From its inception in a Chicago garage to becoming a household name among car audio enthusiasts in the 1980s, MTX has established a reputation for delivering robust and reliable mobile audio amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers. The MTX name has returned to the spotlight, and the team has been working diligently to develop new products. This spotlight will look at the Thunder Series TH800.4 four-channel amplifier. Let’s check it out!
MTX Thunder TH800.4 Specifications
The TH800.4 is a four-channel Class-D amplifier rated to produce 100 watts of power per channel when driving four 4-ohm loads. Power increases to 200 watts per channel into 2-ohm loads. The amp can be bridged to deliver a hefty 400 watts to a pair of 4-ohm loads.
Performance-wise, MTX rates the amp as having a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a total harmonic distortion specification of 0.2% and a signal-to-noise ratio of greater than 98 dB. The power specifications are ANSI/CTA-2006-D compliant, and the amplifier is listed on the Consumer Technology Association’s website with their measurements.
Each Thunder Series amplifier includes a power measurement dyno certificate, allowing consumers to see how each amp performs on the bench.
MTX TH800.4 Features
A lot of what makes an amplifier an ideal solution for a given application lies in its signal processing and integration features. The TH800.4 includes a stereo gain control that’s adjustable from 200 millivolts to an impressive 10 volts. Extending that theme, the TH800.4 features DC voltage detection on the RCA inputs, automatically activating the amp when connected to a radio or amplifier with BTL outputs. A clip light is provided for each pair of channels to indicate when the amp has reached maximum power.
Each pair of channels features an adjustable crossover with knee frequencies adjustable from 40 to 400 Hz in either low-pass or high-pass modes. The crossover can be disabled by setting the X-OVER mode switch to FULL.
A switch on the front edge of the amp selects between two and four-channel input modes. In four-channel mode, each of the four RCA inputs feeds directly to the four outputs. When in two-channel mode, the signal presented to the front left input is copied to the rear left, and the same applies to the front right and the rear right. This is a beneficial feature when connecting to a deck with only a single RCA output, or to a stand-alone Bluetooth audio receiver, such as the MTX AWBTSW or a similar device.
All the controls and adjustments, except for the input mode selection switch, are located underneath a removable panel on top of the amp.
Physical Features
The MTX TH800.4 has a footprint of 7 x 9.75 inches and stands only 2 inches tall. All the power, speaker and signal connections are made along the front edge of the amp. The RCA jacks are Tiffany-style to ensure a reliable connection. The speaker connections are made via a two-tier set of terminal blocks that will accept 12-AWG cables. At the far right is the power connection block. The amp will accept 4-AWG power and ground cables, which are recommended when running the amp in a bridged configuration or into 2-ohm loads.
An LED on the front panel will illuminate if the amp goes into protection mode due to overvoltage (<16.5V), undervoltage (<9.0V), overheating, or a short circuit.
MTX backs the amplifier with a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Upgrade Your Car Audio System Today with the MTX TH800.4
The Thunder Series of amplifiers from MTX includes a smaller four-channel model, as well as five-channel and six-channel models, along with three monoblock amps with the largest capable of delivering up to 2500 watts. The line offers sufficient flexibility to support nearly any modern audio system design. When it’s time to add some power to your car audio system, drop by a local authorized MTX dealer and ask for a demo. You can find a dealer using the locator tool on the MTX website.
Be sure to follow MTX on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn more about their product offerings, events and cool demo vehicles.
