Audiopipe APSM-1500 Bench Tested and Compared to AP-15001D

[WillistonAudioLabs]

Based on the feedback and my test of the Audiopipe AP-15001D, I decided to bench test the "mini" APSM-1500 to find out how it stacks up against the "premium" version AP-15001D (Audiopipe's claim of premium, not mine, based on their literature) Big thanks to gumby688 for sending me the amp to test.

Those who don't like watching videos, here's my results at 14v:

Audiopipe APSM-1500's Results:

4 ohms = not tested

2 ohms = 840w

1 ohm = 960w

Efficiency

2 ohms: 75A @ 14v = 80% (based on measurement of 840W)

1 ohm 121A @ 14v = 56.7% (based on measurement of 960W)

Since the efficiency dropped so drastically between 2 ohms and 1 ohm (and the power increase was minimal), I decided against the 1/2 ohm resistive test.

I have a complex test bench fitted with wirewound resistors for the ohm loads, (2) 100A 13.8v power supplies "strapped" (showing 14v), SMD DD-1 for 1% distortion measurement, Velleman HPS50 o'scope for visual display of waveform and wattage measurement (or Volts RMS at 1 ohm), Klein Tools CL2000 True RMS Clamp Meter for measuring DC Amperage pull from amp, Fluke 85 III multimeter for verifying ohm loads, 40Hz test tone from DD-1 disc, Yamaha RX-V670 receiver as pre-amp (has large analog volume knob for precise adjustments) and iPod Nano 1st gen with Wolfsen audio chip and DD-1 test tone loaded in Apple lossless format.

*note: the Velleman HPS-50 o'scope was not used in this test as I need to replace the probes, which should be here for my next test...

I've seen many people "clamp" test this amp and get 1500w or more. Truth is, if you are using a speaker as the load, you must take into account electrical phasing. If you don't know what I'm talking about, see this

, former Rockford Fosgate engineer and the one who developed the infamous T15kW amp (now CEO of D'Amore Engineering).

As I mention in the video, I only tested this amp on the bench with resistors, didn't give it a loaded down subwoofer test.

You can see my previous post showing the AP-15001D's results - http://www.stevemead...s-power-output/

See the

or embedded below:

[Jessica]

I would think a reactive load like a subwoofer would yield even lower output right?

[WillistonAudioLabs]

I would think a reactive load like a subwoofer would yield even lower output right?

Using the correct testing methods, a reactive load will usually show a 10-15% increase from the resistive load. Rockford Fosgate uses a PowerCube, which is a device that simulates a reactive load with varying loads / phasing (like a speaker). I'd love to have one of these, but it costs BIG $$. Maybe Santa will bring me one along with a few Audio Precision analyzers...

Back to my tests, I'm not the only one using resistive loads...D'Amore Engineering uses them in their AD-1 (Amp Dyno). In fact, my setup is somewhat of a budget version of the AD-1. It sure would be nice to be able to change the ohm loads with the press of a button. Mine are done manually by jumping wires.

[TonyD'Amore]

Nice work Big D! In all of the testing I've done with the PowerCube and with an Audio Precision, the purely resistive load is the hardest on the amp.

[Watch the bass]

Planed to test some more amps in this way, for the future?

[WillistonAudioLabs]

Nice work Big D! In all of the testing I've done with the PowerCube and with an Audio Precision, the purely resistive load is the hardest on the amp.

Thanks for the comment, Tony! I've only had a few amps meet (or exceed) ratings and RF is one of the mfg's...

[teamace24]

Great informative topic for all the people who are looking for something in the low budget range that will get the job done.

Had the ap1500d and for 3 and a half years served me well and now passed it a long to another happy user. Happy to see the non believers also seeing this topic.

Also had the audioque 1200d as well and both were just as good as each other like i have always said, as long as you take care of your equipment and know what you are doing setting it they will serve you right.

If you can do those hifonics hfi, onyx, ppi, soundstream amps on your future tests it would help a lot of other people as well.

[wmrcs]

Great informative topic for all the people who are looking for something in the low budget range that will get the job done.

Had the ap1500d and for 3 and a half years served me well and now passed it a long to another happy user. Happy to see the non believers also seeing this topic.

Also had the audioque 1200d as well and both were just as good as each other like i have always said, as long as you take care of your equipment and know what you are doing setting it they will serve you right.

If you can do those hifonics hfi, onyx, ppi, soundstream amps on your future tests it would help a lot of other people as well.

Yea!