I am assembling an ICE Power 1000ASP power amp (with a 1000A "hanger" board for a second channel) to drive a new pair of subwoofers. I just realized the amps only have balanced inputs, with +/-12.8 volts specified as the input voltage limits. My problem is that I want to drive this amp with my miniDSP Open DRC-DA8, which has only single-ended outputs with a 2 VRMS range. I'm assuming I'll sacrifice a lot of dynamic range, and risk high noise levels, unless I convert the DRC-DA8 to a balanced signal before sending it into the 1000ASP/A.
Thank you in advance.
Few
- Is my assumption correct?
- If correct, what are the options for making the conversion?
Thank you in advance.
Few
It's probably fine - at least for a test. Just ground the negative input on the ICEpower modules as specified in the manuals and try it. Also, remember that the 1000A isn't exactly the same as the amplifier section on the ASP. Soundwise it probably doesn't matter for subwoofers, but the 1000A is not full range, there is no protection circuitry etc.
Well, yes in theory you're limited to something like 270W/4R as far as I can work out, but until you try it you do not know if that actually matters. In theory it's only 6dB down from max. in terms of acoustic output from the speaker (1/4 power), so there's not much in it. Again, safe enough to test, decide what needs changing based on that 