AMPLIFIERS
New amplifier circuit topology is hard to come by. Every once in a while you see an amplifier that’s a little different. The Phoenix Gold Xenon x100.4 is such an amplifier. With typical amplifier designs, power delivery changes with impedance load — not so with the Xenon x100.4. How does this technology perform? Read on.
First Look
The Phoenix Gold Xenon x100.4 is 4-channel Class AB power amplifier. It’s rated to deliver 100 watts per channel into 4 channels. Both front and rear channels are equipped with 24 dB-per-octave high-pass and low-pass Linkwitz-Riley crossover that is fully adjustable from 40 Hz to 400 Hz. Each crossover can be individually selected. This gives you the ability for either a high-pass, low-pass, or bandpass operation. The continuously adjustable gain controls allow the Xenon x100.4 to match the amplifier with source units ranging from 0.2 volts to 8 volts, RMS. There’s also a 45 Hz bass boost circuit that allows up to 18 dB of boost.
The Phoenix Gold Xenon x100.4 gets its signal from separate front and rear RCA inputs. There’s a set of RCA outputs that are full range and unaffected by any of the settings of the amplifier. The whole package is wrapped in an industrial brushed metal finish with silver mesh, rubber end caps, and a cool blue LED light on the top of the chassis.
A Closer Look
There are two phone type jacks on the amplifier. The first port, RMD, is used to plug a remote voltage display unit — this allows you to have a system display that’s visible from the passenger compartment. The other port, the LPL44 PORT, connects to a LPL44 which can control the output level of the amplifier, allowing up to 20 dB of volume adjustment. The control only works on the channels that have the low-pass crossover engaged. If you have the front channels set for high-pass operation and the rear channels set for low-pass operation, only the rear channel will be controlled through this port.
According to Phoenix Gold, the Xenon x100.4 uses the “legendary Triple Darlington” output stage. This design uses a trio of devices to ramp up energy to a speaker load. This design is supposed to maximize sound quality, headroom, reliability, and the ability to drive complex loads (inductive and capacitive) without any problems.
One special use of this circuitry is what Phoenix Gold calls, “Xe.Load”. This feature is designed to deliver the max power of the Xenon x100.4 into impedance loads from 8 ohms to 1-ohm stereo. While this feature is not entirely unique to Phoenix Gold, it does make it easy to get the most power out of the amplifier.
Installation
The installation of the Phoenix Gold went well. The connections for the power, speaker, and single connections are well marked and easy to figure out. One of the nice features of the amplifiers is having the adjustment controls on the top of the amplifier. This makes it easy to adjust and possible to make adjustments of the amplifier. Between the crossovers and bass boost control, you’re sure to get the maximum performance out of the amplifier.
Manuals/Web Support
The manual for the Xenon x100.4 covered the family of single, two-, and four-channel amplifiers. In the manual, there were pictures for connections, speakers, and system settings. The basic information on using the Xenon x100.4 is well written.
The company’s Web site, www.phoenixgold.com, is easy to navigate. I was able to find the Xenon x100.4 and could download a PDF version of the manual and white paper.
Sound Q & Performance
The Phoenix Gold Xenon x100.4 performed well. True to its marketing, the Xenon x100.4 delivers nearly the same power into different impedance loads. On the bench, the Xenon x100.4 delivered 116 watts x 4 into 4 ohms and 112 watts x 4 into 2 ohms. Only in the 1 ohm configuration did the Xenon x100.4 fall a little short. In the bridged mode, the amplifier produced nearly 234 watts x 2 into 8 ohms and 225 watts x 2 into 4 ohms. Again, while close, the Xenon x100.4 amplifier produced slightly below the rated power into 2 ohms, bridged. )Bear in mind that these tests were performed with all channels driven into the respective loads.) When I powered half of the amplifier, the Xenon x100.4 amplifier delivered its rated power into lower loads. The current draw of the Xenon x100.4 was 48.7 amps, 65.5 amps, and 61.8 amps of current into 4 ohms, 2 ohms, and 1 ohm, respectively. This calculates for a maximum 67% efficiency at 4 ohms. At 1/3 power, the Xenon x100.4 delivered 43% to 36% efficiency into the lowest impedance load. This level of efficiency is above average for a Class AB amplifier.
Using the CEA-2006 measurement standards, the Xenon x100.4 measured a signal-to-noise ratio of 69 dBA. During all of the testing and listening, the Xenon x100.4 never got more than slightly warm. The sound quality of the Phoenix Gold Xenon x100.4 was effortless and smooth. Bass notes sounded clear and powerful.
Summary
The Phoenix Gold Xenon x100.4 is a great all-around amplifier. With the ability to deliver maximum power into any impedance load and the high-end controls, the Xenon x100.4 is an amplifier that can be used to drive an entire system or begin the start of an awesome system. If you’re looking for an amplifier with cool looks, sound quality, and adjustability, the Phoenix Gold Xenon x100.4 deserves a close look.
Phoenix Gold Xenon X100.4 On The Sonoda Scale
Strengths: Xe.Load Power technology, good looks and sound.
Weaknesses: Low impedance power delivery
Weight Factor: 467 watts @ 12.0 pounds
Best Use: Great to run a pair of satellites and a single 4-ohm subwoofer. Or use as a starting amplifier in an awesome system.
Performance Value:
****
Ease of Use:
****
Power vs. Efficiency:
* * *
Manuals, Online Support:
****
Lies, Damn Lies And Amplifier Power Ratings
The Phoenix Gold Xenon x100.4 performed well, even though it did not meet its rated low impedance power into the lowest rated ohm load. The amplifier did so when only half of the amplifier is used. Why this is important is that most people might use this amplifier to drive a set of component speakers with one or two subwoofers. In this configuration, the Xenon x100.4 will deliver the performance you would expect.
Phoenix Gold Xenon X100.4 Specs
Price & Contact: $549.99; www.phoenixgold.com
Test Results
Measured output power (At 14.4Vdc less than 1%THD+Noise): 116.9 x 4 into 4 ohms, 112.7 x 4 into 2 ohms, 89.1 x 4 into 1ohm; 233.9 x 2 into 8 ohms, 225.3 x 2 into 4 ohms, 178.2 x 2 into 2ohm
Measured Current Draw (At Max Power): 48.7 amps into 4-ohms stereo, 65.5 amps into 2-ohms stereo and 61.8 into 1-ohm stereo
Measure Amplifier Efficiency (At Max Power): 67% into 4-ohms stereo, 48% into 2-ohms stereo and 40% into 1-ohm stereo
Measured 1/3 Amplifier Efficiency: 43-36%
Measured Signal-to-noise dBA (Reference 1 watt): 69 dBA
Rated Output power: Into 4-, 2-, and 1-ohm, stereo: 100 x 4
Into 8-, 4-, and 2-ohm, bridged: 200 x 2
Recommended Fuse Size: 80A
Power/Ground Wire Size: 4 Gauge
Dimensions: 18.25 L x 10.6 W x 2.5 H
Frequency Response: 1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal-to- Noise Ratio: greater than 100 dB
High and Low Pass Crossovers: Linkwitz-Riley 24 dB-per-octave
Crossover Range: 40 Hz to 400 Hz
Bass Boost: +18 dB @ 45 Hz
Input Sensitivity: 200 millivolts to 8 volts
Lowest Recommend Load: 2 ohm bridged or 1 ohm stereo
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