ZPA0.3 vs ZX-450...

flogger11 · Post by **flogger11** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 11:18 am

Opinion needed here guys! I am having a tough time deciding between running a ZPA0.3 on my Polks using the Polk passive networks OR ditching the Polk crossovers all together and using a ZX-450 active on my mids/tweets. The SQ on the ZPA series is UNREAL, however I cant help but think a ZX-450 active, combined with my Alpine's Imprint technology (individual time correction/eq'ing), would outperform the ZPA, even with it imprinted. The time delay on each individual mid and tweeter AND the ability to fine-tune crossover points and gain would really suit me as I love to tinker! Would the out-right better circuitry of the ZPA0.3 make up for having to setup the Polks mid/tweets as a pair? I am leaning towards not...

Post by **stipud** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 11:42 am

Solution: TWO ZPAs to run it active

Active will be better if you've got the time to tune it. With gains matched, I personally can't tell the difference between the amps... the ZPAs are obviously more powerful though, so that definitely makes an audible difference. However, without the passive XO robbing power, the active ZX450 setup may be just as loud.

flogger11 · Post by **flogger11** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:37 am

No other input guys?

Post by **kg1961** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:42 am

my question is how are you going to run the amps 4ohm, 2ohm etc and what 14.4v 12v
do you have a line drive for the zpa?
I love my zx450 it always did more than I thought it could

thedeal7235 · Post by **thedeal7235** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 7:52 am

both amps are exceptional, although u always at the min. need a line driver for the 0.3 or 0.5, and are u planning to use the built in xover for zpa, i know u said active, however, on my 0.3 i blew a set of ti tweets, running active,, so keep that in mind as well( do zx450, in my opinion)- istill have a zx450, must be atleast 10 years old, and its still sweet

flogger11 · Post by **flogger11** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 7:58 am

thedeal7235 wrote:both amps are exceptional, although u always at the min. need a line driver for the 0.3 or 0.5, and are u planning to use the built in xover for zpa, i know u said active, however, on my 0.3 i blew a set of ti tweets, running active,, so keep that in mind as well( do zx450, in my opinion)- istill have a zx450, must be atleast 10 years old, and its still sweet

I think that is the route I am going. Interested in selling your ZX?

thedeal7235 · Post by **thedeal7235** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:54 pm

actually, thats not up for sale, i , like an idiot, lent it to me 26 year old nephew, who has caused a xover issue( rear), with it, so i need to take it apart, however, i amtrying to sale a ti 1200.1, ti 400.2, but i think the zx450, and ti 500.4 are both excellent 4 channel amps! i heard the ms series years ago, at old shop in northern va, where im from, and if i remember, one of the techs, had a ms 275(tweets and mids, and one ms 2125 for his 2 twelves, and it sounded great!!!, from what i recall-

evo9 · Post by **evo9** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:52 pm

I have got two black zx450 and a single black zx500, I may sell in a few more weeks. My arc audio xxk's out class them in my 3 way active setup.

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flogger11 · Post by **flogger11** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:55 pm

evo9 wrote:I have got two black zx450 and a single black zx500, I may sell in a few more weeks. My arc audio xxk's out class them in my 3 way active setup.

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I would be interested in the cleaner zx-450, him me w/ a price and let me know when you are interested in selling. also a pic or two would be great! mike

evo9 · Post by **evo9** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:14 pm

They are all in like new condition! Meaning there is no scratch, scrape, peeling, fading, ding, dent, crack or rust. You would swear they are new & yes the isolator feets are intact. More importantly they work. So figure $325.00ea when I am ready to let them go.

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flogger11 · Post by **flogger11** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:09 pm

evo9 wrote:They are all in like new condition! Meaning there is no scratch, scrape, peeling, fading, ding, dent, crack or rust. You would swear they are new & yes the isolator feets are intact. More importantly they work. So figure $325.00ea when I am ready to let them go.

.

Thats a little rich for my blood...

Post by **smgreen20** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 11:50 am

Supply and demand

, That's what I thought as well though the black zx amps are the "limited ed" amps in that group so they could pull in a prettier penny.

I was having the same delema that you were, 450 vs 0.3 I have a ZPA0.3 and a ZX450v2 and was arguing w/myself as to which amp I should use to push my PG Ti6 elites. 0.3 w/the passive xo or the 450 active. I went w/the 450 active, but I not using the amps built-in xo either, I'm using the HUs xo.

Other then there's a pinch of engine whine that I can hear ONLY when the radio is at VERY low volumes. At normal levels I can't hear it at all, but it eats at me because I know it's there. As for the sound, (ZPA/passive, ZX active) they both ballance out, but it's the active cross over "ing" w/time delay and independent attenuation of each ch via the HU (imprint in your case) makes it the winner.

I still need to get the system finished and RTA'd to give a final report.

flogger11 · Post by **flogger11** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:46 am

Thanks for the input guys, I will be going w/ a zx-450 active...

csperl1 · Post by **csperl1** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:14 pm

Thats what I would do as well. Also consider that the ZX450 is so freaking flexible that it will grow and conform to nearly any system. ZPA is kind of set in what it does. Make sure you recap it when you get it!