Zapco AG1000

Price & Contact: $899; 209-577-4268; www.zapco.com
All measurements @ 14V unless otherwise specified:
Frequency Response (4-ohm IHF Load, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1 kHz Ref.): +0 dB, -.56 dB
L/R channel error (Max deviation 20 Hz to 20 kHz): N/A
Phase Response (4-ohm IHF Load, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1 kHz Ref.): +6 degrees, -30 degrees
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Below Rated Output, “A” weighted): -85.6 dB
Distortion at Rated Output @ 1 kHz: 0.03%
Output Power (resistive) (minimum output 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 1%THD+N, all channels driven into 4 ohms): 274 watts x 2 @ 14 volts; 251 watts x 2 @ 12.8 volts; 174 watts x 2 @ 10.5 volts
Output Power (resistive) (minimum output, 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 1%THD+N, all channels driven into 2 ohms): 407 watts x 2 @ 14 volts; 358 watts x 2 @ 12.8 volts; 247 watts x 2 @ 10.5 volts
Output Power (4-ohm IHF Reactive Load @ 1% THD+N @ 60 Hz bridged): 976 watts
Crosstalk (Referenced to Rated Output, 20 Hz to 20 kHz): -58.4 dB
Damping Factor @ 100 Hz: 435
Voltage for Rated Output: 232 mV to 2.6 volts
Idle Current Draw: 1.2 Amps
Current Draw @ 1/3 Maximum Power: 70 Amps @ 316 watts
Efficiency @ 1/3 Maximum Power: 32%
Power-Up Noise: 22.7 dB SPL
Power-Down Noise: 24 dB SPL

		Zapco AG1000 www.zapco.com
		Big power is what this big amplifier from Zapco has to offer...‘nuff said.		Zapco AG1000 Specs Price & Contact: $899; 209-577-4268; www.zapco.com All measurements @ 14V unless otherwise specified: Frequency Response (4-ohm IHF Load, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1 kHz Ref.): +0 dB, -.56 dB L/R channel error (Max deviation 20 Hz to 20 kHz): N/A Phase Response (4-ohm IHF Load, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1 kHz Ref.): +6 degrees, -30 degrees Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Below Rated Output, “A” weighted): -85.6 dB Distortion at Rated Output @ 1 kHz: 0.03% Output Power (resistive) (minimum output 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 1%THD+N, all channels driven into 4 ohms): 274 watts x 2 @ 14 volts; 251 watts x 2 @ 12.8 volts; 174 watts x 2 @ 10.5 volts Output Power (resistive) (minimum output, 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 1%THD+N, all channels driven into 2 ohms): 407 watts x 2 @ 14 volts; 358 watts x 2 @ 12.8 volts; 247 watts x 2 @ 10.5 volts Output Power (4-ohm IHF Reactive Load @ 1% THD+N @ 60 Hz bridged): 976 watts Crosstalk (Referenced to Rated Output, 20 Hz to 20 kHz): -58.4 dB Damping Factor @ 100 Hz: 435 Voltage for Rated Output: 232 mV to 2.6 volts Idle Current Draw: 1.2 Amps Current Draw @ 1/3 Maximum Power: 70 Amps @ 316 watts Efficiency @ 1/3 Maximum Power: 32% Power-Up Noise: 22.7 dB SPL Power-Down Noise: 24 dB SPL
		by Brian Smith

		The AG1000 is a two-channel amp rated at 250 watts x 2 or 900 watts x 1 into 4 ohms. Features include both single-ended and balanced line level input and output connections, high- and low-pass crossovers with variable cutoff frequency, and variable bass boost. Performance Performance from the AG1000 was impressive, although the amp does have quite an appetite for DC power. We saw a screaming output of 976 watts in a bridged configuration driving a 4-ohm reactive load, but the amp drew well in excess of 120 amps during this test. In a two-channel configuration with a 14-volt supply, the AG1000 produced a minimum of 274 watts per channel into 4 ohms or 407 watts per channel into 2 ohms. The AG1000 also carries a 1000-watt dynamic power rating. David Navone (of CAR SOUND Q&A fame) confirmed this figure during a recent trip to the Zapco facility. The term ‘dynamic power test’ could cover a wide variety of test procedures, but our evaluation of this amp suggests that it should be capable of peak outputs just in excess of 1 kilowatt. Signal-to-noise measurements revealed a noise floor that is about 86 dB below the AG1000’s rated output of 250 watts x 2. Comparatively speaking, this unit’s noise floor is on the high side. However, in a properly set-up system this shouldn’t pose a problem, especially if the amp is only driving subwoofers. Due to road noise and the limited dynamic range of most program materials, signal-to-noise isn’t of paramount importance in large car audio amplifiers. Connections & Adjustments Connections to the AG1000 include RCA line inputs and outputs, balanced input and output via a 6-pin connector, 3/8-inch spade receptacles for speaker outputs, and 5/8-inch spade receptacles for power and ground connections. Adjustments include input sensitivity control for each channel, stereo/mono/sum mono switch, crossover select and variable cutoff frequency, variable bass boost, and auxiliary/collateral output select. This last adjustment will allow the balanced output to be configured as either a full range or post crossover/bass boost output. Installation Finding a suitable location to mount the AG1000 will probably be the biggest installation challenge. At just over 31 inches long, this amp probably won’t make a prime candidate for under-seat mounting. However, the AG1000 does offer a few advantages from the system reliability and noise immunity standpoints. Most amplifiers end up in locations with minimal airflow, and a class A/B amp in this power rage will require the dissipation of a fair amount of heat. Zapco addresses this problem by providing not only a well-designed heatsink, but fan-forced cooling to boot. Secondly, the AG1000 offers the option of balanced operation. Balanced input and output circuitry offers relative immunity to inducted noise, although we were unable to test this section of the AG1000 for lack of the optional 6-pin connector. Manual The included manual covers only the AG1000 and does so quite well. It provides several wiring diagrams and a sensible, although sparse, overview of all of the amp’s functions and connections. Best of all, I couldn’t find a single objectionable audio voodoo statement in the whole thing.Zapco