BASH 500S Subwoofer Amp Review

[kyuu]

Would a budget class D subwoofer amp like the Aiyima A70 Mono be a better choice for a passive subwoofer rather than these budget plate amps?

In terms of distortion performance, sure, although the Aiyima A70 in particular doesn't perform super well at low frequencies (still better than this BASH). My main issue with the Aiyima is that it just doesn't have enough power for a subwoofer amp IMO. But getting something that performs decently and puts out a lot of power still doesn't come cheap. These plate amps obviously valued power over performance.

 

[pma]

issue with the Aiyima is that it just doesn't have enough power

Better cooling/heatsink and a good power supply would do it. With parameters of orders better than the DUT in this thread.

 

[levimax]

Would a budget class D subwoofer amp like the Aiyima A70 Mono be a better choice for a passive subwoofer rather than these budget plate amps?

The Crowne PA amps or similar work well with subs. Powerful and realively clean with bulletproof construction and DSP and protection circuiry.

 

[kyuu]

Crown and similar PA amps, or one of the high power Hypex mono amps. Of course you're talking about more money.

 

[magreen]

Would love it if Amir would measure the Dayton SPA250, a very widespread, workhorse class AB DIY subwoofer amp that's been around for well over a decade. I have it and use it, and would really like to know how it measures. Would offer to ship it for testing but I'm overseas.

 

[lewdish]

I remember when companies would run these and I would wonder if they were any good, seems like they're not. Was never sure if Bash was a company,standard, or design tbh

 

[john65b]

The problem with these particular Bash plate amps is the stressed SMPS power supply board labeled BASH INDIGO 600XXX. They have these same Bash power supply boards in Martin Logan Dynamo and various Klipsch Subwoofers. They are horrible power supplies. I have managed to fix a few (replacement of IRF740 MOSFETS), but there were many that I couldn't fix due to blown MOSFETS and the crappy adhesives that are poured over the daughterboards that become electrically conductive after a few years.

I have been looking for a properly working Dynamo unit so I can log the voltage outs on these power supplies, but I would still Avoid them in favor of Crown XLS amps!