
Way back in the 1970's and into the 1980's people in audio thought the same thing. However, this was corrected when people "discovered" slewing induced distortion and phase anomalies due to limited amplifier response at upper frequencies. This is old news, it has been thoroughly tested and proven without a shadow of a doubt to where it is now accepted as a general requirement for well designed full range audio amplifiers.
Regards;
Dan Banquer
gene posts on April 23, 2009 14:22
While I'd argue their 1000ASP is not their best, they don't all switch in the same frequency range:
250ASP output frequency range: 70kHz - 450kHz
500ASP output frequency range: 60kHz - 510kHz
1000ASP output frequency range: 60kHz - 380kHz
My point is that similarly to ICEpower, they switch in the sweet-spot frequency range that is way above audible, easy to filter, and below troublesome RF generation.
You can in fact deliver full bandwidth rated power 24/7 through ICEpower modules if you're playing actual music or movie content. B&O argues music's peak-to-average power ratio is about 8:1, which is similar to what I measure.
If you're needing something to amplify non-transient test tones 24/7, then yes, - please - look elsewhere.
Cheers,
Chris
Chris I am not arguing that the ICE amp is a good amp and very dynamic. I do however think its misleading to call it a 1kwatt amp in the same breath as a traditional linear amp or even the Axiom Class D that can deliver that power continuously at full frequency.
This reminds me of the car audio spec for PMPO. ICE was originally designed for subwoofer applications and integrated audio systems. Its a compact, fairly efficient, very robust design but there are limitations to it that should be noted like any other amplifier.
I would love to use the 1000ASP to power the subs in my setup and would jump on a 2CH version if it was rack mountable and reasonably priced.
chriscmore posts on April 23, 2009 14:16
gene;556972
Hi Chris;
According to the ICE Datasheet, their best module switches between 60kHz and 380kHz (page 7).
http://www.icepower.bang-olufsen.com/files/solutions/icepower1000aspdata.pdf [icepower.bang-olufsen.com]
Thus as I said in my review, the Axiom amp is a faster switcher, in fact the fastest that I know about right now. Its also one of the only Class D's that can actually deliver its rated power continuously and at fullbandwidth for all loads which is something ICE cannot do.
The unfortunate downside of the Axiom amp right now is its not as bulletproof as the ICE module so you have to treat it with kid gloves which I often don't do when testing gear
While I'd argue their 1000ASP is not their best, they don't all switch in the same frequency range:
250ASP output frequency range: 70kHz - 450kHz
500ASP output frequency range: 60kHz - 510kHz
1000ASP output frequency range: 60kHz - 380kHz
My point is that similarly to ICEpower, they switch in the sweet-spot frequency range that is way above audible, easy to filter, and below troublesome RF generation.
You can in fact deliver full bandwidth rated power 24/7 through ICEpower modules if you're playing actual music or movie content. B&O argues music's peak-to-average power ratio is about 8:1, which is similar to what I measure.
If you're needing something to amplify non-transient test tones 24/7, then yes, - please - look elsewhere.
Cheers,
Chris
gene posts on April 23, 2009 13:48
Here is directly from B&O ICE Power 1000ASP tech specs:
Output power @ 0.2% THD + N, 10Hz < f < 20kHz, 4ohm - 1100 W
They also state that ICE Power 1000ASP is capable of generating 1000W RMS output.
That directly contradicts to what you said above. Are people at B&O lying?
I would appreciate if you provided actual data to support your claim.
First off there is no such thing as RMS power. That in itself is a misnomer. They probably mean average power but RMS sounds more impressive.
See: http://sound.westhost.com/power.htm [sound.westhost.com]
Secondly the very carefully speced that to appear to be a continuous rating for the untrained observer. The spec you cited is for THD + N and not a power test per se. If you look at the graph on page 14 you will see how the amp continuous output sharply drops with frequency and even at 10kHz it can only sustain that power for around 1 sec. Page 6 also shows typical max continuous power ratings without an added heatsink.
I would venture to say this amp can probably do anywhere between 85-150wpc into 4 ohms loads continuously at full bandwidth. Of course dynamically it will deliver the full 1kwatt or more per their ratings.
While I do agree music is dynamic more than continuous, I only point out that their power ratings are a bit misleading since they are rating them unfairly against other amplifiers. That being said, please continue this discussion in a separate thread as this thread is meant to support the Axiom A1400-8 review that I did. thanks.
As for my actual test data, please check out my Pioneer SC-07 Review where I measured an ICE module (albeit a lower model but funtionally similar):
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/pioneer-sc-07 [audioholics.com]
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