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From carsound.com AMPLIFIERS
First Look The Sony XM-D500X is a single channel Class D amplifier rated to deliver 500 watts into 2 ohms mono. The XM-D500X is bandwidth limited from 5Hz to 300Hz. To cut off the highs, the Sony amplifier uses an “always on” 12dB per octave low-pass crossover that is continuously adjustable from 50Hz to 300Hz. To add some extra oomph, the XM-D500X includes a continuously adjustable bass boost at 40Hz. Don’t have a source with RCA outputs, don’t worry. The XM-D500X also accepts speaker level inputs. Sony packs this amplifier in a light-weight low-profile silver cast aluminum chassis. A Closer Look According to Sony, the Class D technology is a method to convert and amplify music signals with MOSFETs to high speed pulse signals. What this means is the XM-D500X is an extremely efficient amplifier drawing little current and generating only small amounts of heat. Good thing, because the XM-D500X is a lightweight hitting the scales at a mere 7 pounds 5 ounces. All the controls and connections are located on one side of the amplifier making for an easy installation hook-up. The XM-D500X include both RCA and speaker level inputs. The included RCA outputs are a direct signal copy of the inputs. To the right of the controls are the output connections. Even though this amplifier is only a single channel, Sony has provided two sets of gold plated terminals to make connecting two woofers easier. To the left of the adjustment controls are the gold plated power connections. The larger screw terminals will accept either bare wire or forked shaped connectors that should allow up to 4 gauge power wire. Two 40 amp ATC fuses protect the Sony XM-D500X amplifier and allow more than the necessary current to power the amplifier to its full potential. Installation The installation of the Sony XM-D500X is fairly simple and straight-forward. The controls are simple (there are only three) and easy to use. Having all the connections and controls on one side of the amplifier makes installation extremely easy. The mounting feet are cast into the heatsink and are extremely sturdy. For optimal performance, it is best that you have an authorized Sony dealer perform the installation. Manuals/Web Support The manual for the XM-D500X is simple and easy to understand. The manual does a good job at covering all different aspects of the installation process. There are some simple system diagrams that provided different configurations using the XM-D500X. The manual did not cover set-up or tuning suggestions for the amplifier. On Sony’s car audio Web site, www.xplodsony.com , the XM-D500X was easy to locate. The site provided good information about the product. There was no product manual available for download. Sound Q & Performance The performance of the Sony XM-D500X was quite impressive, given the cost of the amplifier. It easily exceeded its “Car Audio Ad Hoc Committee” standards. (Do you think they mean CEA2006 standards?) Using the CEA guidelines, the XM-D500X produced nearly 346 watts into 4 ohms and over 553 watts into 2 ohms. To produce this power, the XM-D500X drew 26.6 amps into 4 ohms and 45.9 amps into 2 ohms respectively. Using my handy dandy calculator, the Sony amplifier produced its power with 90% efficiency at 4 ohms and 84% efficiency at 2 ohms. Very impressive. At 1/3 power, the performance was also quite good. The XM-D500X generated efficiencies of 64% and 68% at 4 ohms and 2 ohms respectively. Idle current was a mere 0.9 amps making the Sony amps one of the most efficient amplifiers I have tested. Only in the area of noise floor did the amplifier not excel. Using the CEA standards, the Sony amplifier measured only 60.1dBA. To be fair, this level of noise will probably not be audible on a subwoofer in a trunk. The sound quality of the amplifier was very good. The bass sound tight and clear. Even when pushed into clipping, the XM-D500X did not loose its composure. Summary The performance of the Sony XM-D500X is very good. The XM-D500X delivers the goods with an amplifier efficiency that is impressive. Based on price, the Sony amplifier delivers an amazing 2.77 watts per dollar. If you are looking for an amplifier that is light on your pocket book but heavy in performance, the Sony XM-D500X is a solid choice. Sony XM-D500X On The Sonoda Scale Strengths: Over 550 watts into two 4 ohm woofers, great efficiency, nice low profile design. Weakness: High noise floor. Weight Factor: 553 watts @ 7.5 pounds. Best use: Inexpensive way to drive 2 4-ohm subwoofers. Performance Value: ***** Performance vs. weight **** Power vs. efficiency: ***** Manuals, Online Support: *** Lies, Damn Lies, And Power Amplifier Specifications The Sony XM-D500X is a solid amplifier and a great value. Sony claims to have a max power capability of 600 watts into 4 ohms and 1100 watts into 2 ohms. But the reality is this amplifier can only produce 600 watts into 4 ohms by generating nearly 40% distortion. The most 2-ohm power I could get (read square wave) was only 840 watts. At no point in time could I get even close to 1100 watts. The bottom line is that the XM-D500X is not an 1100 watt amplifier, but it is a very good, inexpensive 550 watt amplifier. XM D500X Specs Test Voltage 14.4Vdc Measured Power Output: 346.0 Watts RMS x 1 channel at 4 Ohms Measured Max Power Efficiency: 90% into 4 ohms; 84% into 2 ohms Measure 1/3 Amplifier Efficiency: 64% into 4 ohms; 68% into 2 ohms Measured Idle Current: 0.9 amps Max Current Draw: 45.9 Amps (at 2 ohms max power) Measured Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 60.2 dBA (reference: 1 W output) Specification Circuit system: Class D Technology Power supply: Pulse Rated Power Output (at 14.4V): 250 W (20 - 100Hz, 0.2% THD, at 4 ohms); 500 W (20 - 100Hz, 0.6% THD, at 2 ohms) Frequency response: 5 Hz - 300 Hz (±3dB) Harmonic distortion: 0.04% or less (at 100 Hz, 4 ohms) Input level adjustment range: 0.3 - 6V (RCA pin jacks), 1.2 - 12V (High level) Low-pass filter: 50 - 300 Hz, -12 dB/oct Low boost: 0 - 10 dB (40 Hz) Inputs: RCA pin jacks, High level input connector Outputs: Speaker terminals, Through output pin jacks Speaker impedance: 2 - 8 ohms (stereo) Power requirements: 12 V DC car battery (negative ground) Power supply voltage: 10.5 - 16 V Current drain: 62 A (at 2 ohms, rated output) Approximate measurements: 15-3/8” x 2-1/8” x 10-1/8” (w x h x d) ; 388 x 53 x 268mm (w x h x d) Weight: Approx. 3.3 kg (7 lb 5 oz)
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