Tweakers' Asylum: REVIEW: O Audio BASH Subwoofer Amplifier Other by rkeman

Model:	BASH Subwoofer Amplifier
Category:	Other
Suggested Retail Price:	$259
Description:	Subwoofer Plate Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	O Audio
Manufacturer URL:	O Audio

Review by rkeman ( A ) on April 29, 2005 at 19:05:07
IP Address: 24.254.132.128

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for the BASH Subwoofer Amplifier

The O Audio BASH subwoofer plate amp is an interesting design available for use in DIY projects. Power output is specified at greater than 500 watts into a 4 ohm load. Very useful parametric equalization and variable low frequency boost functions are included in addition to the traditional controls for volume, phase (0-180 degrees), crossover with defeat, and power mode (on or auto). A standard two prong IEC receptacle and power toggle switch are also provided. Build quality belies the price, and only high quality components are in evidence. A detailed description of the BASH amplifier design is available on the O Audio website.
Recently, a pair of the O Audio BASH amplifiers were installed in Adire Audio Tumult-based sealed subwoofers that serve in my home theater. The amps are extremely quiet, run cooly, and provide room-shaking bass. Using a two prong power input should help avoid hum from ground loops in most installation, a very useful and often overlooked design feature. The parametric equalizer functions exactly as descibed in the O Audio literature - my 40Hz room mode has finally been tamed! The low frequency contour control provides flat in-room response to about 10Hz with the Tumult and can be tailored to a wide variety of designs. The crossover is also very good and fully defeatable. This is useful in situations where an external crossover is used. The whole amplifier only weighs 5 lbs, but it can pump out a huge amount of power all day without blinking.
The O Audio design looks very similar to the larger SVS plate amp, and I suspect that they are made by the same Canadian manufacturer. If you're looking for an excellent plate amplifer for a DIY subwoofer, give this one a try.

Product Weakness: None
Product Strengths: Powerful, quiet, flexible, and inexpensive.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Outlaw 750
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Outlaw 950
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony NS999-ES DVD Player and Motorola High Def Cable Box
Speakers:	Magnepan MG-1.6, MG-MC1, and Adire Tumult DIY Subwoofers
Cables/Interconnects:	DIY Belden and Canare
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Pop, classical and movies
Room Size (LxWxH):	18' x 14' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Typical furnishings and carpet
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None
Product Strengths:	Powerful, quiet, flexible, and inexpensive.