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Audison Forza AF C8.14 Bit DSP Amplifier Review

Rate this DSP Amplifier:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 5 5.2%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 47 48.5%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 43 44.3%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 2 2.1%

  • Total voters
    97

amirm

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This is a review and detailed measurements of the Audison Forza AF C8.14 8-channel amplifier and 14 channel DSP processor. I purchased this for US $1,100.
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car bass subwoofer review.jpg

I was pleasantly surprised how compact this amplifier is! In pictures it looks like the typical car audio amplifier. But as you see relative to the panther, it is quite small so should be easy to hide it away in the cabin. Fortunately small doesn't mean cheap. The enclosure seems built out of some kind of cast metal and is quite solid and dense. Rear connections are typical of better amplifiers including the nice power terminals:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car bass subwoofer wiring back connec...jpg

One key aspect I was looking for is digital Toslink input. That not only eliminates the need to run multiple RCA cables, but has the potential to reduce noise and eliminate ground loops. This being a DSP, it makes sense to send it digital audio anyway, assuming your head units sports such.

The target for this amplifier is potential installers although with a bit of knowledge, you should be able to figure things out yourself with their "bit drive" software:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Bit software control.png

There is extensive support for de-equalizing the stock OEM audio system to get it to produce a flat, full range stereo input. I believe it actually has a wizard that walks you through it.

The first thing you have to do with these DSP amplifiers, is to find the input mixer to turn on and assign inputs to channels. Without it, you won't get any sound which likely frustrates some users. Usually this is an obvious option in the menu but I had to do some searching and read the manual to find that little gray button with sliders (next to blue Zone slider). Another unusual aspect is that fact you can't type the EQ frequency and Q (how wide the filter is) in the sliders. You have to use the two rotary dials/text under them to do that. A bit odd but not a big deal. Note that I have cut off the right side of the app as it will list all the channels if you have room for it.

I was pleased that the USB interface is a proper one and not the kludge serial over USB that some other companies use. At least it looks that way in the way it instantly worked on my system unlike others. Modifying single parameters take a second to be updated. Pushing all the settings takes about 10 seconds which is fine.

I can't remotely talk about all the features here. But there is filter import from REW and every type of filter is supported including all pass (for delay). There is also automated EQ using proper external headphones (whatever your PC supports). The few videos I have seen don't tell me how well it works but it is good to have it as a starting point.

I like the unit temperature display bottom right (captured after all the testing/stressing the amplifier). Turns out that is internal temp as the case is actually colder than that:

Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car bitdrive thermal analysis image M...jpg


Mind you, the unit still gets warm but nothing as hot as the JBL DSP4086 I recently tested. As you will see below, idle current consumption is lower as well.

Audison AF C8.14 DSP Amplifier Measurements
As usual we start with our 5 watt dashboard of 1 kHz into 4 ohm:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA Measurements.png

One channel has more distortion but that was a wiring issue. The unit comes with captive snap push connectors and I had trouble getting one channel to mate better with my locking banana measurement harness. I forgot to recapture the dashboard after I mostly fixed this (see the power sweep below). Going with that, the performance is slightly above average for all car audio amplifiers tested:
best car amplifier dsp review 2025.png

Switching to Toslink input doesn't increase SINAD since we are (amplifier) distortion bound:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Toslink Digital Measurements.png

We can see this reflected in SNR measurements:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA SNR Measurements.png


Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Toslink Digital SNR Measurements.png


These are average home audio noise figures which is nice for the category and provides close to transparency for 16 bit audio.

Internal architecture is 24 bit/96 kHz which provides wideband response even if you use analog inputs:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA Frequency Response Mea...png


Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Toslink Digital Frequency Respons...png

The ADC filter actually tames the peaking a bit at higher impedances. No matter, we have a DSP with EQ here so we can filter this out (with in situ measurements). Still, would be nice to have post filter feedback given the premium price of this amplifier.

Multitone shows broad intermodulation products as expected:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA Multitone Measurements.png

Digital input helps here:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Toslink Digital Multitone Measure...png


Same situation as far as intermodulation with 19 and 20 kHz tones:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA 19 20 kHz Measurements.png


Crosstalk is good and doesn't vary with input type (so a function of the amp):
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA Crosstalk Measurements.png


Power sweep shows good performance for the class:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA Power 4 Measurements.png


Toslink improves things a bit (don't mind the clipping point):
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Digital Toslink Measurements.png


We get good bit of power relative to small size of the unit:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA Max and Peak Power Mea...png

Company testing is at 14.4 volt so they show more power. My Lithium BMS shuts down charging at 13.8 volt so I can't measure that high (nor do I think you will have that kind of voltage at the terminals in a real car).

Next, I used my Audiograph loadbox to test with simulated reactive loads down to 2 ohm:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA Reactive Load Power Me...png

Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Analog RCA Reactive Load Power Wa...png

If you have the option of using 2 ohm speakers, you should. Boldened by that, I went down to 1 ohm and poor amp shut down. :D

Finally, the amplifier is stable on power up:
Audison AF C8.14 8 channel amplifier DSP tune automotive car Warm Up Measurements.png


Conclusions
The AF C8.14 bit is a powerful premium DSP amplifier, packing a ton of functionality in a very small package. It measures and feels like it is well designed. It surely leaves some performance on the table considering the cost but until we find better options, this is good enough. I will be using this in my own campervan retrofit.

I am going to recommend the Audison AF C8.14 Bit Forza DSP Amplifier.

------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.

Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
 
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Reserved for @RickS to kindly post the specs.

Amplifier Tech Data​

Channels8
ClassD-Class
Power supply voltage / fuse11 ÷ 15 VDC / 1 x 35A
Operating power supply voltage6.5 ÷ 17.5 VDC
Idling current1.3 A
Standby Current Draw1 mA
Consumption @ 14.4 VDC, 2Ω, Max Musical Power34 A
Remote IN4 ÷15 VDC (1 mA)
Remote OUT6.5 ÷15 VDC (150 mA)
ART - Automatic Remote Turn on/ off from OUTPUT BTL speakers1.5 VDC
Efficiency Rated Power81%

Specs too extensive to copy here. See vendor website: https://audison.com/product/af-c8-14-bit/ for more
 
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Hmmm, slightly better performance. I suspect not noticeable.
The ability to bridge 2 channels is really nice and as noted some folks will want low heat output for stuffing in tight spots.
Not that great for $1100 vs $300/350 on the JBL/Infinity.
I'm going to stick with the $350 option.

Curious about the MARCH, you sure this works for you ;) kidding. Enjoy the install and fun times tuning
 
For me the attraction is better/more reliable software, more power, and cooler running. Distortion and noise are pluses. But the cost... Did not want to spend so much money but here we are....
 
Before you make the final decision…

Zapco HB-410-ADSP 10 Ch. DSP / 8 Ch. Class D Amplifier​

Much much cheaper.


It is a nice piece/option for $360

Downsides are only one set of RCA inputs so the headunit losses the ability to control any fading, ect.
and power is fairly low, rated at 20wattsX8 @4ohms and 35x8 @2ohms.

Looks like it can be programed with iOS and Droid.

The software may be similar to the Dayton Audio DSP, it looks familiar.

Hard to say but it is a decent looking option
_____________________________________________________
This is the model I'd really want for $1500 it looks really good on paper
 
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Company testing is at 14.4 volt so they show more power. My Lithium BMS shuts down charging at 13.8 volt so I can't measure that high (nor do I think you will have that kind of voltage at the terminals in a real car).

With a healthy alternator and battery, voltage at the terminals is often north of 14V. My race cars have voltage gauges and the BMW measures 14.4V, while the Miata measures 14.3V. I believe the max spec for a passenger vehicle's electrical system is 14.4VDC, which is probably why they picked that voltage.
 
With a healthy alternator and battery, voltage at the terminals is often north of 14V.
With the alternator running, sure. With the engine off probably not, at least in my experience. And I believe Amir's intention is for this car system to be pumping out the jams with the vehicle not running, hence the battery system.
 
With a healthy alternator and battery, voltage at the terminals is often north of 14V. My race cars have voltage gauges and the BMW measures 14.4V, while the Miata measures 14.3V. I believe the max spec for a passenger vehicle's electrical system is 14.4VDC, which is probably why they picked that voltage.
Are you getting that right at the accessory terminal on the audio device? It is easily to lose voltage by the time it goes through various connections, fuses, etc. under load.
 
Before you make the final decision…

Zapco HB-410-ADSP 10 Ch. DSP / 8 Ch. Class D Amplifier​

Much much cheaper.

I can hardly find anyone using it online. Are there any reviews of it?

I downloaded their software. Seems fine for my use but not nearly as capable as the Audison under review.
 
Seems pretty decent, wish distortion was better but noise floor in cars is not comparable to normal living rooms so I wouldn't personally worry. And at 14ch with robust DSP the price seems fair. Not apples to apples but in terms of channels and capabilities it's not far off from an AVR which wouldn't be cheaper.
 
Are you getting that right at the accessory terminal on the audio device? It is easily to lose voltage by the time it goes through various connections, fuses, etc. under load.
No, the gauges are wired into the extra accessory terminals in the fuse box--the same ones that drive the lower current fuses, such as those that drive the audio system. And the gauges themselves are fused. The comparison is apples to apples.
 
Conclusions
The AF C8.14 bit is a powerful premium DSP amplifier, packing a ton of functionality in a very small package. It measures and feels like it is well designed. It surely leaves some performance on the table considering the cost but until we find better options, this is good enough. I will be using this in my own campervan retrofit.

The DSP seems to be considerably more powerful but you really should try comparing to the

The UP7 (previous model) has more power than the Audison. I think those 160W channels make a world of difference when you use it for your subs. This is true even for the “underseat woofers” from BMW.

65 watts RMS x 6 at 4 ohms + 160 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms
1747974567032.png


 
No, the gauges are wired into the extra accessory terminals in the fuse box--the same ones that drive the lower current fuses, such as those that drive the audio system. And the gauges themselves are fused. The comparison is apples to apples.
Well, you will lose voltage on the wire run to the amp. This will affect class D low draw stuff less but still, just the wire run if going to say the trunk is 0.5-1.5volt. Closer runs are less obviously or huge thick wires in play helps. Then if your drawing a lot of power in a high powered system that could easily be 50-100+amps (even more if using old school A/B amps and lots of power, several hundred amps for short bursts if you alternator can do it) For example my old 2007 CRV has only an 105amp rated alternator.

Way back in the day high school guys with bass boomers would have lights dimming in unison with the beat.

4guage wire, 100amps
1747975466340.png

8guage wire, 100amps
1747975495231.png


8guage wire, 30amps
1747975671792.png
 

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