BASH 500S Subwoofer Amp Review

[Grenadine]

LOL not really.

the bash 500s is a class d amplifier

 

[Chrispy]

the bash 500s is a class d amplifier

Amir describes it as a bridged AB amp in this review, you have something to contradict that?

 

[kyuu]

the bash 500s is a class d amplifier

From what I believe is the manual:

BASHÆ amplifier technology marries a robust Class AB amplifier with a smart power
supply that adaptively provides the necessary output voltage required to produce
low-distortion output power.

My understanding of BASH was always that they were class AB married to a switching power supply.

 

[Grenadine]

It's my amp he's testing. it was advertised on parts express as a class d. unfortunately the listing was taken down. if you google bash 500s, the results confirm it, but we know there can be flaws there...whats funny too is that Amir's post from 4 hours was already worked into the AI results. lol

tried looking for a spec sheet, and nothing for the 500s, but one for the older model, the 500. its like bash wanted this amp to disappear off the face of the earth. there's an amazon listing that calls it class d.

im not knowledgeable enough to know if that will change Amir's results, or perspective about the results. i could be wrong though.

"The BASH 500S module provides a sophisticated blend of digital efficiency and analog-like musicality, ensuring that your listening experience remains transparent, articulate, and entirely uncolored.
Technical Specifications:
Dimensions: Approximately 29" (H) x 17.5" (W) x 15.5" (D).
Power Output: 500 Watts RMS (Continuous).
Amplifier Topology: BASH (Bridged Amplifier Switching Hybrid) – combines the efficiency of Class D with the high-fidelity sound quality of Class AB."

so what does that mean, its a class d power supply or something??

From a parts express email. Why are they calling it digital?

 

[sam_adams]

Sadly when I tried to measure max and peak power, the amp shut down and no longer operates.

These are the tests that ASR members live for. Tested to destruction. Excellent!

 

[kyuu]

"The BASH 500S module provides a sophisticated blend of digital efficiency and analog-like musicality, ensuring that your listening experience remains transparent, articulate, and entirely uncolored.
Technical Specifications:
Dimensions: Approximately 29" (H) x 17.5" (W) x 15.5" (D).
Power Output: 500 Watts RMS (Continuous).

There's no such thing as a class D power supply. Power supplies are either linear or switching. What they are talking about is a class AB amplifier paired with a switching power supply. The D in class D does not stand for digital, this is a common misconception.

 

[TimoJ]

This is a bridged class AB amplifier fed by a switching amplifier.

switching power supply.

 

[Billy Budapest]

LOL not really.

It’s an equivalent statement IMHO.

 

[Billy Budapest]

Amplifier Topology: BASH (Bridged Amplifier Switching Hybrid) – combines the efficiency of Class D with the high-fidelity sound quality of Class AB."

They could mean a Class AB configuration with voltage switching among multiple supply rails—which is a Class G amplifier—or with a modulated tracking supply rail—which is a Class H amplifier. Both are analog amplifier technologies.

 

[amirm]

Looking at their patent application, we have this high level diagram:

It is an integrated class D power amplifier and bridge linear amp. Unlike a regulated class D power supply the audio signal modulates the pulse width and with it, the output voltage of the class D power supply. I assume this means the power supply voltage tracks the signal, providing high efficiency.

The amplification section is H-Bridge configuration but run linearly, not switching. Hence the "AB" nomenclature. Here is a more detailed schematic of that:

 

[amirm]

I fixed it. It had blown the 5 amp fuse that was in the IEC socket.

It is really well designed in there. It says the board was manufactured in Canada! But the whole assembly comes from China.

 

[welwynnick]

Now that Amir has collected a reasonable sample of plate amplifier test results, it's probably fair to presume they're all terrible (Hypex probably excluded).
I used to look down my nose at the many Crown amplifiers that Amir has tested so far. Not any more.
Looking again at the Crown tests, the Crown 4|300N is tolerably good (81db SINAD)

and the XTI 4002 is both powerful and probably the most load tolerant amplifier ever tested:

They are rather more expensive, though.

 

[Rusk Reeder]

Just get a Crown PA amp or similar. Much easier than building a plate amp into a box and they are powerful, clean, and bullet proof and have extensive DSP and protection capabilities.

I was thinking this too. The Crown should have good reputations, and I think I remember seeing a test somewhere.

 

[phoenixdogfan]

Does it cost more to make a plate amp with its SINAD registering in the 70's rather than in the 30's? Just trying to figure out why the manufacturers of these amps went out of their way to make such a crappy product.

Amir, as always, a great review. Thank you.

 

[DearSX]

Oh my goddess! These things are horrible with distortion, and I thought cheap car audio amps where bad. They looks like SOTA next to these things.

 

[Power Pop 23]

The measurements of this subwoofer plate amp and of the subwoofer plate amps in the three reviews preceding, remind me that @mcdn has measured and recommends the Fosi Audio M03 external subwoofer amplifier.

Fosi M03 / Aiyima 3001 / Nobsound G2 Pro mono sub amp review

This is a review and measurements of the Fosi Audio M03 mono TPA3255 amplifier. It's designed to drive passive subwoofers which is why I bought it as I have an old sub I want to put to use in my games room. It appears to be identical to the Aiyima 3001 and Nobsound G2 Pro amps, and costs $90...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Billy Budapest]

Looking at their patent application, we have this high level diagram:

View attachment 546786

It is an integrated class D power amplifier and bridge linear amp. Unlike a regulated class D power supply the audio signal modulates the pulse width and with it, the output voltage of the class D power supply. I assume this means the power supply voltage tracks the signal, providing high efficiency.

The amplification section is H-Bridge configuration but run linearly, not switching. Hence the "AB" nomenclature. Here is a more detailed schematic of that:

View attachment 546787

Very interesting.

 

[testp]

what about plate amps in svs subs? wondering are they also using crap...

 

[sam_adams]

I fixed it.

Dammit!

Anyway.

Maybe, someone, could ship a retail available product like one of the Hypex Direct FusionAmp series in either 250 W or 500 W mono full range plate amps, to be tested as sort of a baseline like the topping D30 was for DACs.

 

[F1308]

Dear Amir,
So sorry to hear about your BASH 500S amplifier. What a dramatic way to go while bench-testing max and peak power.
That being said, I sincerely hope you did it with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture cannons. If you're going to fry your gear, it might as well be in the name of orchestral artillery science.
Cheers...