Lanzar OPTIHC2004 4 Channel Digital High Current Full Range Power Amplifier

Okay first I think there should be some explanation as to how I arrived at this purchase. So many things to consider …1. Application: My goal was for a small vehicle sub system (Honda Civic) to drive (2) 10’s in a sealed box. I didn’t want to break any dB levels but wanted a good clean signal for quality bass at moderate levels. The mid-highs would be handled by the head unit (Pioneer DEH-X7600 series) for the time being. Also the amp can’t be some three foot long behemoth and cost more than $250!2. Power: Like anyone else I wanted the highest dollar/watt return. This, however, is not as easy as sorting a price range and then choosing the highest power available. I knew I wanted at least 200W/channel for decent dynamic headroom at normal and a little above normal listening level (in case we wanted to bump a little). There are many inflated specs out there though. Luckily, the Laws of Physics and Ohm’s Law can be used to legitimize power ratings by manufacturers. Remember you can’t get more power out of an amp than it consumes. So a simple rule of thumb is to check the fuses on an amp. Power In = Current (fuse rating) x Volts (Car Battery or ~ 14V). So this amp has (2) 30A fuses or 60A total x 14V = 840W available to develop into audio output watts @ 100% efficiency. And there’s the kicker … no amp is 100% efficient! Traditional class A/B amps are only about 45%- 55% efficient while the newer Class D amps tout up to 85% efficiencies. This amp is rated @ 220WRMS/channel into 4 Ohms. BTW… RMS Watts are truly the most meaningful ratings. So that’s 440W output total… which works out to be ~52% efficiency. So what does all this mean? It means Lanzar is publishing credible power specs. Another tidbit: Pay attention to RMS power ratings at different impedances. For instance if an amp is rated at 100Wrms @ 8 Ohms it should theoretically do 200Wrms @ 4 Ohms and 400Wrms @ 2 Ohms (if 2 Ohm stable). This is ideal and the closer your amp gets to this the better the amp. Avoid amps that advertise say 100W @ 8 but only 130W @ 4. Also… peak power ratings have value but I don’t know if all manufacturers use the same standard to determine this. I mean I could take a 10W amp and spec it to 10kW peak… for a nano-second! So I pretty much ignore peak ratings.3. Features: I figured I wanted to drive the 4 Ohm subs in stereo (not bridged) so needed a two channel amp. I like this set-up because the amp is allowed to loaf rather than bridging @ 2 Ohms where heat causing currents get extreme. Amps with a 2 Ohm (or even less) stable ratings are good though as this indicates a very low impedance amp output... plays into good design. I also wanted a crossover even though the head unit has one. I can get really sharp attenuation curves using two crossovers in series Other than that extra frills weren’t really needed.4. Quality: My own requirements here were to get at least 20Hz-20kHz range (avoid amps that brag high power but only do 30Hz or 40Hz on the lows), minimum 100dB s/n rating and maximum 0.1% distortion specs. Other than that build quality and manufacturer reputation came into play. I couldn’t find any real horrendous reviews about Lanzar.This is my first experience with Lanzar. I’ve had the amp now for almost a year and it is well built, small, quiet and more than powerful enough for my application. What stands out is it is exceptionally clean (would make a great high-mid amp on a more elaborate system). Also it runs warm but never hot even when driven uncomfortably loud. So for a price of $185 for 440Wrms… I think this is a pretty great deal and a great little amp.

Good little amp for the money. Packs decent punch & sound quality in a small package. Really shines in installations where space is tight.

Broken out of the box. Lanzar is a low range brand to begin with either make sure u can return it or don't buy. That being said amazon took care of me on it.

Great 2 chan for the price. Won't be disappointed

Its a great amp very clear no distortion what so ever, being only 800 watts still packs a punch I had it hooked to 4 12's sounded great I jus wanted more thunder so I upgraded but this amp is a great purchase

Wish the price stayed were it was so I can get another one. I have this running my ID CTX mids and it takes them to there limits. If the price would have stayed the same I would have got another one for my tweeters.

6 months , quitt working

Great little amp, even better price. Ended up buy a 2nd one just to have on hand.

for $65, can't go wrong!