High-fidelity car audio systems are often described as being capable of delivering a sense of euphoria. That emotional connection between sound and experience is precisely what the DB Drive Euphoria EA4.600 amplifier is designed to deliver. This compact yet powerful Class D four-channel amplifier offers impressive output, flexible installation options, and claims to provide a clean, dynamic sound needed to bring your music to life.
DB Drive Euphoria EA4.600 Specifications
Let’s start with the basics. The EA4.600 is a four-channel amp that is rated to deliver up to 95 watts per channel when driving four-ohm loads. Power output increases to 150 watts per channel when driving two-ohm loads. When each channel pair is bridged, the amp can produce 250 watts per bridged pair into 4-ohm loads.
Performance-wise, DB Drive states the amp has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 97 dB. We’d suggest that this noise measurement is taken at full power output rather than the 1-watt, 2-volt level. The damping factor is better than 66 when tested with a 100 Hz tone and a four-ohm load.
With more and more vehicles being equipped with stop/start fuel-saving features, the fact that the amp can operate down to 9 volts is a key feature. The maximum power supply voltage is 16 volts.
Signal Processing Features
Let’s start with the sensitivity controls. The DB Drive Euphoria EA4.600 can produce its full rated output with input signals between 400 millivolts and 7 volts. The amp includes a low- and high-range switch to select different input voltage ranges. The switch is located beside the four Tiffany-style RCA jacks on the front right side of the amp’s end-panel.
A Mode switch allows your installer to connect one or two pairs of RCA cables to the amp. In 4 Ch. Mode, each input feeds directly to the corresponding output channel. In 2 Ch. Mode, the inputs on channels 1 and 2 are copied to channels 3 and 4. This is a nice feature if you have a deck with only a single set of preamp outputs.
DB Drive calls the filtering networks Adaptive Crossover Technology, or ACT for short. Channels 1 and 2 have a single-mode crossover that can operate in high- or low-pass mode. The crossover frequency is adjustable between 50 Hz and 5 kHz. Channels 3 and 4 have a more elaborate crossover with two adjustments. The audio signal can be sent through a high-pass filter between 20 Hz and 5 kHz or a low-pass filter set between 50 Hz and 5 kHz. Both filters can be activated simultaneously to create a bandpass filter for midrange or midbass applications with the Crossover control switch set to the LP/BP mode. When set to LP/BP mode, the high-pass filter can function as an infrasonic filter (when set to a low frequency) to protect subwoofers against excursion issues. All of the crossovers are second-order designs with a -12 dB / Octave roll-off.
Platform, Connections and Protection Circuitry
The amp is based around a finned cast aluminum heatsink that has a black powder-coated finish. All the connections are along the front edge of the amp to keep everything neat and tidy. The amp will easily accept 4-AWG power and ground cable. There’s an Auto Turn-On switch beside the power connection block. This will enable the amp in installations where there isn’t a remote turn-on output from the source unit. Next, there is a set of speaker wire connection blocks. Your installer can use up to 12-AWG wire for the connections.
There are two LEDs in the center of the chassis. The top Protection LED will illuminate if the amplifier detects a fault condition. The Power LED illuminates when the amp is activated. Lastly, there is a 3.5mm jack in the center of the chassis for a remote level control.
A Family of Performers
The EA4.600 is just one of eight amplifiers in the EA family. There are two additional four-channel amps, one with more power and one with less. There’s a pair of eight-channel amplifiers for complex active systems. Finally, there are three monoblock amplifiers to ensure your subwoofers can keep up with the rest of the system. All the amps share the same 6.22-inch chassis depth and 2.2-inch height, but come in several different lengths. The EA4.600 happens to be 9.55 inches long.
If you are looking for an amplifier to power a set of components actively, your front and rear speakers or two sets of speakers and a subwoofer, then the DB Drive Euphoria EA4.600 is an excellent choice. It is one of the few amps in its class with the crossover flexibility needed to ensure any of the above system designs functions properly. Drop by an authorized DB Drive retailer today for a demonstration.
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