by Danny Holdman
This amp is small enough to fit in nearly any
installation, yet also packs enough power to make quite an impact. It is built for low
impedance loads, and it pumps out the power to justify its billing. Power ratings of 50x2
and 200x1 @ 4 ohms, along with 100x2 and 200x1 @ 2 ohms, and a stereo rating of 150x2 @ 1
ohm make this amp much more impressive than its size would lead you to believe. THD +
noise is less than .015% @ 4 ohms, and S/N ratio is >102 dB. Damping is greater than
400 @ 4 ohms for you tight bass fanatics. The lone Symbilink input accepts up to an 18V
balanced/ 9V unbalanced signal. No crossover or bass boost controls are included, as true
audiophiles more often than not choose to use outboard signal processors. Zapco makes a
good number of these of exceptional quality, which would make a good pair with this
amplifier. Size measures 11.4"x 8"x 2.4".
Good quality screw type power and ground
connectors, coupled with matching speaker terminals (all gold plated, of course) make for
a fairly straightforward hookup. One screw hole on each corner of the chassis allow for
mounting. Class A/B amp design dictates a maximum current draw of 30 amperes for this
amplifier. The built-in 30 amp fuse does not entirely eliminate the need for fusing on the
power wire, but merely adds to the safety factor. The only input is if the Zapco Symbilink
style, but this is rather easily overcome for us unbalanced types by the supplied 1 foot
RCA-Symbilink adapter cable.
While this amplifier is rated at 50x2, the included factory test certificate shows a 4 ohm stereo output of 68 watts per channel. This amp is more than adequate to run a decent set of coaxials or even a good set of component speakers. It initially drove a set of Pioneer 5.25" components, and is now powering the midbass drivers in a DEI 6.5" neodymium components. While the component set is rated at 100W RMS, the 68x2 from the Z200 sends enough power to the 6.5s to please nearly any self-respecting audiophile. Only those looking for true overkill should worry about more power, and with the low impedance capabilities of this amp, they should be well pleased. In 4- or 2-ohm mono it packs a serious punch, with enough power to run a pair of decent subwoofers in an efficient enclosure. This amp is a very good addition to any system, especially one which is in the process of building. it would be a great amp to run a subwoofer off of initially, later to be moved to a component set. The sound quality is next to impossible to beat, and while the price may seem a bit steep for an amp rated 50x2, remember that it will put out a very clean 300 watts of power (320 in the newer models).
Manufacturer info:
http://www.zapco.com