Today we
have a very interesting 4-channel amplifier from Hellion. It is compact, but
the power capabilities are claimed to be impressive. It is noteworthy that HAM
450.4D is built in a somewhat unconventional way: some circuit and element
solutions are noticeably different from what you can see recently from other
manufacturers in this price segment. In general, as always, in order and in
details.
And, in fact, for orientation, let's talk about the price. At the time of this test, Hellion HAM 450.4D costs 18990 rubles. I believe that, given its capabilities, this is more than moderate.
First
acquaintance, design features
The amplifier is quite compact - the case is made in a 12.5 x 4.8 cm profile and has a length of 29.1 cm (including mounting lugs and terminals).
One of the features is IP54 moisture protection, the boards here have conformal coating. Obviously, you don't need to dip the amplifier in water, but you can use it in high humidity. This makes it a good option for “marine” installations as well.
The power supply is implemented a little differently than it is usually done in such amplifiers, here it is stabilized. More precisely, the power supply of the driver part is stabilized, while the power switches are supplied as usual. This allowed us to avoid the main disadvantage of a fully stabilized PSU, i.e. lower efficiency, but retain the main advantage of stabilization, i.e. normal operation at sharp voltage sags (relevant for cars with Start/Stop system).
In the output part, slightly unfamiliar chokes are used to increase the current margin - the amplifier works easier on a load with reduced impedance, and in general, it has a positive effect on the control of the speakers by the amplifier. The driver part is placed on separate sub-boards - each channel has its own IRS2092.
Measurement
of parameters and characteristics
Crossover tuning options - a little more than any other, with separate or joint inclusion of VHF and LPF or full bypass of all filters. Since the limits of selection of cutoff frequencies are, to put it mildly, wide, I additionally took the characteristics at the middle positions of the “twisters” - take note, they may be useful. There were no complaints about the operation of the filters, which even surprised me - with such adjustable limits.
Now to the work of the amplifying part. At low signal the spectrum is clean, no artifacts appear. The amplifier is loaded on 4 ohms.
The power
capabilities are more than decent: just pay attention to the power levels at
which the signal limitation starts (CIG growth on the graph above) - the
declared 170, 330 and 670 W overlap with a good margin. If you don't want to
put your finger on the picture, here are the figures:
Hellion HAM
450.4D power parameters (measured at 1kHz, 14.0V supply):
4 ohm
operation, rated output power (THD=1%) - 227 watts
4 Ohm
operation, rated output power (THD=5%) - 256 watts
4 Ohm
operation, maximum output power (THD=10%) - 275 watts
4 Ohm
operation, harmonic distortion (P=1 W) <0.02%
4 Ohm
operation, harmonic distortion factor (P=0.1Pmax) <0.03%
2-ohm
operation, rated output power (THD=1%) - 411W
2-ohm
operation, rated output power (THD=5%) - 469W
2 Ohm operation,
maximum output power (THD=10%) - 498 W
2-ohm
operation, harmonic distortion factor (P=1 W) <0.06%
2-ohm
operation, harmonic distortion factor (P=0.1Pmax) <0.04%
1-ohm
operation, rated output power (THD=1%) - 654W
1-ohm
operation, rated output power (THD=5%) - 775W
1 ohm
operation, maximum output power (THD=10%) - 831 W
1-ohm
operation, harmonic distortion (P=1 W) <0.04%
Operation
at 1 ohm, harmonic distortion coefficient (P=0.1Pmax) <0.09%
What about
the sound?
The sound
is assertive, even a bit aggressive, but surprisingly not harsh. The power
reserve is well felt - when the volume rises, the sound does not become
“squeezed” and does not start to fall into mush, the amplifier continues to
“hold” the speakers, not allowing them to go into chatter. Very “tasty” and
elastic midbass range. If you slip audiophile tracks, you can pick on the
carelessness to the transfer of minutiae on the MF and HF, but on some rhythmic
electronics or popular music, the sound is perceived clearly and cleanly.
Normal such a driving and emotional sound.
Briefly to
the point. What kind of applications should I choose for?
Actually,
the Hellion HAM 450.4D is an excellent choice for any application where a
powerful broadband amplifier is needed. Capable of clear and open sound with
excellent macro dynamics, it has good load control. It is logical to choose it
to work on the midbass section of classical systems, on arrays of pop speakers
or in the same marine systems, which by definition are designed to work at
higher volume levels and are demanding on the power capabilities of the
amplifier part.
Pros:
IP54
waterproofing - can be used in “marine” installations
Serious
power capabilities (power and control)
Normal
operation in cars with Start/Stop system
Receives
signal on high-level inputs up to 42 V RMS
Absolute
freedom to use crossover filters
Cons:
Considering
the intended application, no special minuses were found