Stephen Mantz, Zed Audio, ESX Quantum, Kronos, Leviathan

GrandPixel · Aug 17, 2010

I have not been following mobile audio for a number of years, but I remember that the ESX Quantum amps from years back were one of the best amplifiers a person could buy, especially for the money. I have been reminded of them recently and have some questions.

Is it correct that they were designed by Stephen Mantz of Zed Audio?

Is this the same guy that builds the Kronos and Leviathan amps at Zed Audio Corporation today?

Do these new amps have the same quality and power that the ESX Quantum amps had back in their day? Or when it's time for me to buy amplifiers again, do I need to hunt down some old ESX-Q's in order to find some amazing amplifiers?

Have there been any new players in the field since then that will rival the ESX Quantum amps?

vidizzle · Aug 17, 2010

yup they assemble the kronos and leviathan which i use..while they are not as small as other class d they pack wtf power for its size and it allows for alot of headroom
i briefly tested the leviathan and they sounded pretty good with some proper tuning you would be hardpressed to tell a difference sonically

GrandPixel · Aug 18, 2010

vidizzle said:
you would be hardpressed to tell a difference sonically

you mean between the old ESX Quantum amps and the new Kronos/Leviathan amps?

vidizzle · Aug 18, 2010

with the dls i used before or any amp for that matter..

once you tune and adjust ur eq properly you probably wouldnt be able to tell the difference and many guys on the forum will agree with me on that...

jimbno1 · Aug 18, 2010

Buy the Leviathan and I will trade you my ESX Q60.4 and Q175.2 straight up for it.

vidizzle · Aug 18, 2010

i myself considered changing out the leviathan for some new amps but i see myself keeping that leviathan for a long long time...

its very flexible and the headroom on it is fantastic!

GrandPixel · Aug 18, 2010

The leviathan looks like a great way to power fronts, rears, and a sub, but I would have to find a used one. I don't think I would pay $600 for a car amplifier unless I were quite wealthy.

vidizzle · Aug 18, 2010

check your pm

rommelrommel · Aug 18, 2010

I'm not going to be a douche, but I suggest you do a search here about the Kronos/Leviathan "quality" before you trade away some amps that actually are well built.

jstoner22 · Aug 31, 2010

there were issues with first run leviathans.

but all the wrinkles have since been ironed out.

i waited until the issues were fixed until I purchased mine, and I have now been running a Kronos and Leviathan for a bit now with no issues at all.

and yes OP, it is Steve Mantz that designed both of these amps.
if you actually call their number and inquire about the amps, you can speak to steve directly.

i wouldn't hesitate to buy Zed again.

Stephen Mantz, Zed Audio, ESX Quantum, Kronos, Leviathan

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