Panasonic CQ-C9800U

[Nick5324]

Anyone interested in this head unit? It uses a new Tripath internal amp to produce 60 W RMS (70 peak) x 4. Here is a write up at Crutchfield. I'm sure there will be more head units in the near future with this amp, this is the only one I know of. Crutchfield wants $500, etronics wants ~$390 shipped. That's a lot, but considering you'd have to buy a 60W x 4 amp to get this power with any other head unit, not as bad. I won't pay that much, hopefully it will come down in price in 6 months or so.

 

[Apex]

I was interested in it, but decided to pick up a NAV system instead. Tripath is awesome.

 

[kt]

For that much more extra, I rather spend the money on a REAL external amplifier.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: kt
For that much more extra, I rather spend the money on a REAL external amplifier.

Agreed.

My base model Panasonic was a complete POS. It would skip over every bump and the sound quality was crap even with an amp. Granted it was a base model but I still expected better. I bought a pioneer and never looked back. This new one looks pretty nice but it's still a panasonic.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: kt
For that much more extra, I rather spend the money on a REAL external amplifier.

Depends on the application. If you have a sports car, and want to improve the sound without adding weight, it's a good choice. If you have a non-performance vehicle, a separate amp is way better bang for your buck.

 

[MikeMike]

I wish i could find the amperage rating. because most companies double the RMS wattage to attain Peak wattages......

MIKE

 

[NutBucket]

I know the Alpines with V-drive amps require a seperate 10 ga. wire kit for power. Doesn't seem this Panasonic does. At any rate, peak is rated 70W, RMS would be about 50W based on that figure.

 

[geno]

I know the Alpines with V-drive amps require a seperate 10 ga. wire kit for power.

Yeah, I have one but I don't use the internal amp. I read that if I were to use the internal amp, I'd need to run a separate power cable for it. That to me says the internal amp has to be stronger/better than most...

 

[Apex]

Digital amplifiers are typically far more efficient than analog, and this one is no exception. That's why there's no need for the extra power wire, and why they were able to get that kind of power out of a unit of that chassis size.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Apex
Digital amplifiers are typically far more efficient than analog, and this one is no exception. That's why there's no need for the extra power wire, and why they were able to get that kind of power out of a unit of that chassis size.

that they are, however i would still like to see the fuse rating and see how much they exagerated the RMS on this HU since all the others are exaggerated by a good amount.

also, i think im gunna be pming you a few questions apex.

MIKE

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1

Originally posted by: Apex
Digital amplifiers are typically far more efficient than analog, and this one is no exception. That's why there's no need for the extra power wire, and why they were able to get that kind of power out of a unit of that chassis size.

that they are, however i would still like to see the fuse rating and see how much they exagerated the RMS on this HU since all the others are exaggerated by a good amount.

also, i think im gunna be pming you a few questions apex.

MIKE

That is a good question. I doubt anyone's tested it yet. However, Panasonic's digital line (not their analog) of HT receivers are pretty spot on, with upwards of 5 channels driven:

Panasonic SA-XR25, rated at 100w per channel at 6 ohm (roughly 80w per channel into 8 ohm)
Tested to clipping: 82w per channel at 8 ohm, 5 channels driven

That's pretty amazing considering the size and price. Some of the most respected names in HT can't do that. For instance, Marantz's SR7200 is rated at 105w per channel into 8 ohm, yet tested to only 29w with 5 channels driven.

Of course, this may not translate directly over for car applications. However, TriPath does make some nice stuff. I'm guessing this Panasonic uses the Tripath TA2041 (though I could be wrong). It's fully 86% efficient to 70w at 4 ohm.

http://www.tripath.com/downloads/TA2041.pdf