[JAX]

Doing some browsing and I found that Mantz worked with Phoenix Gold on the SX line and Focal on their class D.

anyone have a chance to use one? seems like his rep wasnt so messed up he couldnt do biz with the well known makers.

I wonder if these are just re-boxed versions of those mini amps he has that look like cheap stuff

anyone use one yet?

 

[WestCo]

WoW! Tuned in

We were considering using him... 8K design fee.

Also, (I am not doubting you) where is the source for this? I would just like to read more.

 

[WestCo]

Part of the issue is that it costs BIG money to redesign an amplifier board, and produce a new unique board. So using boards that are already in production can give the impression that an amp has been redesigned...

 

[JAX]

WoW! Tuned in

We were considering using him... 8K design fee.

Also, (I am not doubting you) where is the source for this? I would just like to read more.

same source...passmag test review

PASMAG | PERFORMANCE AUTO AND SOUND - Phoenix Gold SX1200.5 Amplifier Review



PASMAG | PERFORMANCE AUTO AND SOUND - Focal FPD 600.4 Amplifier Review

 

[WestCo]

same source...passmag test review

PASMAG | PERFORMANCE AUTO AND SOUND - Phoenix Gold SX1200.5 Amplifier Review



PASMAG | PERFORMANCE AUTO AND SOUND - Focal FPD 600.4 Amplifier Review

Thank you.

Seems like they got decent reviews.

 

[jode1967]

I havent used the sx line of phoenix amps, but have heard them in several cars. I have the sd amps in my car and like them for the most part. the cars that I heard were not sq comp cars, but had the basics done, and the cars really sound good. I dont feel that the amps are compromised in any way as far as performance, and they seem to get rid of heat very well too. havent heard of any going into thermal protection and would guess they are properly designed

 

[eddieg]

Well I can tell you this -

I have a first gen, second manufacture line Leviathan by ZED Audio at which I was corresponding directly with Steven Mantz

As for the person, a good sense of humor and a strong mind and as well provided me with good service level both logistic and technical.

The reason for that is due to the fact that only at the third manufacture line of the first gen they fixed all the problems that are considered "birth pain" of these amplifier series.

I had to overcome a hiss that was up in all channels - he sent me all the required fix sketches and parts on his expense and was very patient helping me to have it fixed.

I still have a turn on pop issue sometimes but I just turn it off and back on again and it is working now for I believe almost six years.

As for the amplifier it self and quality - well, what can I say - for a 700USD amp at that time, to get a six channel that drives out both 33 and 150watts per channel it had no competition whats or ever.

Some more interesting facts are - I use it today as well to drive a JL 8W7 bridged - that amplifier has damping factor greater than 40 but at a frequency of 20hz!

It actually controls that W7 better than two other monoblocks I've had and those were good brands!

I love this amplifier, it provides great results even though this one specifically is not even 100% working alright.

I know that he designed many times in the past, amplifier to Hifonifcs and if the Focal's FPDs are the draconia and leviathan behind the scenes - these are damn good amps!

For most people they would leave high-end, class A's and other legends - useless.

 

[gckless]

Zed amps are very nice amps (the latest versions anyway), when they are working well. Unfortunately reliability (and the few hiccups on the earlier versions) is where his name got a little tarnished. And I can say that from owning and currently running a Levi v.3, and having issues with it.

Methinks that with the larger companies these won't be issues, so they should be pretty good amps, though I've never heard them.

 

[Golden Ear]

I will never buy another Zed amp based on my experience with him. The Draconia I bought worked fine but there were other issues. I know he helped design the Focal FPD amps and I would definitely buy one of those since he wouldnt be the one I'd have to deal with should any issues arise.

 

[JAX]

id like to see a collaboration with Zed & Zeff


oh and this is not a tutorial for Mantz and Zed Audio..some have posted of their experiences with other Zed amps. Fully aware of who he is and what he has done.

This was just about his newer collaborations with other companies. its been a while since he did that that I am aware of. I like the last series but glad I didnt spend $700+ for a buggy amp.

I imagine with these new amps it should be more reliable since he is not making them in his shop or having his people do it and based on numbers it should be more reliable.

 

[MB2008LTZ]

He has been doing that for years.....

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum...o-discussion/48776-listing-amps-zed-made.html

 

[ou812]

He has been doing that for years.....

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum...o-discussion/48776-listing-amps-zed-made.html

Everyone here is fully aware of the amps he built in the past and had them badged to other companies. This is different. This sounds like mantz is truly collaborating with other amp designers. very interesting I must say.

 

[JAX]

He has been doing that for years.....

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum...o-discussion/48776-listing-amps-zed-made.html

id like to see a collaboration with Zed & Zeff


oh and this is not a tutorial for Mantz and Zed Audio..some have posted of their experiences with other Zed amps. Fully aware of who he is and what he has done.

This was just about his newer collaborations with other companies. its been a while since he did that that I am aware of. I like the last series but glad I didnt spend $700+ for a buggy amp.

I imagine with these new amps it should be more reliable since he is not making them in his shop or having his people do it and based on numbers it should be more reliable.

seriously...read...I already said this is not another Zed Audio thread..its a post about his new recent work...

so please lets not start another one. I am just interested in this new stuff that is not under his name.

 

[Golden Ear]

I know this is about Zed, but since you mentioned Zeff, is he still around working in the industry?

 

[JAX]

I know this is about Zed, but since you mentioned Zeff, is he still around working in the industry?

yes, still designing for ARC AUDIO....there is a review in passmag on the new XDi amps V2

http://www.pasmag.com/car-audio/test-reports/3580-arc-audio-xdi-6004-amplifier-review

 

[WestCo]

I think Mantz does an awesome job with the raw sound of amps.

Zeff has designed some work horses for sure. They lack the clarity of Mantz amps IMHO

 

[Diezel10]

Wow I must have lucked out....Called him up last year asked him for a Leviathan and 2 Minotaur's...delivered....installed them...haven't had an issue yet.

 

[WestCo]

Wow I must have lucked out....Called him up last year asked him for a Leviathan and 2 Minotaur's...delivered....installed them...haven't had an issue yet.

Zed no longer builds amps. Some of the components used in China to build them were faulty on the last series. Mantz is usually pretty good about getting them repaired.

 

[Diezel10]

Zed no longer builds amps. Some of the components used in China to build them were faulty on the last series. Mantz is usually pretty good about getting them repaired.

So what did I buy?:worried:

 

[Diezel10]

1st I bought these because I was given the impression that these were hand built.

2d Could not get a hold or contact Zuki Audio, that was a strange ordeal....one way conversation at least...