Product Spotlight: ARC Audio X2 600.4

When it comes to balancing fantastic sound quality with impressive power production, the X2 600.4 four-channel amplifier from ARC Audio checks all the boxes. This compact amplifier is rated to produce 150 watts per channel, and it includes all the signal routing and integration features your installer would need to complete your installation.

ARC Audio X2 600.4 Specifications vr

Up first, let’s talk about how much power this amp can produce. ARC rates the amp as being capable of delivering 150 watts per channel or 300 watts per channel pair when bridged into a 4-ohm load. The stereo specifications apply to both 4-and 2-ohm loads as a switch located beside each of the speaker output connectors adjusts the power supply rail voltage. Whereas most amplifiers make power into lower impedances, the X2 600.4 ensures that you have all the power you’ll need into 2- or 4-ohm loads.

Signal Processing Features

Each pair of channels is equipped with a stereo sensitivity control that is adjustable from 200 mV to 3.5V. Channels 1 and 2 have an adjustable crossover than can be configured in high- or low-pass mode and is adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz. This pair of channels also has an adjustable bass boost function that allows your installer to dial in up to 12 dB of boost at 45 Hz. When the crossover for this pair of channels is set to low-pass mode, the included remote level control can be used for subwoofer level adjustment.

Channels 3 and 4 have the option of being configured in a bandpass configuration for a midrange or mid-bass speaker. The high-pass filter is adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz, and the low-pass filter has two ranges – 50 to 500 Hz, or 500 to 5,000 Hz when the x10 multiplier switch is activated. The signal input for channels 3 and 4 can be sourced directly from the RCA jacks on the front edge of the amp or can be “copied” from inputs 1 and 2 to eliminate the need for Y-cables.

ARC Audio also includes a bridging switch that sets the signal routing up to use the amp in a two-channel configuration. The signal from RCA input 1 goes to channels 1 and 2, and the input from RCA 2 goes to channels 3 and 4. The controls for channels 1 and 2 are used in this configuration.

On-Board Diagnostic System

All of the controls are on the top of the amp and are concealed by a removable aluminum shroud. The acrylic badge in the center illuminates in blue when the amp is powered up. If the microprocessor in the amp detects a fault, the logo will flash in a pattern that describes the issue. Specific error codes are provided for under-voltage, over-voltage, short circuit, thermal and DC conditions. This information can dramatically reduce the time required to diagnose any vehicle or installation issues if the amp shuts down.

Electrical and Signal Connections

The front edge of the amp has a power block that will accept four-AWG power cables. The block uses plated Phillips-head set screws with knurled tips to hold the wire securely. To the left of the power block is a pair of 30-amp ATC fuses. It’s nice to see an amplifier include fusing on the chassis – this saves the consumer money at the time of installation.

There are four chrome-plated RCA jacks and an RJ-11 for the remote level control. A pair of removable terminal blocks handles the speaker output connections. The blocks will accept 12-AWG cable. To the right of each block is the aforementioned load select switch that adjusts the power supply voltage.

Factory Stereo System Integration Features

Each of the RCA connections uses balanced differential circuitry to eliminate noise imposed on the interconnect cables. ARC Audio includes two sets of RCA pigtails with the amp for use as speaker-level inputs. These pigtails include a voltage divider network that allows for up to 20 volts of signal from a factory radio or amplifier.

The amp also includes a three-position switch that controls the auto-sensing turn-on circuit. In the Off position, the amp monitors the remote turn-on terminal for 12V. In the Signal Detect mode, it looks for audio to be present on RCA input 1. In the DC detect mode, the amp looks for a DC offset voltage on RCA input. This DC offset voltage is typically found in the output of most radios and small amplifiers.

The power supply is designed to work with electrical systems that function between 9 and 17 volts. It also includes provisions to function with vehicles equipped with Start-Stop technology. As long as your radio keeps playing, so will the X2 600.4.

Experience the ARC Audio X2 600.4 Today!

While the features and design of the X2 600.4 are unmatched, so too is its sound quality. You have to experience this amp to understand its impressive clarity and detail. Visit your local authorized ARC Audio retailer today for a demonstration. To learn more about the X2-Series amplifiers, or any of ARC Audio’s fine products, visit their website and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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