Are the new DD Audio M series amps any good? Circuit overview & demos

Why are video descriptions still a thing?? Watch it and find out what it's about! 😂 literally no idea what to put here these days. Maybe some buzzwords for the ole' Algo.
Digital designs amplifier, bass, subwoofer goes boom, wow such dBs, many watts, circuit design, amp dyno, cheeseburger

[@barevids]

tl;dr - These are really well built quality amps made in korea in half-bridge format, which share the same circuit as the likes of DS18 Hooligan-KO and Sundown SALT, with some minor changes to preamp circuit. But watch the video - theres some really cool info and demos to be seen! :)

[@barevids]

@nate0 nope, I think the 8k is a little cheaper but the 2k and 4k are more expensive 😂

[@justforlaughs8988]

But what do they cost?

[@JerryAintloud]

@@justforlaughs8988 the DS18 H-KO8 is $500 cheaper than the DD M8 and it came out 6 months ago.. it's the same amp different heat sink..

[@barevids]

Jerry's right. There's always been a premium for the DD logo. For the subs it's completely understandable, you're getting a truly bespoke product designed and assembled in house. The amps are great and well built, but there are way cheaper alternatives with the exact same internals from other vendors. I'd hate to think how much a DD amp would cost if they designed their own circuit in house!

[@Jamez84]

I can't wait to see how much power Sam is gonna get out of that Audiopipe upgrade. I was also on Taramps site to check out the Smart Bass 3k and seen they got the Smart 5k on their site. But I haven't seen it for sale in the US yet.

[@wal]

Awesome video Sam! I've yet to test a DD amplifier as they seem to be pretty strict in their dealer network sales and not allowing Internet purchases. I could be wrong, but I don't see them for sale anywhere online. This is 2021, not 1995, right?

[@barevids]

I'm totally with you there buddy. I can kinda get their intentions behind it - buying from a dealer in person allows for them to ensure the customer is getting the right kit for their needs and using it correctly, to avoid people doing stuff wrong, blowing it up and badmouthing the brand. They created soundqubed to fill the online space. But in today's day and age they're probably missing out on more genuine knowledgeable customers than they're saving in bad reviews from misuse by not allowing online sales.

[@Jamez84]

I think I saw some of their amps for sale on Aliexpress or Alibaba...

[@gianstevens7918]

I can buy DD amps online here in the Netherlands, that is strange!

[@christopherj8766]

I've been really anxious to see some DD amp tests, since i own two of the previous generation models

[@famousmoon]

@@Jamez84 its a lie not DD

[@GrandConception]

I really enjoy this in depth circuit review along with the demo, DD sub, hair trick, spl. 💯💯💯

[@shanecunningham6082]

Great info, fantastic video, I was trying to keep up with the techy details up to the 16min mark... then all that was out the door, I could no longer focus on what he was saying past the 16 min mark. She is stunning.

[@kswis]

Bloody brilliant. This is BAR NONE the best amp break down I have ever seen in my 40 yrs. Excellent job

[@matthewmassey2333]

Thanks man. the bit i was truly interested in was the "latest semi-conductor technology" claimed. awesome breakdown as usual, and demo to add at that lol. when i seen the 2 voltage regulators on the end of the pcb i realized what it was... small, powerful and reliable no complaints here.

[@nismofreak33]

those z drivers are a work of art. love the review man, youre doing gods work ❤️

[@str8upkickyaindanuts289]

The zener diodes on the output fets purpose is to prevent voltage spikes on the gates (potential damage), data sheet says +-30v and the zener value should be just below that max gate voltage.

[@radiospank]

i sent in a DD c4.100 4 channel AB amp for repair to DD, the zener diode was broken hence the lack of output. just sharing.

[@str8upkickyaindanuts289]

@@radiospank That's weird, class AB doesn't have switching fets on the output, so it must have been the power supply making less power?

[@radiospank]

@@str8upkickyaindanuts289 hmm don’t know but I do remember the output stopped in one channel

[@QuadDoc]

Phenomenal video sir!! I guarantee you’ll get move views doing things like this!! Awesome!! Keep up the good work and thank you for taking the time to share this with us!! 👊🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@mattm2684]

Great to see some content of you having fun listening to bass in your van. Most content I've seen you are working / teaching us about amps

[@jeffsenecal4168]

There are several beautiful works of art and effective and efficient... Situations... clearly offered here in this video... Great job Bare!!

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

Well done and thanks for calling it like it really is! You're one modest man, Sam. Your system is insane.

[@Bassotronics]

What I most like about *Full Bridge* is how light they are. Well at least the three I own. I’ve replaced all my heavy cinder block amplifiers for them.

[@mexicanpapi33]

Awesome video! I just picked up this amp to run my 4dd 2508 and I absolutely love it

[@gianstevens7918]

Beautiful video Sam, I appreciate your efforts so much, even mounting this amplifier in your car! It's so awesome to see your build, I can not wait to start my own. Love your content brother, keep it up!

[@killabee623]

Man your van sound good!

[@user-un1sh8xh5v]

Ya I agree sam I like having the power spread out on multiple Transformers at least in the power supply section compared to just one big one

[@vincentrusso4332]

Been waiting..., oh yeah she was definitely putting in that work...the amp as well. Lol. So the issues you brought up what would the price point difference be with the items you addressed. Thanks for all the work Sam.

[@OlaJustin]

Killing it! 👌👌👌 "It's listenable" Hahaha! Earth calling, Major Tom! 🤣

[@666nacirema666]

that bit about the amp dyno at the end was a good point the only thing they can do that you cant do with a clamp and multimeter is find the phase angle, but even without a decent oscope to do that comparing amps using the same set of clamps and meters is a perfectly fine way of doing it. sure its nice having it all in one tool but then there are guys like me who used all their meters all the time and id rather not spend a ton on one i could only use in one situation to save a couple minutes tops. ive got a big bank of resistors for my off grid dump load setup as well so i can get those 1 ohm non reactive readings. idk different strokes also i find it funny how the guys whos names are on those tools get publicly angry when you bring up other methods of doing the same thing like the diy clip meter that i first learned about in the 90s from rockford

[@lithiumBros]

Great video. That build looks fun as hell. Thanks again!

[@uptobatentertainment]

Cool vid, thanks for the break down on the new amps! 2 15s are slapping 🔊💪

[@russellcrabtree5314]

Bass Wars tests from the passenger floorboard kick. I tested 147.4 with 2-12" Audio Legions Maximus at 43hz 1742wrms.

[@EvanField6380]

Great video i have been waiting to see the 4k & 8k dd amplifiers

[@daddy_shark82]

excellent video ,, thanks

[@bfytw2125]

Love product spotlights. More more.

[@barevids]

Smart 5 coming next 😎

[@jason28w]

GREAT video man loved it hell yea and the van is looking badass .

[@russsmith9042]

What a awesome build with two15s you really know your stuff that's for sure you forgot more than I've ever learned period I've got mint condition plum in color old school linear power 5002 amp I'm gonna do it like an old school retro build. Hasn't been used in many years I was interested if you might be interested in taking a look at it and maybe hop up some of the old school parts and get some power out of this thing for real? I bought the amp in 1990 and it was built in July of '89 and owned it ever since. Anywho keep up what you do cuz you're awesome man thanks to all the videos

[@brendangardner7639]

Thats pretty good I just did a 153.3 on a ampere audio 3800 but I have 4 15s so with only 2 that is definitely a solid biuld

[@LiLthirtSty]

DD audio needs to sponsor my guy if they don't already 😆

[@barevids]

DD don't sponsor anyone at all brah 😔

[@LiLthirtSty]

@@barevids that's a shame. Would be a hell of a sponsor 😎

[@ricardojuarez291]

What about deaf bounce... When are you going to give us your thoughts... I got the 4900.1 and sounds great over all but I rather keep my Orion old School 2500d.. Orion quality sound is way better, deaf bonce lows are not kinda missing that's whys is most likely spl amps.. that's my opinion tho.

[@lifeonadime4703]

Thanks for such an in depth tour of that amp man. I love DD stuff. Everything they make is great quality. What's your opinion on the ct sounds AT line of amps? Iv considered getting one for my wife's daily build. Thanks for your awesome channel ✌️

[@jaimepainortiz]

I love it when a Certified corrects all the self-proclaimed experts. Happens ALL the time in my field.

[@thatunknownguy2680]

What do you think of the Synergy Audio WFO 5.1D amps? I've been running it for over a year now on 2 Fi Audio Q 18s and I love it!

[@kswis]

Only 2 min into the video n damn brotha, damn well done son!

[@cockneyzombie]

Great video really enjoyed it.

[@atmosphericpressure3560]

Me: Can you walk across half a bridge? Sam: Yes, from Brazil to Korea.

[@markroberts715]

Excellent vid bro!! Hello from boston

[@edalvarado6274]

Hi Sam, damn ive seen this video before but i never notice that your box has a lot of bandwidth. It would be nice if you do a video of your van! Greetings from Puerto Rico!

[@csj9619]

I've not seen your van before in previous videos. I'm curious whatcha got in there. (Mostly front stage)

[@bpintogsxr1000]

Thanks for the video. 👍🏻

[@johnoates3326]

Worst amp i ever got was the DD DM-2500A..Will never use a DD amp again..Ive never had a amplifier go into protection as quick as this one did..Sad thing is i replaced it with a cheap budget friendly amp..Precision power ice7000.1..been running this amp at .5 ohm for a good min now with no problems whatsoever..Not a fan of DD now

[@bpintogsxr1000]

Damn. You know your stuff huh. Wish you were around in the 90’s when I was first getting into car audio. Why don’t you build your own amps???? People would buy them. I would buy them. Don’t always worry about price. There are people out there that have money and are willing to pay, including me. Also it would be cool if you could review an audio control monoblock. They are built in the US and I’m curious about their quality.

[@fuckgoogleandyou8779]

I’d second that

[@gianstevens7918]

He answered this question tons of times on stream I think, designing an amplifier is not easy, even for someone who knows his stuff like Sam. I think that's on his to-do list for the future though :)

[@clipciti6977]

Loved it bro!!!

[@jasonstock2402]

Do a crescendo video just like that ..thats how all amps are should be presented

[@zdin4665]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@gt50stang12]

Proper swag bass video bro

[@mattesser9890]

I loved the video my man

[@paulgood2218]

Great video

[@SuperAq1234]

Hey buddy big n.y.c fan ! Love ur vids! So ?, whats ur opinon on specs, real world or amp dyno #s on the aak8000.1! Been slapin this amp on my (2) dbsa315 have no complaints what u think of deaf bonce amps and subs stacked against other competitors! There really isn't much on alphard aak series amps dyno or quality reviews

[@bigmikediesell235]

most underated youtube channel! How do keep 14v's with stock alt????6

[@barevids]

Impedance rise my bro hahaha

[@bigmikediesell235]

@@barevids fair enough I feel you I'm at 4/5 ohms from 1ohm🤣

[@kevinAuman1]

Eyyyy Sam what a pretty gal you've got there good for you brother! And yeah that baby did some work for a 4k indeed!!! I personally have two Wolfram AW-9000.1's to run on my pair of Wolfram PT-18's with 4in PE flat wound coils 4k rms each so one amp per at 1ohm they should have plenty of power to daily and burp when needed 😝🤣 I've currently got plans drawn up by Drew Jones of basshaulics for a regular ported enclosure but I plan to eventually do a C-pillar wall retaining use of my backseats but Drew talked me out of it and said there wouldn't be any surface for the woofers to load off of and that it would not be loud at all 🤔🤷‍♂️ either way I have goals of mid 50's at below 40hz and I believe I've got the power to get there! What do you think of these Wolfram amps? I'm actually shocked by how much clean power they're pushing and how efficiently they do so... I also have a single AW-5000.1 unused still sealed in the plastic and I've got the AW-125.4 for my front stages.... love the channel

[@barevids]

Yeah them amps aren't bad at all buddy ☺ should be good

[@BangingCamry]

Nice amp👍👌😎 what do you think about the Trauma Concussion 3000.1 amp design. I just ordered one. Korean board as well I was told

[@realhusky]

Sick van. More hair Tricks!

[@johnnypiper1717]

If yall had 2 choices the DD M series 2500 or Salt 3 which one would yall lean more towards? I know the Salt does its power at lower voltage but know DD has always been good quality for sure

[@barevids]

Neither lol get a Smart 3

[@johnnypiper1717]

​@@barevidsso the smart 3 is better the smart 3 bass? And better then dd sundown amps? Seems pretty cheap compared to all other 3k amps for sure

[@ceciljones1248]

I don't like Korean amplifiers I've had dd amplifiers and other ones? Im running taramps bass 8k reason being the clipping indicator is on point? When everything is set right you don't burn your voice coils and they don't have a lot of dynamic burst they are pretty much rated power all around when using most Korean amplifiers you have to basically clip them to get maximum power and clipping causes voltage drop and electrical issues?

[@XM913CG]

Sam, I am giving a thumbs up because I enjoy your videos. But DD has left a bad taste with me and lots of local guys here in DD's home state. Great products, horrible customer service. Other companies will soon have this korean board. It does look well. They should have put in gate drivers like most of the newer amps. But it is a small footprint. As always enjoyed the video, keep it coming we all teach and learn from each other.

[@gregoryyates8758]

That is a really good video. Do you repair amps for people?

[@barevids]

Yes, I do.

[@doar_realist]

Hi.Man you really are an expert.I love listen to your video even if i can't really understand all that you are talking about.😁 Can you please help me.I am torn between DD M4000 and Taramps Smart 3 Bass.I have a ground zero gzpw 15 xq 5000w wired to 1ohm.Box 5 cu.ft tuned to 30hz.Stock 130 amp alt, agm Hollywood spv 120 back and standard lead acid 80ah start battery. DD or Taramps more eficient and powerfull for me? Sorry for my trash english.

[@barevids]

Smart 3 Bass, every day 😁

[@johnofsometrades405]

I've been against full bridge amps because I can't stand the sound quality compared to others. Is it more so Taramps and their SQ, or is it more how Full Bridge works? I've compared Taramps to Alpine and Precision Power, and the horrible frequency range of Taramps just seems horrible for what I like. Seems like a cheap way to make as much noise as possible for as little as possible with the added suspense of will the Taramps flame up and will it burn the car down. Just seems weird that "protect" feature doesn't really work. So I admit, I've had a bad taste for full bridge because of Taramps, and find myself having a very hard time trusting a full bridge amp. And I have seen your Taramps Vs JBL, I would like for you to do the same test but with good quality components and try again. Or maybe with a 8" or 10" sub and I'll bet Taramps will be more noticably harsh compared to the JBL.

[@stevinvillalobossalazar6212]

waiting broo, first row already 🍿

[@davidfuller581]

All I can think of is "damn, the suspensions on those subs must be insane". Nice looking build hindered by junk caps (CapXons are pretty horrid, as it turns out).

[@envisionelectronics]

It’s not true. CapXon had a bad run back in the “capacitor gate” issues of the late 1990s, early 2000’s but so did Panasonic and dozens of other manufacturers. CapXon is a massive, world-class capacitor manufacturer. Do your research.

[@slapcitykustomz1658]

The anticipation is killing me lol

[@chrismoor1234]

Off topic but does the Vito have a smart alternator/start stop? I have a VW Caddy with Bluemotion and need some advice on additional batteries and charging etc

[@snauspockets9924]

4k on stock alt....Man all I am adding is a Skar EVL 15 on a SKv2 1500.1d and I think I need a new h/o alt...agm batteries...1/0 big three...I mean my wife is getting heated at how much 50ft of sky high 1/0 is....and here you are juicing up a 4k amp with your stock alternator with all that knowledge... I feel like I might be going too far for my little 1500w amp...but at least I am having fun!

[@barevids]

Haha. Almost all of the energy for your amplifier comes from your battery bank. The alternators job is first and foremost to charge the batteries, but it has a side effect of supplying a small percentage of power to the amp up to a point. A 4kw amp will draw around 450a at full tilt. A 200a alternator will start dropping off considerably after 180, where your batteries then become the main source of energy. In a system with a large battery supply and small alt, your batts will deplete faster than your alt can charge. Fine for burps, and for demos with a break inbetween to recharge the batts. For those wanting to drive for hours playing loud, or giving demo after demo for hours at a show, the alt needs to be supplying a much higher percentage of the power. The batts will still deplete, just much slower.

[@barevids]

For a 1.5k amplifier your stock alt will be absolutely fine. All you need is solid cabling and a low internal resistance battery or two.

[@randyharris2446]

Dear Sir : Love all your information and videos. Was wondering if you have ever had any experience with the MMATS Pro audio amplifiers if they are as good as they say they are?

[@barevids]

They were meant to send me one but heard nothing since

[@randyharris2446]

@barevids Thanks for getting back I was curious how the stak up against DIGITAL DESIGN M2000 or M2500 amp.

[@barevids]

@@randyharris2446 I would just get a Smart 3 buddy. Sooo much better than any of those.

[@randyharris2446]

@barevids I am running 2 DD 2508 in a 6th order band pass trying not to go bigger then a m2c power wise

[@barevids]

@@randyharris2446 having headroom is super important. The farther from clip you are the better. Use The Smart 3 and set gains to within the woofers mechanical and thermal limits.

[@sandeepsinghjagdev3485]

Waiting

[@smcaraudio]

Can you make an relation of the ic in both driver boars, especially in the driver output board? Thanks!

[@michaeldavidloving9411]

I love the DD 200.4 it's a monster. Just better have the speakers so can match well.

[@promo130]

stock alternator , is that the merc vito? probably 125a alternator not bad 4k

[@DoeBoy999]

Throw this sort of review in with an amp dyno and you blow away all the guys that know nothing but how many watts can this amp put out and does it meet what it claims to produce

[@mattinmo]

Your name is on the caps that's tight

[@stefanb.4044]

Are 2 of the chockes already broken? I am Not that deep in this Stuff, but they look damaged to me. Greetings 😊

[@barevids]

Nope haha. They're good.

[@RobHTech]

There is no isolation relay ... and full DC rail voltage could be sent to the sub? Is that something to be very concerned about, enough to not buy the amp?

[@barevids]

Not a deal-breaker but it's a bit careless.

[@bigbub54f100]

That things badass

[@justforlaughs8988]

Why do people separate the full bridge amplifiers from the halfbridge amplifiers not the old school but the new school?

[@barevids]

Exactly man. I think people assume full bridge is new tech. When they hear or say full bridge they really mean Brazilian circuit design.

[@stevesmithsplman7102]

Can you run a dual input amplifier on just 2 inputs for + and negative with 4/0 welding wire and an adapter?

[@cristovalmontoya5222]

Are these the smallest Korean amps to power ratio available loving my ds 18 hooligan ko

[@greenlener]

So Full Brigde is good to go.

[@justloudcustoms]

We all know orion xtr. Dz series made power way over rated so what are the circuits considered ? Recently had my input section go bonkers on 2500.1dz

[@kswis]

Dude I want to know more bout the system as well

[@justinfisher1789]

Will it be stable below 1ohm like the original M series? Reliability at .35 matters these days. My m5's had zero problems rising to .9 from .35

[@blakebrockhaus347]

As he mentioned, it depends on how much impedence rise you have. If you're getting up to .9 nominal, it'll absolutely do that just fine

[@indopleaser]

ive often heard you same that car audio amps havent improved for 30 years. are we starting to see a change of the time?

[@SeanOMatic]

S&I, right?

[@dead6last]

nice

[@frederickirv11]

Can you explain how to test oppamp IC 4558d

[@delainewhitby2327]

Top stuff Sam.............does she have a twin sister? :)

[@JDSound180]

Not stoked about some of the old components and lack of safety but still stoked that I'm gonna get the m8000 to run my two 9515's

[@TheLawlessGang]

lack of saftey?

[@rashad5286]

How do you like the M8000? Looking into getting one, debating between that and the DS18 K0 10K for around the same price

[@allisterweston712]

How much would it cost for you to build a reliable 4k class D amplifier?

[@Psy6o]

What do you think about mmats pro audio class d amps

[@lukestover614]

How much will be to fix the jl Audi and other Amp

[@426hemicuda1090]

what are your thoughts on the surface mounted electrolytic capacitors? I hear they leak....

[@barevids]

Haven't seen any leak in the years that I've been repairing amps.

[@426hemicuda1090]

@@barevids I repaired some electronics with them on the board and was told to remove and replace with standard electrolytic capacitors.... Me personally never seen them leak... ???

[@kcr357]

Dd now does online sales!

[@suthtokcraew1227]

my taramps bass 3k having issue turn off pop. what cause this? actually not an issue for me, but need to know why my amp have a pop sound when that amp turn off. pop noise come from my sub, not an amp

[@barevids]

Remove rca. Does it still happen? If yes - just the class D pwm halting which can cause small DC pulse. Nothing to worry about perfectly normal as these amps don't have a relay to isolate terminals. If no - small offset is being sent down rca when kit is powered off and Amp turns off slightly later than one of the signal side components.

[@suthtokcraew1227]

@@barevids doesnt try remove a rca yet, i will try soon. my rca to the amp come from Equalizer pre amp. 7v rms max/sub vol at 4/10 ( use this eq because taramps not have a bass knob ). but reading my remote wire just 11.5v when engine off, real voltage on batt n amp terminal is 12.3v. remote wire share to 3 acc, amp + eq + volt meter. taramps vtr1000 volt meter. pop noise can cause any problem to the amp or sub? if no, just ignore it 😑 thanks for advice 👍

[@barevids]

Doesn't cause any problem, no. 7v is way, way too much for the taramps on rca. Make sure you are not turning that up much.

[@CompactAudiodesigns]

Using a new camera nice

[@justloudcustoms]

Sorry pre amp section not input..

[@eugenejohnson8635]

What do you think about the sundown salt 8 amplifier are the DD M8 which one is the best

[@barevids]

The salt has the edge on the DD for sure.

[@eugenejohnson8635]

What about the Sound Quality

[@eugenejohnson8635]

What would you do buy 4 15 sundown subwoofer zv6 15 are DD 9900 4-15 on the amps 2-salt 8 are 3-4 m8000

[@TheLawlessGang]

dd ftw salt 8k does 2k at 4 ohm and 4k at 2 ohm dd does more power more efficent and better thd . higher quality all around if u cant affod it get the sundown

[@10krms8]

What r the wolfram audio o-series amps full , half or ?

[@sscorpion2594]

My dad told me once "SON DD AUDIO HAS THE BEST CAR AUDIO SPEAKERS AND AMPS" and I agree

[@promo130]

then your dad was wrong sorry, haha

[@rogelio2931]

Are Incriminator Audio Reserve amps good?