Phoenix Gold Xenon X200.4

This is a "mini" review, as this amp is for the most part exactly the same as the X100.2 I reviewed awhile back.  I will focus just on the amp's build, and a few words about performance.

For additional info, please see that review here.

Build:

This amp is built like a tank.  It is also much smaller than I expected it to be.  The amp is for the most part a "stretched" X100.2, with the addition of the second set of crossover controls on the top, and the 2ch, or 4ch input switch on the front.  The same rubber ends and caps are used as with the X100.2, except for the speaker cap is a slot to accommodate twice as many wires.  There are also holes in the top right cap for the aux power connections.

The amp uses all the same parts as the X100.2, but with greater quantities on most items.  Below is an overall shot of the board, with many items noted.

Here are some additional shots of the board:

The amp uses large custom speaker and power blocks.  They are very nice, and well thought out.

Large buss bars are used for the power input, and for the speaker output.

This amp has 6 TO-3P outputs per channel, which is WAY overkill, and greatly adds value to the amp.

There are 10 power supply MOSFETs.  This is plenty, but I personally would like to have seen at least 12.

The same variable voltage regulators are uses as on the smaller 2 channel amp.

10 input capacitors are used, and I forgot to read their value.  I assume they are the same as on the X100.2, and if so, 10 is plenty for this design.

There are 6, 1,000uF rail caps.  I would like to have seen twice that for an amp with this many output devices.

My only major complaint with the design is the 2 TO-220 diodes.  This is far too weak in my mind.  I would prefer to see either 4 TO-220 single pack diodes, or a pair of TO-247 units.  With 24 output devices sucking off the rails, a single pair of TO-220 diodes does not cut it for me.

An organized and compact transformer is used.

This amp uses a pair of crossover modules, since it is a 4 channel amp.

A pair of 60mm fans keep things cool, and are more than enough.  As on the X100.2, they are louder when first started, but quiet down to nearly no noise at all.

Performance:

This amplifier sounds the same as its smaller sibling.  They share so many features, it is no surprise.

I tested the output voltage of the amp to be 30V prior to clipping.  This is most impressive.  30V is good for 225W into 4 ohms, if the current can be sustained.  With 10 power supply MOSFETs, it should stay fed so long as 4 ohms is the impedance you use.  Xe.load should cut the amp back if lower impedances are used, but keep in mind for "average" use, Xe.load will likely not limit you.

What I would like to explore is what happens with a set of 4 ohm components are used with a mono 2 ohm sub?  It has 2 sets of voltage regulators, but so did the X100.2.  Maybe PG can enlighten me about this concern?

With a 3 ohm set of Boston components, 300W a side is possible!

Final Thoughts:

Having finally played with this model, I can honestly say I am impressed.  I do have a few gripes, but nothing ever seems to be perfect.  The looks are growing on me, but at a slow rate.  It still would not go well in my car, but I would actually consider installing one, and taking the cover off it.  I would then slap some plexi over it to keep junk out.

Thanks for looking.