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Well Well, I haven't reviewed anything in a while. One of the things I have reviewed the most for those who have kept track (yeah no one has) is definitely small foot print 4 channels. This time around It's the smallest I have had the pleasure to handle yet.
Let’s get to it.
About the Nano bits. These are no longer made at the same build house that massive has used before (SoundMagus) and these particular models are said to be massive exclusives. These are not a replacement for the similarly named nano's that are more traditional class AB, they are a whole new line that is smaller still and more efficient because it is full range class D.
The difference with the nano bits vs other class D's as you will see is how small they are. These are tiny. Really tiny. Smaller still than the much talked about class GH arc mini clones that have made the rounds these past few years. When I saw these I had to give them a try being the small foot print amp hoarder that I am.
The dimensions are as follow:
Height
1.6"
Width
5.0"
Length
8.3"
Power ratings are
2 Ohm RMS
240W x 4
4 Ohm RMS
120W x 4
4 Ohm Bridged
480W x 2
It's safe to say that the 2ohm and bridged ratings can be seen as "peak" power. Massive rates their amps using a speaker instead of the more traditional resistor. This is allowed within the CEA rating system. Nothing wrong with it as long as we know what we are getting. My guestimate on actual total output should be around 400 to 500 watts RMS. That's certainly nothing to sneeze at especially when looking at its size. I am trying to arrange a benching of it but no guarantees. Check back often //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif
Moving on
Unboxing
First off the usual massive audio box that opens like a treasure chest. The amp is snug and held well in place by Styrofoam ends just like the massive nano's.
Once opened we can see the contents where we get everything that one would expect plus a few goodies
4 x mountings screws
4 xadhesive mounting pads
1 x40 amp replacement fuse
2 xhexa bits
2 x high level input connector wires
First thoughts is that it looks much better in person (as is often the case) than in the pictures form the massive web site. The finish isn't identical to the previous nano's but similar brushed aluminium look. Here we see a traditional rectangle with smooth surfaces as is the usual style from massive. It's definitely a safe look that doesn't go out of style and is probably the best in terms of packaging to keep it as small as possible. Good news for us small foot print lovers
Below we see the input area; everything is well laid out and close together since it is so small. Selectable xovers that go from 55 to 275. It is certainly a big step up over the fixed one I had on the sony XM4S however I would like to see them ideally be able to go up to tweeter levels (4 or 5K) for ultimate flexibility. Minor gripe that most people wouldn't care about anyways. My other complaint is that gone are the "detents" that were on the nano's for xover and gain, it's a small thing that I haven't come accross often but I certainly enjoyed. No biggy though as playing with those knobs is certainly not a daily occurrence.... more of a set it and forget it.
Next up power and wire inputs. We can't see it so well from the pic but that is a 40amp fuse giving an idea of what kind of output we can see from it. Definitely like the angled terminals.
Now let’s have a look at just how small it is, I used what I had on hand but for many it could help give a good idea how small it really is.
Here it is next to the Nx5 from massive
It’s very thin, I could see myself hiding this pretty much anywhere... or hiding many of them in various locations throughout the vehicle. As someone who like installing all his own stuff and hiding them… I also usually use multiple amplifiers for complex multichannel systems; I love the flexibility these amps offer. I am sure you might be like me thinking about where you could hide them. Forget about “under the seat”, you could fit multiple of these under the seat… but now you can think about hiding them behind panels, in useless openings.... they are so light, maybe even inside door panels. The mind goes on and on.
Here it is next to a JBL MSA amp. Foot print is similar but...
The JBL is almost twice as thick and a lot heavier.
Let’s get to it.
About the Nano bits. These are no longer made at the same build house that massive has used before (SoundMagus) and these particular models are said to be massive exclusives. These are not a replacement for the similarly named nano's that are more traditional class AB, they are a whole new line that is smaller still and more efficient because it is full range class D.
The difference with the nano bits vs other class D's as you will see is how small they are. These are tiny. Really tiny. Smaller still than the much talked about class GH arc mini clones that have made the rounds these past few years. When I saw these I had to give them a try being the small foot print amp hoarder that I am.
The dimensions are as follow:
Height
1.6"
Width
5.0"
Length
8.3"
Power ratings are
2 Ohm RMS
240W x 4
4 Ohm RMS
120W x 4
4 Ohm Bridged
480W x 2
It's safe to say that the 2ohm and bridged ratings can be seen as "peak" power. Massive rates their amps using a speaker instead of the more traditional resistor. This is allowed within the CEA rating system. Nothing wrong with it as long as we know what we are getting. My guestimate on actual total output should be around 400 to 500 watts RMS. That's certainly nothing to sneeze at especially when looking at its size. I am trying to arrange a benching of it but no guarantees. Check back often //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif
Moving on
Unboxing
First off the usual massive audio box that opens like a treasure chest. The amp is snug and held well in place by Styrofoam ends just like the massive nano's.
Once opened we can see the contents where we get everything that one would expect plus a few goodies
4 x mountings screws
4 xadhesive mounting pads
1 x40 amp replacement fuse
2 xhexa bits
2 x high level input connector wires
First thoughts is that it looks much better in person (as is often the case) than in the pictures form the massive web site. The finish isn't identical to the previous nano's but similar brushed aluminium look. Here we see a traditional rectangle with smooth surfaces as is the usual style from massive. It's definitely a safe look that doesn't go out of style and is probably the best in terms of packaging to keep it as small as possible. Good news for us small foot print lovers
Below we see the input area; everything is well laid out and close together since it is so small. Selectable xovers that go from 55 to 275. It is certainly a big step up over the fixed one I had on the sony XM4S however I would like to see them ideally be able to go up to tweeter levels (4 or 5K) for ultimate flexibility. Minor gripe that most people wouldn't care about anyways. My other complaint is that gone are the "detents" that were on the nano's for xover and gain, it's a small thing that I haven't come accross often but I certainly enjoyed. No biggy though as playing with those knobs is certainly not a daily occurrence.... more of a set it and forget it.
Next up power and wire inputs. We can't see it so well from the pic but that is a 40amp fuse giving an idea of what kind of output we can see from it. Definitely like the angled terminals.
Now let’s have a look at just how small it is, I used what I had on hand but for many it could help give a good idea how small it really is.
Here it is next to the Nx5 from massive
It’s very thin, I could see myself hiding this pretty much anywhere... or hiding many of them in various locations throughout the vehicle. As someone who like installing all his own stuff and hiding them… I also usually use multiple amplifiers for complex multichannel systems; I love the flexibility these amps offer. I am sure you might be like me thinking about where you could hide them. Forget about “under the seat”, you could fit multiple of these under the seat… but now you can think about hiding them behind panels, in useless openings.... they are so light, maybe even inside door panels. The mind goes on and on.
Here it is next to a JBL MSA amp. Foot print is similar but...
The JBL is almost twice as thick and a lot heavier.
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