Arc Audio Nighthawk 2-Channel Amplifier | 800W | Class D

Power Output

The Non-DSP Companion

The Nighthawk exists because Arc Audio DSP amplifier systems often need more output channels than the DSP amplifier alone provides. A Blackbird DSP amp running a 3-way active front stage consumes all its channels for the front stage, leaving subwoofer and midbass amplification to be handled separately. Adding another DSP amplifier adds complexity, cost, and a second processor requiring synchronization. The Nighthawk adds output channels without adding another DSP: it takes the processed signal directly from the Blackbird's outputs, runs it through its own Infineon Class D output stages, and delivers that signal to additional drivers without interference or added processing latency.

The crossover on the Nighthawk has a defeat switch precisely because of this use case. When running after a DSP processor that handles all crossover functions, the Nighthawk's onboard filter is bypassed entirely. When running the Nighthawk as a standalone amplifier without upstream DSP, the 50-500 Hz high/low-pass filter with second-order Linkwitz-Riley alignment provides system integration capability without a separate processor.

Infineon Output Stages and CTA-2006 Ratings

The Nighthawk uses Infineon Class D output stages, the same technology used in high-end professional audio amplifiers. The CTA-2006 compliance of the power ratings matters here: CTA-2006 specifies that power must be measured at no more than 1% THD across the full audio bandwidth with all channels driven simultaneously. Arc Audio publishes all Nighthawk power ratings under CTA-2006, which means the 800 watt bridged figure is a real measurement, not a peak or marketing power claim. Arc Audio further notes that real-world output comfortably exceeds specification, consistent with their under-promise philosophy.

The THD of 0.005% at the best operating point and 0.009% across 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 1 watt are genuine reference-class figures. For comparison, most automotive amplifiers in the Nighthawk's price range publish THD above 0.05% or simply avoid publishing THD at all. The 113 dB SNR and damping factor of 500 complete the picture of an amplifier designed for sound quality rather than just output.

Balanced Differential Inputs

The Nighthawk uses balanced differential inputs rather than the single-ended RCA inputs found on most car audio amplifiers. Balanced inputs reject common-mode noise: interference that appears equally on both the positive and negative input conductors is cancelled by the differential circuit, while the audio signal on the hot conductor is preserved. In automotive environments where alternators, ignition systems, and switching power supplies generate interference, balanced inputs provide meaningful noise rejection. This is why balanced connections are standard in professional audio and why the Nighthawk's input architecture is a genuine performance feature rather than a specification checkbox.

Matched Chassis, Clean System Integration

The Nighthawk uses the same extruded aluminum heatsink and chassis dimensions as the Arc Audio Blackbird DSP amplifier: 10.35 inches long, 6 inches wide, 2 inches tall. In an installation where the Blackbird and Nighthawk are mounted side-by-side or stacked, the visual result is a matched pair rather than two mismatched components. The high-current speaker connection plug system is shared between both amplifiers. The remote output on the Nighthawk allows it to trigger additional amplifiers in a system without requiring a separate remote wire from the source unit.

Marine, Powersports, and Motorcycle Compatible

The Nighthawk's thermal range of -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, start-stop compatibility down to 4.6 volts, and DC auto-detect turn-on make it suitable for motorcycle, marine, and powersports applications where operating conditions are more extreme than a typical car installation. The 4.6 volt minimum operating voltage handles the brief voltage drops that start-stop systems produce when the engine restarts, a failure point for amplifiers that require higher minimum voltage to operate.

Built and Backed

The Arc Audio Nighthawk carries a 1-year warranty through authorized Arc Audio dealers. Audio Intensity is an authorized Arc Audio dealer. Every unit we sell is brand new current production with full warranty coverage and lifetime tech support.