I first heard about the new Z series from a local shop that does high-end car audio: I was on the hunt for some new high-end amps that had the massive power I needed, the sound signature I wanted, respectable build quality, and a price that wasn't completely out-of-this-world.
Enter:ZAPCO Z series amps.
Model: Z150.6
Channels: 6
Power Ratings:
150 watts x 6 @ 4 ohms
225 watts x 6 @ 2 ohms
450 watts x 3 @ 4 ohms
I ordered my new ZAPCO amps from Kramer's in Oregon (Great dealer BTW--very knowledgeable & upstanding. PM me if you want their contact info). I received 2 150.6 amps (more to follow) in October. I took off the bottom cover and marveled at the size and number of output devices surrounding the board clipped to the heatsink. The amplifier is deceptively heavy: the heatsink must be close to 3/4 " thick on each side.
I noticed right away that the ZAPCO doesn't have active cooling. Most class AB amps with this level of output use fans to move air through the heatsink to prevent overheating. ZAPCO doesn't. I have mixed feelings on this: I like that the engineers didn't expect fans to be needed, but I am somewhat concerned about longterm, high-output use in a hot trunk during the summer. Can they just come up with an optional DIY Watercooled heatsink kit?:confused::D
Zapco has one extrusion profile for all their new Z-series amps and it's also used for a couple of ZX amps. The extrusion is just cut to different lengths prior to anodizing. This makes system design/install more straightforward. I only wish they had a more powerful sub amp in that extrusion (but that's another subject).
After I finished inspecting the board, the dual massive hand-wound power supplies, and the bank of capacitors, I put the cover back on and looked at the outside: DEAD SEXXXY!!!
The top of the amp is a dark grey anodized aluminum look with raised ZAPCO logo in the center. The RCAs and adjustments are on one end while the power and speaker connections are on the other. The power connectors feature large terminals: 1/0 gauge power and ground; 8 gauge speaker outs. The best part? ALL wire connections/adjustments on the amplifier can be made with a standard phillips & flathead screwdriver. Even the smaller connections (REM wire) are widened out to allow standard size screwdrivers--no more hunting around for the allen wrench or mini driver!!!:D
The amp sat in my living room for a couple weeks--so I could enjoy looking at it everyday and showing it to curious friends--before I installed it into my trunk.
The install was a breeze! & when I climbed into the driver's seat to give a listen.....
BAM!!! It only took 30 seconds for me to be happy with my purchase. This was an instant, plug-and-play difference. This was amazing.
Before installing the ZAPCO amp, I had been using 3 Boston GT2300's. I could envision the SQ qualities that were deficient from the Bostons before I installed the ZAPCOs. When I did the swap, the ZAPCOs covered all the deficiencies that the Boston had and more. I had all internal amp processing bypassed on all amps--full range so no crossovers/bass boost would alter my impressions.
I had exceptional clarity & detail I hadn't yet heard in this set-up. I am really impressed with the tonal quality of this amp. It displays a timbre that is very addictive & warm while still being detailed on the top end. I have been a longtime oldschool PPI fan, and I've had good success achieving the sound I wanted with the old PPI amps. They have a warmer tone than many other amps--& MUCH warmer than most class D full range amps.
This ZAPCO sounds like a blast from the past. THIS IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR. If you're looking for an amp that has exceptional sound quality and you can make it fit, you MUST demo the ZAPCO Z-series. If you believe all amps sound the same, go look somewhere else--buy a pyle or rockwood etc. But if you care about the nuances of how your music sounds, you NEED to demo this amp.
Oh and before I forget--This amp has MAJOR BALLZ!!! It has the power to GET DOWN when needed--it never sounds strained or out of juice, even during intense passages. :D:D
Enter:ZAPCO Z series amps.
Model: Z150.6
Channels: 6
Power Ratings:
150 watts x 6 @ 4 ohms
225 watts x 6 @ 2 ohms
450 watts x 3 @ 4 ohms
I ordered my new ZAPCO amps from Kramer's in Oregon (Great dealer BTW--very knowledgeable & upstanding. PM me if you want their contact info). I received 2 150.6 amps (more to follow) in October. I took off the bottom cover and marveled at the size and number of output devices surrounding the board clipped to the heatsink. The amplifier is deceptively heavy: the heatsink must be close to 3/4 " thick on each side.
I noticed right away that the ZAPCO doesn't have active cooling. Most class AB amps with this level of output use fans to move air through the heatsink to prevent overheating. ZAPCO doesn't. I have mixed feelings on this: I like that the engineers didn't expect fans to be needed, but I am somewhat concerned about longterm, high-output use in a hot trunk during the summer. Can they just come up with an optional DIY Watercooled heatsink kit?:confused::D
Zapco has one extrusion profile for all their new Z-series amps and it's also used for a couple of ZX amps. The extrusion is just cut to different lengths prior to anodizing. This makes system design/install more straightforward. I only wish they had a more powerful sub amp in that extrusion (but that's another subject).
After I finished inspecting the board, the dual massive hand-wound power supplies, and the bank of capacitors, I put the cover back on and looked at the outside: DEAD SEXXXY!!!
The top of the amp is a dark grey anodized aluminum look with raised ZAPCO logo in the center. The RCAs and adjustments are on one end while the power and speaker connections are on the other. The power connectors feature large terminals: 1/0 gauge power and ground; 8 gauge speaker outs. The best part? ALL wire connections/adjustments on the amplifier can be made with a standard phillips & flathead screwdriver. Even the smaller connections (REM wire) are widened out to allow standard size screwdrivers--no more hunting around for the allen wrench or mini driver!!!:D
The amp sat in my living room for a couple weeks--so I could enjoy looking at it everyday and showing it to curious friends--before I installed it into my trunk.
The install was a breeze! & when I climbed into the driver's seat to give a listen.....
BAM!!! It only took 30 seconds for me to be happy with my purchase. This was an instant, plug-and-play difference. This was amazing.
Before installing the ZAPCO amp, I had been using 3 Boston GT2300's. I could envision the SQ qualities that were deficient from the Bostons before I installed the ZAPCOs. When I did the swap, the ZAPCOs covered all the deficiencies that the Boston had and more. I had all internal amp processing bypassed on all amps--full range so no crossovers/bass boost would alter my impressions.
I had exceptional clarity & detail I hadn't yet heard in this set-up. I am really impressed with the tonal quality of this amp. It displays a timbre that is very addictive & warm while still being detailed on the top end. I have been a longtime oldschool PPI fan, and I've had good success achieving the sound I wanted with the old PPI amps. They have a warmer tone than many other amps--& MUCH warmer than most class D full range amps.
This ZAPCO sounds like a blast from the past. THIS IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR. If you're looking for an amp that has exceptional sound quality and you can make it fit, you MUST demo the ZAPCO Z-series. If you believe all amps sound the same, go look somewhere else--buy a pyle or rockwood etc. But if you care about the nuances of how your music sounds, you NEED to demo this amp.
Oh and before I forget--This amp has MAJOR BALLZ!!! It has the power to GET DOWN when needed--it never sounds strained or out of juice, even during intense passages. :D:D