Zed audio opinions?

[vroomy 10+ year member]

Im in the market for some new SQ amps for my install, seriously considering trying out the Zed Audio. Just interested in some feedback on how they sound? im a big fan of old school Rockford and PPI (which is what i was going to buy again) do Zed compare to these? i was also looking at Zapco. Any help/ opinions would be appreciated

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[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

You are comparing old school A/B topology to Class D. It won't be the same. If you want that old school sound with modern tech look into Linear Power. Zapco will also get you there.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Among Class D amplifiers they're with the top tier. Zed makes the Focal full range Class D amplifiers. I'm a big proponent of Class D for speakers. I use two Clarion XC6610 amplifiers to power my entire system.

 

[vroomy 10+ year member]

Now I'm not sure, when I was looking at Zed I didn't realise the 4 channel amps were also class d. I have always heard class is only good for subs because it's not real clean, a lot people reckon they can't tell the difference listening to a Zed amp but I'd hate to spend the money and be disappointed

 

[garychoffmann 10+ year member]

Many people will say that because someone else has said it. Not many have done a side by side comparison.

 

[fly_marlin]

Budget? If none, arc signature, TRU, mmats, focal, and of course...Mosconi.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

I have done side by side testing, only thing changed was the amp. JL 300/2v2 vs JL HD600/4. Known as one of the best and there was obvious differences in the 3k plus range. The HD sounded dull

 

[gckless 5,000+ posts]

There was a blind/unblind test done on DIYMA a little while back, Zed ranked pretty high up there on the blind tests. Of course, people seemed to find something wrong with them once they knew it was class D.

Many people that have experience with both will tell you that new Zed is preferred to new Zapco (once you get passed the class A/B vs D stigma). A guy I know (everyone says that right? I can get you in touch with that guy if you want though) preferred Zed to McIntosh amps actually.

I love my Leviathan. Tons of power, and sips electricity. Super efficient.

On the other hand, you don't really see these used by people competing. Again, this might simply be the Class D stereotype. Some of SQ is in people's minds once you get to highest level stuff, and again, there's a stigma with class D. Warranted on some fronts, but these are wonderful amps, and I'm very happy with mine.

 

[fly_marlin]

A good mix between class A/B and D are classes G and H. Arc Kar series is an example. Besides its tiny footprint and ton of power, the sound is awesome. Granted I use it for different speakers than when I had an A/B amp, but it certainly does not disappoint. I'm no expert, I just have my ears, but I would put speaker selection and placement far ahead of amplifier selection. There are many amps out there that you would be happy with. In all honestly, the psychological aspect of musical appreciation is pretty important. If you think that you have to have a class A/B amp to be satisfied, I think you should get one.

 

[vroomy 10+ year member]

Thanks guys for the opinions, I'm confused what to do now haha

 

[fly_marlin]

Do you have speakers already? I think you should tell the whole story. What's the reason you're changing the amp?

 

[vroomy 10+ year member]

Going whole new system. 15" power HX2 and going to be running CDT es mid/tweet and probably CDT 6". Want good power that sounds good and I've always loved the sound of old school PPi and Rockford, but they are just getting too hard to find now and people want too much for them when you can find them