Clarion APA2150G Multi-Channel Amplifier

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1998

Summary:
I paid a fair amount for it. And I would do it again too.

At 35Watt RMS is more than adequate for highs and mids. The 100W sub output is quite punchy and goes low. REAL low. Overall a well balanced product. For you Bass-heads that like to vibrate their way down the street, this amp is probably not for you.

Also. Dont let the idiots in the car-audio shop touch the gains.

I set mine to ZERO. This amp is maxed at at a 5 volt input level, Most 4 volt decks will do anywhere from 4.5-5.5 volts output. Once again depending on the CD or radio source. My alpine 7844 puts out a solid 5 volts and I do get clipping at 99% volume on louder tracks if my gains are even a smidgen up from zero.

A real stupid mistake on the part of clarion is the lack of a seperate bass input. So if you use your faders at all to balance the staging forward, you lose bass.

A fairly big flaw in an otherwise fine little amp.

PS rumor has it this series (now discontinued) were actually Macintosh amps. Restamped by clarion when they bought the company out.

Strengths:
clean, simple install, line level and high level inputs. Great all in one solution. Good quality mosfets.

Weaknesses:
no seperate bass input

Similar Products Used:
phoenix crap.