Building a DIY sub, anyone tried the CPC active 250w panel amp?

mike.hutch · 15-09-2006, 8:16 PM

Guys,

I'm building a sub for ultra discreet bedroom setup, so I can fit it under the bed. I've got an Adire Shiva hanging around that I am going to use, and I've designed a nice box using Bassbox Pro. I've gone for an amp panel from CPC to power it, but just wondered if anyone here had tried one?

I've done a search but came up with nothing, which seems odd, as it looks like very good value for money at around £100 for 250w RMS.

Link if anyone is interested:- http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...sp?sku=LS01562

Nimby · 16-09-2006, 7:03 AM

The technical details are all rather vague.

We like BK.

http://www.bkelec.com/Modules/Sub_Bass.htm

mike.hutch · 16-09-2006, 7:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimby

The technical details are all rather vague

Yeah, but it's cheap!

It looks OK in the flesh, quite a hefty power supply, and a useful function if using the high level inputs, it has high level outputs crossed over at 120Hz. Not that I'll use that though.

I'll give it a go, the main reason for going for this one was the price. I'm trying to keep the cost to an absolute minimum.

Nimby · 16-09-2006, 7:43 AM

It lacks a fully adjustable crossover frequency (unless I missed something)

If you can't adjust the frequency you can't match the sub to your speakers.

mike.hutch · 16-09-2006, 7:52 AM

Crossover frequency is variable from 40Hz to 160Hz.

It's actually a bit different from the one on cpc's website, there is also a switch for power on/auto/off.

Nimby · 16-09-2006, 7:54 AM

Where did you get this information from?

mike.hutch · 16-09-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimby

Where did you get this information from?

By looking at it, I've already bought it, I can post a better picture if it's of any interest. Just got back from B&Q with my MDF, so it's all ready to start building.

Nimby · 16-09-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixmanx

By looking at it, I've already bought it, I can post a better picture if it's of any interest. Just got back from B&Q with my MDF, so it's all ready to start building.

Righto. Get cracking then!

We shall want pictures and an REW response graph at the very least.

**IronGiant** · 16-09-2006, 11:41 AM

More technical specs here:
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...cpc/260654.xml
I wouldn't swap it for my BSBP 100 though

.

avanzato · 16-09-2006, 3:47 PM

It's a very common plate amp used sucessfully by lots of people, you'll also find it at Partsexpress and Jaycar amongst others.

mike.hutch · 16-09-2006, 4:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regmarch

More technical specs here:
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...cpc/260654.xml
I wouldn't swap it for my BSBP 100 though

.

Any particular reason why?

**IronGiant** · 16-09-2006, 6:27 PM

"Quote:
Originally Posted by Regmarch View Post
More technical specs here:
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...cpc/260654.xml
I wouldn't swap it for my BSBP 100 though .

Any particular reason why?"

Don't let me put you off that panel, it looks really nice, that wasn't my intent. Avanzato has said that lots of people use it successfully.

However,
It costs about the same as the BSBP 100 but is 2.5 times more powerful. And has more features such as satellite output. I never turn my 100W amp up beyond a quarter power so I don't need 250W and I don't need satellite outputs.
So my assumption is that a lower powered amp with less features from a producer I know well "might" give better sound quality than an amp that cpc farnell can't tell us who made it.

I certainly haven't compared them, so my comment was only meant as "I like what I have"

Dave

mike.hutch · 16-09-2006, 6:59 PM

I really just meant was there anything particularly you liked about the BSBP amp. To be honest, I don't need high level outputs, and I don't have my sound very loud either, the only reason I chose the CPC one is price.

The instructions and box say it's made by MCM Custom Audio, www.mcmelectronics.com but theres not much info there, I guess that's just where CPC source them.

**IronGiant** · 16-09-2006, 9:27 PM

Whydo I like it,
I completely screwed up (literally) when installing some spikes after I made the sub. The drill bit snagged the wadding that then got entangled in the heavy weight cable I had hooked up between the driver and amp panel. The PCB on the amp panel was nearly bent in half when I opened it up to see what the damage was...

It worked perfectly despite my attempt to break it and has done so for several years since.

So, I like the build quality

I'm sure your panel will be fine, don't test it like I did mine :-)

Dave

Nimby · 16-09-2006, 9:30 PM

Sorry, but I had to laugh.

Paul Smith · 16-09-2006, 10:01 PM

The Adjustable EQ on the CPC panel certianly puts it ahead of the standard BK panel for me,
Together with the cheaper price and extra power and I can't see why you wouldn't want to choose the CPC panel

.

Paul.