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.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

ARC Audio is known across the aftermarket motorcycle industry for having introduced some of the first audio upgrade packages specifically for Harley-Davidsons. The MOTO720 is the company’s second generation of extreme-power, motorcycle-specific amplifiers. With four channels of amplification and all the system configuration tools your installer will ever need, this amp should be at the top of your list for upgrades to the audio system in your Harley (or any other brand of motorcycle).

ARC Audio MOTO720 Features

The MOTO720 is based on an aluminum extrusion and measures in at a compact 8.125 inches wide, 5.43 inches deep and 1.8 inch high. The leading edge of the top of the amp is angled so that it will fit inside the fairing of 2014 and newer Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles like the Road Glide and Road King. Wisely, ARC put the connections for the amp on this narrow leading edge so that they won’t interfere with the instrument cluster in the dash. All of the crossover and sensitivity controls are located on the top of the amp under an easily removable machined aluminum cover that bears the ARC Audio logo and the amp model number.

ARC Audio rates the amp as being capable of producing 150 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads, 180 watts per channel into a 2-ohm load, and an impressive 360 watts per channel pair when bridged to a single 4-ohm driver. Unlike many other products and brands out there, ARC’s power rating showcases its output abilities at a continuous power rating at .05% THD, giving you a real-life power rating and not just a number that looks good on paper with marketing attached. More impressive than the robust power ratings is its efficiency. The engineering team at ARC was able to wring out a mind-blowing 94% total efficiency at full power. That’s 10 to 15% better than most competing products. Making the most of the limited electrical systems on a motorcycle is crucial to being able to listen at high-volume levels. With this level of efficiency, the MOTO720 will play louder and longer than its competitors.

Amplifier Connections and Controls

The front edge of the amp includes a custom-tooled terminal block that will accept 8-AWG power and ground connections. Two blocks that will accept 12-AWG speaker cables are at the other end of the amp. The set screws for all 10 terminals plus the remote turn-on connection are accessible through openings in the top cover and are sealed to the inside of the amplifier. Should water get into the screw openings, it will pass through the terminal with no chance of collection and damage. Signal inputs are handled by two five-pin quick-connect jacks. ARC Audio has used these locking jacks as the speaker-level inputs on amps for decades. The amp includes a set of RCA jacks on pigtails for use with aftermarket source units, or it can be connected to the wiring from one of ARC’s Harley-specific wiring kits like the HD-FH2014. A third option is to connect the output of the ARC Audio PSM digital signal processor directly to the amp. As with all new ARC Audio products, the inputs feature a balanced differential design to help eliminate the potential for unwanted noise in the system.

In terms of integrating this amp with the factory source unit on a motorcycle or in any kind of vehicle, ARC has included both DC-Offset and signal-detect remote turn-on features. The sensitivity controls are adjustable from 200 mV to 3.5 V. Each pair of channels has a selectable high- or low-pass crossover that can be set anywhere between 50 and 500 Hz. Additionally, all four channels can be fed using a single pair of inputs based on the position of the Input Select switch. ARC also included a two-channel mode switch that feeds the signal from channel 1 to outputs 1 and 2, and input 2 to channel 3 and 4 for high-power applications. Be careful: 320 watts to a single driver, other than a subwoofer, is a potentially dangerous amount of power.

A look inside the amp reveals a tidy and thoughtful design. All the power supply components are kept to the left side of the amp, the input and signal processing components are in the center and on two vertical boards in the back right. You can see the enclosed output chokes on the bottom right. This style of inductor emits less RF noise than typical open designs.

Worth noting is the tribute ARC included inside this amplifier, with a personalized logo in the center of the amp circuit board. It’s a caricature of Bob Morrow. Bob was the ARC Audio representative in the Arizona region and one of the first fields reps to work for the company. He passed away in May 2017. Bob was a true audio enthusiast and loved riding his Gold Wing.

Premium Audio Quality for Motorcycle and Powersports Applications

If you’ve ever had the chance to audition an ARC Audio amplifier, then you’ll understand why they are considered among the best in the industry in terms of sound quality. Drop by your local authorized ARC Audio dealer to check out MOTO720 and the rest of the motorcycle and powersports solutions that are available. You can learn more about ARC Audio products by visiting their website, their Facebook page, their Instagram and their YouTube channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.