[PPI_GUY]

Guys, just noticed that the new Powerbass ASA series amplifiers bear a striking resemblance to the Image Dynamics I Series. I know Powerbass now owns ID but, this is the first time I've seen the two brands look so similar.
Have a look at the two links below for 4 channel amps and compare the specs/appearance features....

Image Dynamics i4500 4-Channel Class AB i Series Car Amplifier

PowerBass Autosound ASA3 600.4 4-Channel A/B Amplifier | PowerBass USA

 

[DonH]

They are the same fyi. The q line will be gone soon

 

[mmiller]

I believe powerbass built the ID amps to begin with. But I could be wrong.

 

[miniSQ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2RKmVqnNdw

 

[DonH]

Powerbass never "builds" amps. They use the same supplier on the I series. The q series are made in korea. i is china.

 

[schmiddr2]

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/car-audio-truth-myths-industry-dogma/124235-image-dynamics.html

 

[mmiller]

I believe powerbass built the ID amps to begin with. But I could be wrong.

Sorry, I meant rebadged Power Bass amps.... I thought I recalled eric, or Matt saying that.

 

[DonH]

Sorry, I meant rebadged Power Bass amps.... I thought I recalled eric, or Matt saying that.

Which happened back when pb was brought on by eric

 

[thehatedguy]

I didn't know it was that big of a secret.

 

[DonH]

I didn't know it was that big of a secret.

Me either lol... There are a crap ton of other companies also

 

[PPI_GUY]

I didn't know it was that big of a secret.

Up to this point, I don't think anyone could point to specific ID and PB amplifiers and say one was definitely a rebadged version of the other. The Q series for example seemed to be proprietary to ID. But, PB has just released this new version of their ASA series and they are quite obviously the Image Dynamics I series with a PB name plate. Seems to be a subtle shift going on at PB/ID to a more PPI/Soundstream-type arrangement. Basically, the same product for both brands with minor cosmetic changes to differentiate between the two badges.

 

[edzyy]

the PB is $153 on amazon

ID is $299

 

[Hillbilly SQ]

How is the quality on the PB/ID amps? Are they just another cookie cutter that's not great or terrible? Is the power clean with "install and forget it" reliability?

 

[PPI_GUY]

How is the quality on the PB/ID amps? Are they just another cookie cutter that's not great or terrible? Is the power clean with "install and forget it" reliability?

What I've heard is that the ID I series is kind of a throwback type amplifier with a traditional class a/b design. Somewhere I read someone posted comparing them to old school PPI amps. I have no personal experience with them but, I know a few people here swear by the ID's and have even had mods done to remove the onboard crossover section.

 

[schmiddr2]

I had the 5 channel ID. It was a good amp, just low sub power. Very nice heatsink, low noise floor, so with that said I'd buy the powerbass if they fit your needs.

 

[thehatedguy]

When I was sponsored by ID, I had 3 modified (like mentioned above) Q700.2s, and they were as good as anything else that I have had. Just big amps...but they were really nice.

 

[Brian_smith06]

When I was sponsored by ID, I had 3 modified (like mentioned above) Q700.2s, and they were as good as anything else that I have had. Just big amps...but they were really nice.

Ditto on the amps. I still run a 1200 and pair of 700s in my daily with similar mods.

 

[DonH]

Ditto on the amps. I still run a 1200 and pair of 700s in my daily with similar mods.

no EQ correct? burr brown op amps?

 

[Brian_smith06]

I haven't swapped op amps but have brown dog adapters so I can and I know he removed the internal xovers. I'm wanting to say he did more but he would have to verify that. I do know I have his nice art work in each.

 

[thehatedguy]

Mine had no controls other than the gain knob. Mine had sockets so I could swap them out easily.