Zapco

Audiophile: An audio fanatic whose sole passion is accurate sound reproduction that brings all the purity of a live performance to recorded music. It is a familiar term with high-end home gear like McIntosh or Bryston, but a term always considered unattainable in the automotive environment. Zapco disagrees! In 1974 Zapco began a quest for perfect sonic reproduction. While perfection may be unattainable, the quest is no less worthy. In 2000 we introduced the C2K Competition amplifiers and in 2012 we introduced the new Z-Series amps with high-end internal components matched for pure sound quality.

Our first line developed by listening rather than measuring, and they were called the best Zapco ever. How did we respond? We said, “thank you, but we think we can do even better”. And we did. We upgraded to top-end audiophile caps and op-amps redesigned the power supply and made board modifications to create the Z-Series LX amps. Not only did they top the car audio comparisons, but home speaker makers even brought their speakers to our CES suite to demonstrate what their speakers could do. The LX was beating their demo home amps in sound quality. 

Features & Specifications:

A Full-System Preamp for people who are serious about sound quality!

Here is an Equalizer/Preamp worthy of the Zapco name. The ASP-Q1 was not designed to be an “accessory” toy or a piece of jewelry for the dash. The ASP-Q1 was designed to be an effective tool in tuning and controlling the sound of a car audio system. As a dash mount equalizer it is unmatched. With 5 bands of parametric equalization you can put up ±18dB of correction at any points in the frequency spectrum with out being limited by fixed center points. With audiophile grade internal components in the signal path and precision pots for all adjustments, the sound will be clean and transparent, with rock-solid bass and crystal clear highs. The ASP-Q1 excels as a crossover as well. You can configure a 2-way with bass and dual highs or as a 3-way crossover with a band pass. The aux input with its own input gain controls allow a portable source to be plugged in and level matched to the main input.  The over-sized power supply gives you  a 9.5 volt line driver with 14 volts available for peaks. This gives the ASP-Q1 plenty of headroom so even on the biggest signal peaks you amp will get a clean distortion-free signal. The ASP-Q1 is more than just an Equalizer. It is a true control preamp for your sound system.

Features and Functions

• Five bands of Parametric Equalization: Since no two cars are the same, there is no way for us to know exactly where the center points need to be in any particular car. The ASP-Q1 lets you vary the center point of each of your 5 EQ bands to put the correction exactly where you need it to custom tune your system to your car.

• Variable 18dB/octave electronic crossover: There are 4 crossover filters on the ASP-Q1. You can only 3 filters to configure a 2-way system with a subwoofer and front and rear speakers with high pass or full range and fade front to back from the EQ. You can also use all 4 filters and configure an active 3-way system with a woofer, a band passed midrange and a high pass for a tweeter.

• Separate Bass Control: Bass output is controlled separately. The bass lever lets you balance the bass to the highs. As well as the crossover filter for the bass there is a bass phase control to adjust the phase of the bass signal from 0 to 180 degrees to help align the bass wave to the rest of the system.

• Auxiliary input: The ASP-Q1 has an auxiliary input so you can play from another in-car source or from a portable player.

• Input gain controls: Each channel of both main and Auxiliary input has its own input signal adjustment.

• Balanced/Unbalanced Inputs: The ASP-Q1 can accept either balanced inputs, with a Bal/UnBal switch for Main-in and Aux-in.

• Tiffany style panel mount RCA connectors: These give positive, trouble-free RCA signal connection

• High voltage power supply: The ASP-Q1 has a remote high voltage power supply for or a true 9.5 Volt RMS preamp output.

Specifications

• THD < 0.001%THD

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 110dB

• Stereo Separation 92dB

• Headroom 20dB

• Preamp Output 9.5V RMS / 14V Peak

• Dimensions (mm): 121(W, w/RCA) x 25.5(H) x 176(L)

Audiophile: An audio fanatic whose sole passion is an accurate sound reproduction that brings all the purity of a live performance to recorded music. It is a familiar term with high-end home gear like McIntosh or Bryston, but a term always considered unattainable in the automotive environment. Zapco disagrees! In 1974 Zapco began a quest for perfect sonic reproduction. While perfection may be unattainable, the quest is no less worthy. In 2000 we introduced the C2K Competition amplifiers and in 2012 we introduced the new Z-Series amps with high-end internal components matched for pure sound quality.

This was our first line developed by listening rather than by measuring, and they were called the best Zapco ever. How did we respond? We said “thank you, but we think we can do even better”. And we did. We upgraded to top end audiophile caps and op-amps, redesigned the power supply, and made board modifications to create the Z-Series LX amps. Not only did they top the car audio comparisons, but home speaker makers even brought their speakers to our CES suite to demonstrate what their speakers could do. The LX was beating their demo home amps in sound quality. How did Zapco respond? We said, “thank you, but we think we can do even better”.

And we did! New for 2018, Zapco built an amplifier to set new sound quality standards for both home and car sound reproduction. The Z-AP Series.

Features and Functions

• 6-Channel, Class-AB, Competition Audiophile Amplifier

• Signal to noise ratio of over 110dB

• Coupled the output drivers

• Highest HFE (Gain) Sanken selected output devices 

• A deferentially balanced input stage 

• 0.1% resistors for lowest possible noise floor

• TI LME49720 (BJT) op-amps on the inputs

• TI LME49720 (BJT) op-amps in the signal path

• WIMA MKS2 series caps in the signal path

• Extremely low ESR caps throughout

• Proprietary patented RCA connectors

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 6 x 150 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 6 x 250 watts

• Power @ 4Ω Bridged: 3 x 500 watts

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.05%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 110dB

• Frequency Response 10Hz to 30,000Hz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity 1v to 9v

• Dimensions in mm: 190(W) x 62(H) x 573(L) Overall: 190(W) x 62(H) x 614(L)

While the sound quality is always the number one factor in a Zapco design, there are other factors in the Studio design that make them "every-day" amps. The extruded aluminum chassis is more compact and lighter to make the studio series an easier fit in today's smaller cars. The feature set of the Studio amps provides you with all the system versatility you need without adding additional components, with everything from crossovers to preamp outputs, so multiple amps don't require extra signal cables. Power, price, size, and performance.

No, it's not designed specifically for competition. This is an amp designed to knock your socks off... in your car, for your daily use, every day. So go ahead... pop in your favorite disk, grab the volume control, and see if you don't agree that dedication to sonic purity is definitely a

good thing.

Features and Functions

• 4-Channel, Class-AB Full Range Amplifier

• Stable into 4 ohms bridged or 2 ohms stereo load

• MOSFET power supply

• RCA and OEM speaker level input

• Variable Inputs Gain Control

• Variable FULL / LP / HP Electronic Crossover

• Variable Bass Boost

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 4 x 65 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 4 x 90 watts

• Power @ 4Ω Bridged: 2 x 180 watts

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.2%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 97dB

• Channel separation > 45dB

• Frequency Response 20Hz to 20,000Hz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity .25v to 5v

• Dimensions in mm: 182(W) x 52(H) x 280(L) Overall: 182(W) x 52(H) x 310(L)

Audiophile: An audio fanatic whose sole passion is the accurate sound reproduction that brings all the purity of a live performance to recorded music. It is a familiar term with high-end home gear like McIntosh or Bryston, but a term always considered unattainable in the automotive environment. Zapco disagrees! In 1974 Zapco began a quest for perfect sonic reproduction. While perfection may be unattainable, the quest is no less worthy. In 2000 we introduced the C2K Competition amplifiers and in 2012 we introduced the new Z-Series amps with high-end internal components matched for pure sound quality.

This was our first line developed by listening rather than by measuring, and they were called the best Zapco ever. How did we respond? We said “thank you, but we think we can do even better”. And we did. We upgraded to top end audiophile caps and op-amps, redesigned the power supply, and made board modifications to create the Z-Series LX amps. Not only did they top the car audio comparisons, but home speaker makers even brought their speakers to our CES suite to demonstrate what their speakers could do. The LX was beating their demo home amps in sound quality. How did Zapco respond? We said, “thank you, but we think we can do even better”.

And we did! This year we built an amplifier to set new sound quality standards for both home and car sound reproduction. The Z-AP Series.

Features and Functions

• 2-Channel, Class-AB, Competition Audiophile Amplifier

• Signal to noise ratio of over 110dB

• Coupled the output drivers

• Highest HFE (Gain) Sanken selected output devices 

• The deferentially balanced input stage 

• 0.1% resistors for lowest possible noise floor

• TI LME49720 (BJT) op-amps on the inputs

• TI LME49720 (BJT) op-amps in the signal path

• WIMA MKS2 series caps in the signal path

• Extremely low ESR caps throughout

• Proprietary patented RCA connectors

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 2 x 400 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 2 x 670 watts

• Power @ 4Ω Bridged: 1 x 1350 watts

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.05%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 110dB

• Frequency Response 10Hz to 30,000Hz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity 1v to 9v

• Dimensions in mm: 190(W) x 62(H) x 482(L) Overall: 190(W) x 62(H) x 518(L)

The Studio-X line of amplifiers from Zapco was designed specifically for today’s car audio market. The Studio-X compact chassis makes it an easy fit in any car and even in motorcycle fairings.

The square, low profile chassis also means it will be easy to trim out for a great looking installation so your system will look as awesome as it sounds. And speaking of sound...This is a Zapco amplifier and sound is what it’s all about. These are Class A/B Zapco amplifiers.

The Studio-X have the same high-quality caps, op-amps, and bi-polar outputs that made the C2K and Reference series amps the industry standard for sound quality. 

Reliability? Zapco defines reliability. It’s not at all unusual to see Zapco amps moved from car to car and from generation to generation. Zapco Amps produced in the ‘90 are still being traded and bought on the internet by sound quality fans worldwide. The Studio-x will be no different

Features and Functions

• Single channel, Class D,  Bass Amplifier

• Compact chassis

• Variable input gain control

• Variable electronic crossover

• Variable subsonic filter

• Variable bass boost control

• Variable center frequency for bass boost

• variable phase control

• Strappable to use a pair of amps on a single voice coil

• Dash mount remote gain control

Specifications

• Power @ 1Ω: 1 x 1000 watts

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.2%THD

• Power @ 2Ω: 1 x 750 watts

• Power @ 4Ω: 1 x 500 watts

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 85dB

• THD + Noise < 0.2%

• Efficiency > 85%

• Frequency Response 10Hz to 200Hz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity .25v to 5v

• Dimensions in mm: 160(W) x 52(H) x 288(L) Overall: 160(W) x 52(H) x 314(L)

The Studio-X line of amplifiers from Zapco was designed specifically for today’s car audio market. The Studio-X compact chassis makes it an easy fit in any car and even in motorcycle fairings.

The square, low profile chassis also means it will be easy to trim out for a great looking installation so your system will look as awesome as it sounds. And speaking of sound...This is a Zapco amplifier and sound is what it’s all about. These are Class A/B Zapco amplifiers.

The Studio-X have the same high-quality caps, op-amps, and bi-polar outputs that made the C2K and Reference series amps the industry standard for sound quality. 

Reliability? Zapco defines reliability. It’s not at all unusual to see Zapco amps moved from car to car and from generation to generation. Zapco Amps produced in the ‘90 are still being traded and bought on the internet by sound quality fans worldwide. The Studio-x will be no different.

Features and Functions

• 2-Channel, Full Range, Class A/B

• Tiffany style Panel Mount RCA 

• Speaker Level Inputs

• Variable input gain control

• Variable electronic crossover

• Auto-on with Speaker level inputs

• Variable bass boost control

• Compact chassis

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 2 x 65 watts

• THD @ Rated Power < 0.5%

• Power @ 2Ω: 2 x 95 watts

• Power Bridged @ 4Ω: 190W RMS

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 95dB

• THD + Noise < 0.05%

• Channel Separation  > 60dB

• Frequency Response 15Hz to 30KHz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity .25v to 5v

• Dimensions in mm: 160(W) x 52(H) x 154(L) Overall: 160(W) x 52(H) x 180(L)

Two years ago, Zapco introduced the new DSP-Z8 IV signal processor. It was designed to bring true audiophile sound quality to an affordable DSP. And it did just that! The DSP-Z8 IV provided sound quality superior to units costing even twice as much. Even competition cars are using the Z8 IV, right up to one of the top Master Class SQ cars. The DSP-Z8 IV has been a true giant killer. But, as we have always said, and always will say, “We believe we can still do better”. This year we present the Zapco DSP-Z8 IV II and the ADSP-Z8 IV-8 Amplifier. What’s new with the Series IV II? Just about everything, new form, new features, new control... even improved sound quality with a lower noise floor.

The sharp new look matching the Black and Copper theme of the AP amplifiers is only the beginning. The hardware inside is where the magic begins. A quick fact: You can only be as good as your source material, and the DSP-Z8 IV II series greatly expands your potential for the best possible source material. The Toslink optical input accepts the digital signal from your head unit or from a portable HD player, but the IV II series doesn’t stop there. The DSP-Z8 IV II units also have digital Bluetooth streaming so you can stream digital music.

Specifications

• DSP Processor: Cirrus Logic CS47048    

• Power: 150 MHz/32 bit/48 KHz

• 8-Channels

• ADC: Cirrus Logic CS5368 24 bit/192 KHz

• ADC Dynamic Range/THD: 114 dB/-105 dB

• DAC: Cirrus Logic CS47048 32 bit/192 KHz

• DAC Dynamic Range/THD: 108 dB/-98 dB

• Low level (Pre)/Sensitivity: 8/1-5 VRMS

• High Level (Spk In)/Sens.: 6/2-20 V

• AUX Inputs/Sensitivity: 1/0.2-4 VRMS

• Optical IN: 24 bit-192 KHz

• Output Ch. RCA/Sensitivity: 8 / 4 VRMS

• Freq. Response (-3dB): 10 Hz - 22.5 KHz

• S/N Ratio Digital Input: 110 dBA    

• S/N Ratio Analog Input: 106 dBA    

• THD+N Digital Input: 0,002 %

• THD+N Analog Input: 0,005 %

• Crosstalk at 1 Khz: 90 dB

• F/R EQ: 1-6 ch Gr. & Par./31 poles

• Effect EQ: 7-8 ch Gr. & Par./11 poles

• Mute/Solo: Yes, each channel

• Time Align. (Range/Steps): 0/15 ms / 0.02 ms

• Max Delay (Cm/Steps): 515 cm / 0.68 cm

• Polarity: 0/180°

• Display (included): 1” LCD

• Display (optional): 3” LCD Touch-Screen

• Bluetooth Streaming

• PC/Display Connection: USB/6-pin Mini DIN

• Unit Dimensions: 210(L) x 125(W) x 48(H)

• Display Dim.: 111(L) x 49(W)  x 16(H)

In 2012 Zapco introduced the new Z-Series of SQ amps. These amps were not conceived so much by our engineers, as by input from audiophiles and car sound fanatics around the world. We experimented with internal components and new circuits to see if we could take our amps to the next level of sound quality by investing in different internal components and circuit designs, and the resulting Z-Series amps were the results of this unique development method. 

This year we stepped back and took a look at the amp that started it all. The Z-Series amplifier. We knew we could bring the price down, because over the last few years. This allowed us to build the Z-series AP and SP amps cost only a little more than the original Z-Series so the prices weren't that far apart. Now we have brought the Z-Series into the same plant as the newer models. That lowers the price, but what could we do the make it better? We saw that a lot of the non-critical parts from the AP and SP amps could be used in the new Z-Series as well. Even with some of the SQ parts we save by buying more so, we can use those in the Z-series also.

Features and Functions

• 6-Channel, Class-AB Sound Quality Amplifier

• Stable into 4 ohms bridged or 2 ohms stereo load

• PWM MOSFET power supply

• High end Op-amps and Capacitors

• Variable FULL / LP / HP Electronic Crossover

• 0-12dB variable bass boost

• Input mode selector (2, 4, 6 ch.)

• 4-way protection circuitry

• Wired remote control (optional)

• Panel mount RCA connectors

Specifications:

• Power @ 4Ω: 6 x 165 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 6 x 275 watts

• Power @ 4Ω Bridged: 3 x 550 watts

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.05%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 100dB

• Frequency Response 10Hz to 30,000Hz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity .5v to 8v

• Dimensions in mm: 190(W) x 62(H) x 573(L) Overall: 190(W) x 62(H) x 614(L)

In 2011 Zapco produced the new Z-Series Competition amps, and the response was incredible. Testers thought it was our best work ever and the new amps were snapped up by sound-off competitors around the country. With the new Z-Series SP, there are now four Zapco Competition series products based on the same amplifier. The Z-AP, the Z-SP, the Z-II, and the ZX amplifiers. The specifications of the Competition series amps don’t change but each is tweaked to a specific purpose. 

A purpose-built competition series amplifier is the Z-SP amplifier, as in Super Power or Street Power. This series comes from the need to outfit cars that compete in the new category called “Street Challenge” in some competitions it’s called “Street Demo”.

What is “Street Power”? Literally, amplifier power for the Street; an amplifier that will be used on the street, in the open spaces, with the door open, and cranked up for all to hear. 

If you want competition level sound quality and want to blow the doors off at the same time, these are your amplifiers.

Features and Functions

• 6-Channel Street Power competition amplifier

• Wide range dual crossovers allowing band-pass filtering

• Variable bass boost

• Variable subsonic filter

• Ducted Air fan cooling system

• Space-age technology for cooler output devices

• Proprietary gold panel mount RCA Connectors

• Dash mount remote gain control available

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 6 x 165 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 6 x 275 watts

• Power @ 4Ω Bridged: 3 x 550 watts

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.05%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 104dB

• Channel separation > 60dB

• Frequency Response 10Hz to 30,000Hz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity .25v to 8v

• Dimensions in mm: 241(W) x 62(H) x 573(L) Overall: 241(W) x 62(H) x 614(L)

While sound quality is always the number one factor in a Zapco design, there are other factors in the Studio design that make them "every-day" amps. The extruded aluminum chassis is more compact and lighter to make the studio series an easier fit in today's smaller cars. The feature set of the Studio amps provides you with all the system versatility you need without adding additional components, with everything from crossovers to preamp outputs, so multiple amps don't require extra signal cables. Power, price, size, and performance.

No, it's not designed specifically for competition. This is an amp designed to knock your socks off... in your car, for your daily use, every day. So go ahead... pop in your favorite disk, grab the volume control, and see if you don't agree that dedication to sonic purity is definitely a good thing.

Features and Functions

• Mono Class-AB Amplifier

• MOSFET power supply

• RCA input and output

• Variable Inputs Gain Control

• Variable LP Electronic Crossover

• Variable Bass Boost

• Phase 0-180°

• Subsonic filter

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 200 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 300 watts

• THD @ Rated Power < 0.2%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 97dB

• Input Sensitivity .25v to 5v

• Dimensions in mm: 182(W) x 52(H) x 280(L) Overall: 182(W) x 52(H) x 310(L)

• ZAPCO ST-1KDM   Mono Full Range Class D Amplifier
   
   
  Features and Functions
   
  Single Channel, Class-D 12V Bass Amplidier
  Stable into 1 ohm
  PWM MOSFET power supply
  18dB octave crossover slope
  Variable  LP  Electronic Crossover
  Variable Bass Boost
  4-way protection circuitry
  Wired remote control (optional)
   
   
  Specifications
   
  Power @ 4Ω: 1 x 360 watts
  Power @ 2Ω: 1 x 700 watts
  Power @ 1Ω: 1 x 1000 watts
  THD @ Rated Power  < 0.05%
  Signal to Noise Ratio > 90dB
  Channel separation > 56dB
  Frequency Response 10Hz to 30,000Hz ±1dB
  Input Sensitivity .25v to 8v
  Dimensions in mm: 170(W) x 54(H) x 254(L) Overall: 170(W) x 54(H) x 282(L)

It’s difficult at best to change many factory head units. In addition there are any number of features and functions that are hampered or lost if the factory head unit is removed. The ASP-OE2 is an OEM adaptor designed for superior sound quality, with top end internal parts and Zapco’s custom built high precision pots. It is an active device including the line converter and a signal line driver that puts out 9.5V RMS and 14V peak signal voltage. With the ASP-OE2 your system will sound every bit as good with the factory head unit as it would with an aftermarket head unit.

Bass Recovery: If you are driving a fairly new car, you’re probably noticed that when you turn up the volume of the system the bass seem to drop out. That’s because the auto makers are actively equalizing your system. They do think to protect the the factory speaker from the damage when you crank up the volume. Well, even when you add amplifiers and speakers to the car, that factory head unit will still pull out the bass frequencies when you turn up the volume. One way to avoid the bass loss to leave the volume range of the head unit low and turn the gains of the amps way up. That way the head unit does not know how loud the system is.  Unfortunately this does terrible things to the sound. You can go here and we explain all about the factory roll-off and how the ASP-EO2 cures it. But for now, the important thing is that the OE2 can seamlessly put the bass back ino the systen regardless of the head unit volume control.

With the ASP-OE2, you can leave the amp gains down and get crystal clear mids and highs and rock solid bass from the factory head unit at every volume from quiet conversational back ground to setting-off-the- neighbor’s-alarm, ground pounding loud.

Features and Functions

• 2-Channels in/4-Channels out line driver at 9.5 Volt RMS, 14 Volts peak

• Distribution preamp configurable for 2 or 4 channels

• Dash bass remote

• Bass Recovery for factory head unit

Specifications

• THD < 0.01%THD

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 110dB

• Stereo Separation 90dB

• Preamp Output 9.5V RMS / 14V Peak

• Dimensions in mm: 119(W) x 39(H) x 102(L) Overall: 119(W) x 39(H) x 127(L)

For many years people have been using passive LOCs to adapt speaker level signals to RCA signals so they can add amplifiers to their systems. The results have been less than satisfactory. In fact many (if not most) folks out there have come to accept the fact that the factory stereo signals are just not good enough to be adapted into a top quality sound system. But they are wrong!

Passive LOCs: There is nothing wrong with the factory stereo signal. The problem is those passive LOCs.  Passive LOCs use resistors, inductors, and capacitors to block the high level signal and use up some of the power so it comes out at a lower level. In doing this they add both distortion and noise, and they remove bass information from the signal. This means that the signal coming out of the passive LOC is worse than the signal going in. It has more distortion, more noise, and the low bass information has been removed.  So, when you put this signal into an amplifier you get bad sound made loud. Think about this; a majority of people who add a 2 channel adapter are doing so to add a subwoofer to the system. A passive LOC is totally counterproductive. They are adding a woofer at the same time they are taking out bass from the signal.

ASP-OEB: There has never been a unit like this one. The ASP-OEB is a basic 2-channel line converter with a difference. The ASP-OEB is a true active peramp with exactly the same circuitry that is in our other active adapters. The OEB has the same 9.5- Volt preamp that all our signal processors have. It also has adjustable preamp gain and Automatic Turn-On that can be defeated with the flip of a switch if desired. With the ASP-OEB you will get the same crystal clear mids and highs and rock solid bass you expect from any Zapco signal processor. And at just 2½” by 2¼” it will fit anywhere. If you are using the OEB to add a woofer, wow! You get a flat response down to below 20Hz and you get a 9.5 volt strong signal for your bass amplifier. Now that’s the way to put bass in a car.

Specifications

• THD < 0.01%THD

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 110dB

• Stereo Separation 90dB

• Preamp Output 9.5V RMS / 14V Peak

• Dimensions in mm: 59(W) x 26(H) x 79(L) Overall: 59(W) x 26(H) x 83(L)

Features and Functions

• 2-Channels in/2-Channels out line driver at 9.5 Volt RMS, 14 Volts peak

• Auto on w/defeat

• Preamp gain control

In 2021, if you want the best sound and all the dynamic range your system is capable of, you need a signal line driver. Period!

In the 90’s, any decent deck had 4 volts of preamp output. Some had 8V and some even had 12V.  But now, even the best units have only 4V RMS and most are barely 2V, and that’s 2 volts only at 1KHz at clipping. Ask the deck to produce preamp voltage at all frequencies (like when you’re playing music) and that voltage drops by 1/2 and often even more. `

What does this mean to you?  First, when you have less signal going down your RCA cables you need to gain your amp up to get volume and then your system has more background hiss and likely more distortion. An even bigger tragedy is that you are compressing the dynamic range of the music. You lose the difference between the quiet and the loud and the music sounds “canned”. There’s no life in the music.  What’s the answer? A Zapco Signal Line Driver Preamp.  The Zapco ASP-L6 is a six channel line driver delivering a true 9.5 volts RMS of preamp output and 14 volts peak output. With this line driver you can leave your amp gains all the way down and still get maximum power and maximum dynamic range from the amp.

Because the line drivers job is boosting the preamp signal, it’s absolutely critical that the line driver does not induce any of its own noise or distortion into the system. That’s why we use only the premium Elna Silmic ll caps and the OP275 audiophile op-amps in the signal path of the L6 and L2 BT line drivers. You also have the option of balanced or unbalanced inputs, and selectable signal ground refrerence. All for a dead quiet, distortion free signal.

As a distribution preamp,  the ASP-L6 lets you send 6 inputs to 6 outputs, but you can also send one set of RCAs to all outputs. So you can feed three amps from one set of RCA inputs, or you can send one pair of inputs to 2 amps for mids and highs send a separate bass signal to the sub amp.

Finally, the protective cover plate has selectable illumination so you can highlight the installation.

Audiophile: An audio fanatic whose sole passion is accurate sound reproduction that brings all the purity of a live performance to recorded music. It is a familiar term with high-end home gear like McIntosh or Bryston, but a term always considered unattainable in the automotive environment. Zapco disagrees! In 1974 Zapco began a quest for perfect sonic reproduction. While perfection may be unattainable, the quest is no less worthy. In 2000 we introduced the C2K Competition amplifiers and in 2012 we introduced the new Z-Series amps with high-end internal components matched for pure sound quality.

Our first line developed by listening rather than measuring, and they were called the best Zapco ever. How did we respond? We said, “thank you, but we think we can do even better”. And we did. We upgraded to top-end audiophile caps and op-amps redesigned the power supply and made board modifications to create the Z-Series LX amps. Not only did they top the car audio comparisons, but home speaker makers even brought their speakers to our CES suite to demonstrate what their speakers could do. The LX was beating their demo home amps in sound quality. 

Features & Specifications:

• Class AB Bridgeable 12V Amplifier
• Ultra High-Speed PWM MOSFET Power Supply
• Stable into 4-Ohms Bridged or 2-Ohms Stereo Load
• Tightly regulated from 11.5V to 14.5V
• Variable input sensitivity for each channel
• Tiffany style RCA Signal input and output connectors
• 4-Way protection circuitry (thermal/over current/speaker short/DC
• Tested voltage & THD: 11.5~15V & less than 0.05% THD at Rated Power
• Operating Voltage: DC10V~15.5V Power Input
• Rated Power Output
• RMS Power, 4-Ohms Stereo: 150W x 2 Ch
• RMS Power, 2-Ohms Stereo: 250W x 2 Ch
• RMS Power, 4-Ohms Bridged: 500W x 1 Ch
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >90dB
• Frequency Response: 10Hz~30KHz (+/-1 dB)
• THD @ RMS Watts: 0.05%
• Channel Separation: >50dB
• Fuse Rating: 35A x 2
• Input Sensitivity: 200mV~8V (+/- 5%)
• Dimensions: 7.48" W x 2.46" H x 12.83" L

NEW FOR 2021!!!!!

Audiophile: An audio fanatic whose sole passion is an accurate sound reproduction that brings all the purity of a live performance to recorded music. It is a familiar term with high-end home gear like McIntosh or Bryston, but a term always considered unattainable in the automotive environment. Zapco disagrees! In 1974 Zapco began a quest for perfect sonic reproduction. While perfection may be unattainable, the quest is no less worthy. In 2000 we introduced the C2K Competition amplifiers and in 2012 we introduced the new Z-Series amps with high-end internal components matched for pure sound quality.

This was our first line developed by listening rather than by measuring, and they were called the best Zapco ever. How did we respond? We said, “thank you, but we think we can do even better”. And we did. We upgraded to top-end audiophile caps and op-amps redesigned the power supply and made board modifications to create the Z-Series LX amps. Not only did they top the car audio comparisons, but home speaker makers even brought their speakers to our CES suite to demonstrate what their speakers could do. The LX was beating their demo home amps in sound quality. How did Zapco respond? We said, “thank you, but we think we can do even better”.

Features and Functions

• Class-AB, Full-Range Mono Amplifier

• Signal to noise ratio of over 110dB

• Coupled the output drivers

• Highest HFE (Gain) Sanken selected output devices 

• Differential balanced input stage 

• 0.1% resistors for lowest possible noise floor

• TI LME49720 (BJT) op-amps on the inputs

• TI LME49720 (BJT) op-amps in the signal path

• WIMA MKS2 series caps in the signal path

• Extremely low ESR caps throughout

• Proprietary patented RCA connectors

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 1000 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 2000 watts

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.05%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 110dB

• Frequency Response 10Hz to 30,000Hz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity 1v to 9v

• Dimensions in mm: 190(W) x 62(H) x 482(L) Overall: 190(W) x 62(H) x 518(L)

Zapco Studio-D amps put big power in a small chassis. But these little beasts aren’t just small, and they aren’t just powerful. They sound great! They had to earn the Zapco name before we put them into production. These amps are loaded with all the advanced features you would expect…and more! They have crossovers, bass boost, both RCA and Speaker level inputs, and preamp outputs to send the signal to another amp. The three larger chassis ST-D amps also have a dash remote control. Finally, the ST-D amps have Bluetooth Streaming, so your Smart Phone, iPad, or other Bluetooth devices can be a portable music source for your sound system.

When the Studio D BT amps are installed they work just like any other amps with your head unit. But if you fire up the music on your

phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth smart device, these amps will automatically switch over to Bluetooth to grab that signal.

Features and Functions

• 2-Channel, Full Range, Class D

• RCA and Speaker Level Inputs

• Bluetooth music streaming

• Variable input gain control

• Variable electronic crossover

• Variable bass boost control

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 2 x 380 watts RMS

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.5%THD

• Power @ 2Ω: 2 x 550 watts RMS

• Power Bridged @ 4Ω: 1100 watts RMS

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 85dB

• THD + Noise < 0.5%

• Frequency Response 15Hz to 30KHz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity .25v to 5v

• Dimensions in mm: 160(W) x 52(H) x 300(L) Overall: 160(W) x 52(H) x 335(L)

Zapco Studio-D amps put big power in a small chassis. But these little beasts aren’t just small, and they aren’t just powerful. They sound great! They had to earn the Zapco name before we put them into production. These amps are loaded with all the advanced features you would expect…and more! They have crossovers, bass boost, both RCA and Speaker level inputs, and preamp outputs to send the signal to another amp. The three larger chassis ST-D amps also have a dash remote control. 

Features and Functions

• 4-Channel, Full Range, Class D

• RCA and Speaker Level inputs

• Variable input gain control

• Variable electronic crossover

• Variable bass boost control

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 4 x 180watts RMS

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.5%THD

• Power @ 2Ω: 4 x 280 watts RMS

• Power Bridged @ 4Ω: 2 x 560 W RMS

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 85dB

• THD + Noise < 0.5%

• Frequency Response 15Hz to 30KHz ±1dB

• Input Sensitivity .25v to 5v

• Dimensions in mm: 160(W) x 52(H) x 300(L) Overall: 160(W) x 52(H) x 342(L)

In 2015, if you want the best sound and all the dynamic range your system is capable of, you need a signal line driver.

In the ’90s, any decent deck had 4 volts of preamp output. Some had 8V and some even had 12V.  But now, even the best units have only 4V RMS and most are barely 2V, and that’s 2 volts only at 1KHz at clipping. Ask the deck to produce preamp voltage at all frequencies (like when you’re playing music) and that voltage drops by 1/2 and often even more. `

What does this mean to you?  First, when you have less signal going down your RCA cables you need to gain your amp up to get volume and then your system has more background hiss and likely more distortion. An even bigger tragedy is that you are compressing the dynamic range of the music. You lose the difference between the quiet and the loud and the music sounds “canned”. There’s no life in the music.  What’s the answer? A Zapco Signal Line Driver Preamp. The ASP-L2 BT is a true 9.5Volt output line driver with 14Volts peak. The ASP-L2 has a single pair of inputs, but it has 2 pairs of outputs so you can run both a bass and a highs amplifier off the same preamp output. And, of course, each output signal gets 9.5Volts RMS.

Bluetooth Streaming: The ASP-L2 BT is not just an awesome 9.5V RMS line driver. It is also a Bluetooth input for your sound system. The L2 BT also comes with a dash remote level control so you can match the level of your Bluetooth device and the level of your head unit and use the L2 BT remote as your system volume control.

Let us take it a step further: If you do most of your listening to on an iPod, MP3 player, or other Bluetooth devise, why do you need a head unit? Really, when you have an ASP-L2 BT line driver you have your Bluetooth input, your signal line driver, and your volume control. So the head unit becomes the optional accessory! You don’t need a head unit if you don’t want one. If you have a motorcycle, boat, classic car, hot rod, 4-wheeler, or side by side RV, you probably don’t want to have to put a head unit in the vehicle. The ASP-L2.BT is exactly what you need.

Specifications

• DSP Processor: Cirrus Logic CS47048    

• Power: 150 MHz/32 bit/48 KHz

• 8-Channels

• ADC: Cirrus Logic CS5368 24 bit/192 KHz

• ADC Dynamic Range/THD: 114 dB/-105 dB

• DAC: Cirrus Logic CS47048 32 bit/192 KHz

• DAC Dynamic Range/THD: 108 dB/-98 dB

• Low level (Pre)/Sensitivity: 8/1-5 VRMS

• High Level (Spk In)/Sens.: 6/2-20 V

• AUX Inputs/Sensitivity: 1/0.2-4 VRMS

• Optical IN: 24 bit-192 KHz

• Freq. Response (-3dB): 10 Hz - 22.5 KHz

• S/N Ratio only DSP Digital Input: 110 dBA    

• S/N Ratio only DSP Analog Input: 106 dBA 

• S/N Ratio Amp + DSP at max. power: 95 dBA 

• THD+N only DSP Digital Input: 0,002 %

• THD+N only DSP Analog Input: 0,005 %

• THD+N Amplif. + DSP Analog Input:  0,07 %

• Crosstalk at 1 Khz only DSP: 90 dB

• Crosstalk Amplifier + DSP: 45 dB

• Amp Power @ 4Ω: 8 x 80 watts

• Amp Power @ 2Ω: 8 x 120 watts

• Amp Power @ 4Ω Bridged: 4 x 240 watts

• Amp Power @ 4Ω: 6 x 80 + 1 x 240 watts

• Amp Power @ 2Ω: 6 x 120 + 1 x 240 w. (4 Ω) 

• F/R EQ: 1-6 ch Gr. & Par./31 poles

• Effect EQ: 7-8 ch Gr. & Par./11 poles

• Mute/Solo: Yes, each channel

• Time Align. (Range/Steps): 0/15 ms / 0.02 ms

• Max Delay (Cm/Steps): 515 cm / 0.68 cm

• Polarity: 0/180°

• Display (included): 1” LCD

• Display (optional): 3” LCD Touch-Screen

• Bluetooth Digital Streaming

• PC/Display Connection: USB/6-pin Mini DIN

• Unit Dimensions: 222(L) x 230(W) x 52(H)

• Display Dim.: 111(L) x 49(W)  x 16(H)

In 2012 Zapco introduced the new Z-Series of SQ amps. These amps were not conceived so much by our engineers, as by input from audiophiles and car sound fanatics around the world. We experimented with internal components and new circuits to see if we could take our amps to the next level of sound quality by investing in different internal components and circuit designs, and the resulting Z-Series amps were the results of this unique development method. 

This year we stepped back and took a look at the amp that started it all. The Z-Series amplifier. We knew we could bring the price down, because over the last few years. This allowed us to build the Z-series AP and SP amps cost only a little more than the original Z-Series so the prices weren't that far apart. Now we have brought the Z-Series into the same plant as the newer models. That lowers the price, but what could we do the make it better? We saw that a lot of the non-critical parts from the AP and SP amps could be used in the new Z-Series as well. Even with some of the SQ parts we save by buying more so, we can use those in the Z-series also.

Features and Functions

• Mono Class D Linkable, bass amplifier,

• Stable into 1 Ohm (2 Ohm w/2 amps Linked/Strapped)

• PWM MOSFET power supply

• 24 dB Variable low pass (LPF) crossover

• 12 dB Variable bass boost equalization

• 0 – 180 degree variable phase shift

• 24 dB Variable subsonic filter

• Selectable master and slave operation for Linked (strapped) amplifier operation

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 900 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 1800 watts

• Power @ 1Ω: 3000 watts

• Linked @ 2Ω: 6000 Watts

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.05%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 90dB

• Damping factor: > 350

• Efficiency: 86%

• Input Sensitivity .2v to 8v

• Dimensions in mm: 190(W) x 62(H) x 620(L) Overall: 190(W) x 62(H) x 657(L)

In 2012 Zapco introduced the new Z-Series of SQ amps. These amps were not conceived so much by our engineers, as by input from audiophiles and car sound fanatics around the world. We experimented with internal components and new circuits to see if we could take our amps to the next level of sound quality by investing in different internal components and circuit designs, and the resulting Z-Series amps were the results of this unique development method. 

This year we stepped back and took a look at the amp that started it all. The Z-Series amplifier. We knew we could bring the price down, because over the last few years. This allowed us to build the Z-series AP and SP amps cost only a little more than the original Z-Series so the prices weren't that far apart. Now we have brought the Z-Series into the same plant as the newer models. That lowers the price, but what could we do the make it better? We saw that a lot of the non-critical parts from the AP and SP amps could be used in the new Z-Series as well. Even with some of the SQ parts we save by buying more so, we can use those in the Z-series also.

Features and Functions

• Mono Class D Linkable, bass amplifier,

• Stable into 1 Ohm (2 Ohm w/2 amps Linked/Strapped)

• PWM MOSFET power supply

• 24 dB Variable low pass (LPF) crossover

• 12 dB Variable bass boost equalization

• 0 – 180 degree variable phase shift

• 24 dB Variable subsonic filter

• Selectable master and slave operation for Linked (strapped) amplifier operation

Specifications:

• Power @ 4Ω: 800 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 1400 watts

• Power @ 1Ω: 2100 watts

• Linked @ 2Ω: 3600 Watts

• THD @ Rated Power < 0.05%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 90dB

• Damping factor: > 350

• Efficiency: 86%

• Input Sensitivity .2v to 8v

• Dimensions in mm: 190(W) x 62(H) x 450(L) Overall: 190(W) x 62(H) x 486(L)

In 2012 Zapco introduced the new Z-Series of SQ amps. These amps were not conceived so much by our engineers, as by input from audiophiles and car sound fanatics around the world. We experimented with internal components and new circuits to see if we could take our amps to the next level of sound quality by investing in different internal components and circuit designs, and the resulting Z-Series amps were the results of this unique development method. 

This year we stepped back and took a look at the amp that started it all. The Z-Series amplifier. We knew we could bring the price down, because over the last few years. This allowed us to build the Z-series AP and SP amps cost only a little more than the original Z-Series so the prices weren't that far apart. Now we have brought the Z-Series into the same plant as the newer models. That lowers the price, but what could we do the make it better? We saw that a lot of the non-critical parts from the AP and SP amps could be used in the new Z-Series as well. Even with some of the SQ parts we save by buying more so, we can use those in the Z-series also.

Features and Functions

• Mono Class D Linkable, bass amplifier,

• Stable into 1 Ohm (2 Ohm w/2 amps Linked/Strapped)

• PWM MOSFET power supply

• 24 dB Variable low pass (LPF) crossover

• 12 dB Variable bass boost equalization

• 0 – 180-degree variable phase shift

• 24 dB Variable subsonic filter

• Selectable master and slave operation for Linked (strapped) amplifier operation

Specifications

• Power @ 4Ω: 450 watts

• Power @ 2Ω: 700 watts

• Power @ 1Ω: 1050 watts

• Linked @ 2Ω: 1800 Watts

• THD @ Rated Power  < 0.05%

• Signal to Noise Ratio > 90dB

• Damping factor: > 350

• Efficiency: 86%

• Input Sensitivity .2v to 8v

• Dimensions in mm: 190(W) x 62(H) x 275(L) Overall: 190(W) x 62(H) x 305(L)