Amps of the future?

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

What do y'all see in the future of amplification?

Here's what I'd like to see eventually:

- On-dash, touchscreen display for the amp, like the Kicker SXRC

- Display of the amp's temperature, voltage, actual power output, current draw, clipping notification, ohm load, THD and efficiency

- Completely customizable built-in xovers

- Self-diagnosis

Yes, I know an amp like that would cost an arm and a leg, possibly firstborn, too. But it would be cool to see a blending of technology between computer and amplifier. I'm glad to see Kicker has made steps towards this. Pretty much what I just described is a very tricked out Kicker SX amp.

One cool thing on my list is self-diagnosis- the ability of an amp to tell you what is wrong in the event of a malfunction. My dad works for a Lincoln dealership, and one thing that's cool is that your trip computer will run checks on your car and tell you that your brakes are worn out, that your tire pressure is low, or that your oil should be changed. Wouldn't it be awesome if an amplifier could alert you that a FET has been damaged and is prone to blowing?

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[937DYTBOI 5,000+ posts]

those things listed on a digital screen would be very nice, thats a very good thought

 

[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

I see the amps of the future going back to no processing what so ever, and no crossovers either.

Back to simplicity, and theres more money to be made for the companies by selling seperate processors (with more capabilities) like the RF 360.2 or the Alpine H701.

Head units are already starting to move in that direction, and I bet amps begin moving that way sooner than we think.

 

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

I see the amps of the future going back to no processing what so ever, and no crossovers either.
Back to simplicity, and theres more money to be made for the companies by selling seperate processors (with more capabilities) like the RF 360.2 or the Alpine H701.

Head units are already starting to move in that direction, and I bet amps begin moving that way sooner than we think.

I can see that, too. I had an old Punch 75 and all it as was bass and treble controls.

 

[wu36ca 10+ year member]

The diagnostic displays would be nice. Although I think like most vehicle onboard diagnostic tools, when it shows an issue its usually too late. Aren't there amps with clipping displays? I seem to remember hearing about these and that they sucked since they show the amp is clipping only after it is severely clipping.

 

[CaliforniabOY5 10+ year member]

sign me up !

 

[BassAce 10+ year member]

I think all amps should have a clipping display to warn you, sometimes it can be hard to tell if it's clipping or not.

Kicker has the right idea, too bad they are very expensive. But a clipping indicator should not be hard to design and should not cost a whole lot, it is a simple circuit and would be simple to add when designing the amp.

 

[regal8r 5,000+ posts]

hifonics XX series amps have a clipping indicator

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[BassAce 10+ year member]

Infinity's amps also have a clipping indicator.

Clip indicators in my opinion, are simple and important.

 

[937DYTBOI 5,000+ posts]

my zapco 360.4 on its symbilinks they have a clipping light

 

[konechiwa 10+ year member]

I'd rather have a simple amp and a complex HU then a Simple Hu and a complex amp. That's just me.

 

[Captain_Ahab 5,000+ posts]

I'd rather have a simple amp and a complex HU then a Simple Hu and a complex amp. That's just me.

x2..

but those features would be VERY nice.

 

[wu36ca 10+ year member]

I'd rather have a simple amp and a complex HU then a Simple Hu and a complex amp. That's just me.

I would think for the audiophile type it would be the other way around, or just simple everything since most of the sound customization would be done by auxillary equipment (amps, x-overs, and eq's, etc.).

 

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

What do y'all see in the future of amplification?
Here's what I'd like to see eventually:

- On-dash, touchscreen display for the amp, like the Kicker SXRC

Alpine had that at one point. I think they dropped that idea because it wasn't selling. You had to have the in-dash screen, some certain cable, and a certain line of amps IIRC, but you could see the stats on the amp. Kinda cool.

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

i think the wave of the future of amps that give hand-jobs.