The good VS the bad - Taramps SMART 5 & BASS circuit overview

Taramps are one of the brands I have the most respect for in the 12v audio industry. Not only are they pursuing the hard and expensive task of developing their own bespoke amplifier circuits from scratch, something that you do not see from almost all of the brands that get nuthugged on the forums, but their customer service and contactability are impeccable. When i was first starting to learn amplifier repair, I came across a Taramps HD10k that needed a replacement control chip. Since these are programmed by Taramps in brazil I could not source this elsewhere. I didnt hold out much hope, but on a whim I reached out to them, as a complete nobody and stranger to them, asking if it would be possible to PURCHASE a replacement chip and how much shipping to the UK would be. They replied quickly and asked for my address. The next thing I know, I have received not one, but TWO replacement chips, along with a full kit of mosfets, gate resistors drivers and diodes COMPLETELY free of charge! No questions asked, just here you go, here are the parts to get our amp up and running again like new, at our expense. Unbelievable, and a stark contrast to the experiences I have had with other audio companies even as an authorized dealer. I know that this attitude to customer services extends to warranty and returns, with Taramps being extremely generous and relaxed if you ever encounter a problem with their equipment irregardless of where you bought it from or how you had it wired up.

[@CL-yp1bs]

i am impressed Taramps is increasing their quality... Very happy to see the improvements

[@jacktheripper1083]

Free PIC and Mosfets??? ok Taramps has just risen to my ultimate goto amp!! As for you SAM, no gas no NOS, just plain old kick ass! keep it real bro, you content is just off the charts! why you haven't blown up yet is a complete and utter mystery to me. personally, i consider you among the likes of Rossman, ipad rehab and the likes, with the exception of the frequency ofcourse but still cutting edge repair/consumer advice! much love bro!!!

[@TuffApe]

Holy shit! Every amp review should be like this! Insanely detailed. Wow!

[@kswis]

I for one like the more in depth video. On to the rest of the video. As far as amp reviews, I hold yours at #1. You tell me EXACTLY what I need to know. And thought who don't know a whole lot about car audio will still understand what your message is. Very well done Sam. Very well done

[@ABEULER1981]

I bought the 5K SMART because of this Video and I LOVE IT. Thanks BRO

[@BobBasshead]

Very informative and thorough explanation of the Taramps amplifier lineup. It's great to see back posting videos on KZbin, it seemed that you took a break for some time.

[@matthewmassey2333]

Awesome video 🤙🏼. I frequently send people to look up your vids for specific, Misconceptions floating around. But on behalf of all nerds I love the long form review videos you do. But I get why they are hard for most to digest.

[@seans1102]

I bought two smart 5k's so im glad to see good info about them.

[@Richtaco]

The info in this video is priceless. Thank you for explaining these 2 Amps. It saves someone like me tons of money and heartache. I am going to get that smart 5k with a dsp and a bass knob. Bravo Barevids

[@radiospank]

Your talk about subs excursion limit and comparison of your 10k vs the smart 5k really helped me understand

[@itspoffy]

This channel needs way more subs. Way more likes. Way more shares. Way more thumbs up. That is some very deep technical details. Most amps look pretty on the outside, the insides are what matter.

[@benitoabreu4785]

Wow! this man knows what he's talking about! My respect!!!

[@robertthabassheadjacobson]

The only reason I purchased the bass version is because I'm wired to .5 ohms, and so far the amp sounds great! No clipping and the bass sounds smooth and the lower bass sounds incredible! I have 4 12's 1200watts rms each, and with an rca bass knob( too bad taramps didn't provide a bass knob) I can adjust the level to my speakers ability and not overpower them. Btw awesome informative video. You are the best on KZbin.

[@laurantsmccloskey5927]

I have the smart 5bass and after a few weeks with it, i can honestly say it definitely puts out About double what my trinity tas8000.1 8k that was in there previously put out. Absolutely way more power available on bursts & seems to sound just more solid & harder hitting for over 100 bucks less than the trinity. Considered the smart 8 but couldn't really fit it & looking back, the smart 5 amps are actually way closer to doing what most 10k's would do

[@HifiVega]

Excellent video as always! I learn something every time I watch one of your videos.

[@MasterDJRenn]

One of the only channels i watch the entire video.

[@tommymartini34]

As always thank you for your time and knowledge. I hope they come out with a 10 or 12k soon

[@SouthFloridacarshows]

Great info! All your videos are awesome Sam. Happy Taramps is listening to recommended improvements.

[@bassbrother101]

Thanks I needed this now ik for sure I'm getting the smart 5k

[@tucnrim88boddiedhardbody66]

the gain and other knobs pull out to make tuning easier. much smoother turn. not sure if you knew but i recently found out myself. pretty nice feature as well

[@mikehonda7934]

Thanks for this. At first when I heard of Taramps, they really weren’t that good. Always seen mosfet failure, but it was mostly user error. I’ve never used one personally, but as I see more about the circuit, I’m starting to like them. Plus, they hooked up our online trainer.

[@apocalypse4720]

I ran an hd 10k and i loved it, ran it for a year before selling it to my buddy.

[@beardedgaming3741]

i have a rockford T2500.1BDCP and i can say the constant power REALLY changes how the subs behave

[@Mr.NpK143]

THD!

[@lunam7249]

T2500 GOT 2 GOLDEN BOWLING BALLS

[@bigstone5124]

So excited Sam, thank you for new video 👍🎉

[@joshuakemp1439]

You rock love all this info. Im at 3k smart going to the smart 5 wasnt sure if i wanted the bass or standard. Thank you for the comparison and the awsome video

[@DirtySouthFlorida3]

Get the smart bass i owned them all and it sounds way better and its more powerfull

[@850CANE]

@@DirtySouthFlorida3 I was debating getting a smart bass 3k or smart 3k. So definitely get the bass version? I'm going to put it on two Sundown 12s

[@DirtySouthFlorida3]

@@850CANE the SMART BASS VERSION its worth it bigtime ive had them all and alotta reasons why... Theres bass theres smart and there's smartbass

[@850CANE]

@@DirtySouthFlorida3 one more question. Have you ever had a crescendo amp? I was looking at their skyway 3k. I've just heard they do rated power at 13.4 volts. I have 120 amp alternator, one d3400 AGM and an ioxis super capacitor. So whatever amp I get I need to make sure I have the electrical for it. Thanks for your advice

[@DirtySouthFlorida3]

@@850CANE yea there good but more expensive up to you. Seen a symphony amo catch on fire tho at .5ohm

[@workingclassperson2124]

Wow this guys knows his stuff!!

[@RebursPsychology]

Been on my smart3 everyday jammin loud,26 months straight,never skipped a beat,other than the janky smartfans,its a good amp Gonna need another soon,but might go smart5

[@robertholsopple9451]

Id like to hear your thoughts on the new Taramps smart boss 3k. I bought one and its my new favorite amp i ever ran. Im 43 and remember when 1000 watts cost $1000 if you could find one. These small powerhouse amps like the smart boss 3k just blow my mind. I have it pushing a Resilient Sounds Onyx 12" i reconed. What a combination! I recently subscribed, i like your channel alot, especially the blind amp test with jbl and taramps, taramps should have cut you a check for that one, 😆 im sure it changed alot of peoples opinion of taramps in a good way, it did for me. Thanks for the videos.

[@shanespence4063]

Thanks for the update. Didn't even know there was a 5k coming out. That's the one I really want. Thanks ✌️

[@tammyforbes2101]

These do seem to be getting better in reliability and wattage! Got me curious and I swore I would never run one but that was back when people was abusing them and blowing them out left and right! They now seem like a decent amp for an experienced user who will buy a bigger amp then they even need and run it easier!

[@indopleaser]

loved the video. like a the nerdy technical info to help me learn amps better. i will sit there on rewind until i understand what your saying. really liked the powerurs video, would have bought that amp if i didnt purchase a different one at the wrong time. more videos explaining amps. your my favorite youtuber for this.

[@Bassotronics]

On a side note, a true mono input should have both Left and Right channels mixed. If using one or the other independently and there is a Bass effect on one of either channels that is not being used, it won’t be heard because that particular left or right plug is not connected. For best musical reproduction, it’s best to have both channels connected to experience all the sound the music is offering.

[@barevids]

Head units mix down the subwoofer output to mono. Try it!

[@Bassotronics]

@@barevids Yea that’s a better option when the head unit has sub output.

[@cherryloujames8195]

@@barevids if you want high output alternator buy J's alternator or iraggi alternator

[@RebursPsychology]

@@cherryloujames8195 my iraggi 320 is beasst

[@bdc211]

what happens if someone were to use a rca Y cable??

[@KurtisPape]

Its true, you get what you pay for! But simply full bridge is the best, even if its cheap its still going to great power. My Smart 3 gets pretty hot just at idle with no output, about 50 degrees C on the case, the fans then turn on but never turn back off because it constantly gain heat. But ive had it on for long drives at low volume and never had problems. The Smart 3 gave me a huge power boost without me having to upgrade my electrical, I can hold a little over 1000 watts RMS while holding 14.5V with just a worn old lead acid battery and stock 70amp alt that probably only does 30amp. My previous amp Pioneer GM-D8701 I was having huge voltage drop and could barely hold 600watts and I actually paid more for it!

[@riddimup3756]

The Smart 5k does well on bass but really well on mids too.

[@robland6118]

I have been seriously thinking of buying the smart 5k because of the price point on it. I had a taramps HD 10k for a little while and I didn't have any trouble out of it but just didn't like the full bridge design. I am thinking of buying another taramps product though once this came out. I may end up pulling trigger soon.

[@cartycartyamplifiersalesrepair]

Thank you again Sam for another great video nuff respect keep up the good work 🇯🇲 🇺🇸 👍 🙏

[@johannjohann6523]

Just started investigating Brazilian amps, and there are a number of brands that are Brazilian manufacturers (Peavey for instance) that I did not know until recently. If the amplifier is actually "made" in Brazil (Taramps is) and not just designed there, that is already a plus in my book over Chinese offerings. Also Taramps seem to employ, smartly I think, fans in most of their amplifiers (every amplifier should have a fan I think). However, the fans are not of the same grade of fans like in a computer which run basically silent. And seem to run a bit loud, but I imagine the music will drown out any possible fan noise. But computer quality fans are also known for their longevity of operation, not just how quiet they run. On this end, I cannot say if the fans Taramps use make the grade or not. But, at least they are trying to provide better heat dissipation than their competitors, and "heat" is the biggest problem for any amplifier regarding operation, and challenging its durability and longevity of operation. If you happen to have a cheaper, less efficient Chinese amp, that in the beginning works well, but quits operating in a year or just starts not sounding good (distortion) it is due to heat, and the amps heat sink. That is generally the difference between your "budget" amps and higher quality amps like Rockford Fosgate (proven through time), and who knows maybe Taramps. They seem to be improving their designs and components while keeping their pricing below the competition, and doing a good job keeping them cool. Which should mean good long term performance. It just seems Taramps are more about SPL than sound quality. I could be wrong. (Examples: Rockford Fosgate is known for having some of the lowest distortion - less than 1/10 of a percent distortion, and longest lasting car amplifiers on the market. Rockford is known to Focus specifically on sound quality, not power. Kenwood falls into that category as well. Just fyi.)

[@onesikm3]

Because they are brushless rc radio controlled high rpm fans designed to cool high amp output electronics.. im familiar with these type fans since I’ve been using similar like kinds in my remote control hobby purposes. I think it’s great if you can hear that sucker then you mean it’s moving a ton of air unlike your quiet pc fan, that would offer little help in cooling these amplifiers

[@Johnellenberger1]

Wow! I really like this amp!

[@HiFiVector]

Great video dude. Very good info!

[@theobrowm6231]

This video was very helpful it explained to me on what's amp I wanted to buy this guy broke it down and very easy for me to understand so I'm going with the 5000 Watt bass amp thank you very much bro

[@sabarlow80]

The rca l and r are parallel. Manual states dual rca input/ output. Just a built in splitter

[@robdingosaenz5556]

Can u use both rca's????? As inputs?

[@poohwecampbell7799]

Thank you !!!! I know which one I will buy now (smart 5k Regular)

[@DJJDSKREWED]

Cant wait to get my normal smaRT 5 LOVE MY SMART 3 ITS GOING TO MOVE TO MY MIDS AND HIGHS

[@angelvip2474]

Missed ya bro. But here you are gracing us with another dope video🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rawbasicrawbasic]

Great presentation 👍 can you make a video with the stetsom amps.

[@Facekicker]

Hey Sam I just did a dyno and inspection on this same model on my channel, and noticed the transformer windings are definitely epoxied on mine and are solid in place. Mine should have been first production, as I imagine yours was, so maybe yours just slipped through. Just thought I'd mention it.

[@barevids]

Interesting, good to know!

[@angelvip2474]

Hey facekicker . Hello fellow Utahn😂

[@gianstevens7918]

Thank you for the content big man 😀

[@GoProTony912]

Very good video! 👍🏾 thanks!

[@recon440]

Hi Sam, awesome technical breakdown as usual. Funny coincidence as I was eyeing the Smart 5K Bass but ended up buying twin Smart 3 Basses as it was a steal of a deal on Amazon ($300CAD each) and plan to wire each @ 0.7ohm for each 12" DC XL (dual 1.4ohm coils). I was wondering if you can you comment on how the Smart 3K Bass compares to the 5K Bass in regards to any intricacies or is it just a simple upscaling we see here with the Smart 5K bass? Alternatively at the time, I was looking at pair of regular Smart 3s due to the 12.6V rating vs 14.4V but ended up going with the Basses for the 0.5ohm stability for additional safety margin, even though I doubt I would even seeing 0.7 nominal often. Ultimately I plan to run these set to around 1.5-2Kw a piece to allow extra headroom. I'm second-guessing myself a little bit but at the price point I feel like I got a great deal.

[@VictorRodriguez-rd5xl]

Wow! Hey amigo I'm speechless so much information, very impressive 👏 😀 thank you! now I know which amp to get...ooh and you got yourself a new subscriber 🙂🙂take care bud..

[@DJJDSKREWED]

BRO I love your videos thanks for all the info!

[@1moetime123]

I have a 3k md on a zxv 15 and it BANGS!

[@mtoddvan]

Believe you can double the 150vmax mosfets in parallel to split the load across them to lower working temperatures & load. They'd have to experiment & see how it effects the circuit if they can't find higher rated mosfets. Shouldn't be different or much board redesign to add in.

[@b1782w]

Awesome thorough vid 👏

[@1ohmwrecker]

I just got my smart 5 bass version yesterday in the mail. I had the original smart 3 up until I bought this. So I'm hoping it'll sound good and pure.

[@khmerboxer214]

How does it sound compared to smart 3?

[@1ohmwrecker]

@@khmerboxer214 just about twice as loud and pure I guess. Been working great! Power hungry tho. Got a 320a alt coming. The 180 I got just isn't doing it.

[@cali8221]

@Scott Wright🔊 I've been trying to see who got the smart 5k bass..I cnt decide on which one..do u think the 5bass is better??or what's the difference

[@1ohmwrecker]

@Cali 82! the original has capable of more power technically. I personally was using the factory head unit so I wanted the bass crossover. Which I got a dap and changed the radio out anyways. The bass version still does rated power tho. And it's. 5 ohm stable! But I've love it and never once has a issue w it. Digs into them low lows real nice!

[@cali8221]

@Scott Wright🔊 so you're saying go with the regular 5 smart 5k not 5k bass??cuz im not running.5 jus at 1ohm..i thought the 5kbass was better and put out more power..the video i watched it put out way more then 5k so i was confused

[@Basshertz94]

@barevids what is the rail limit ? Like how much output voltage would it take to reach the limits and the amp quiets the sound? Does it matter what ohm your at and what voltage you charge at ? I’m referring the bass version

[@dragbikedemon]

Thank you so much for this video! You made my mind up for me. I now own a smart 5. Would have just bought the bass version, you know because basshead…….lol

[@audio_and_diy]

Running two smart 3 on one B2 XM 18" D1 - i am very pleased with the Performance...

[@moneymac5214]

kzbin.infoZx7Z2ODO_1s?feature=share

[@ricardojuarez291]

Super Sam to the rescue.. I lost my faith in taramps, I use to have the 3k bass and a lot of bass notes were missing and not quite there. But bigger amp big subs more current etc etc. Never ends

[@barevids]

You'll have had the filters set wrong. All the knobs need to be at zero other than the gain. If you are missing higher bass kicks then turn lpf up a touch. Hpf or subsonic should never be touched.

[@hardhead7056]

It makes sense that both the input/output rca terminals are just connected electrically. Basically daisy chained. Internal y-splitter. Basically..

[@theresalong6573]

enjoy geeking out amp stuff, thanks 4 u and big d wiz videos

[@loko4chevys]

Hi Sam. I went ahead and bought the smart 5k. I am very happy with it m and thank u for this video. U helped out alot. I have a question. I'm seeing a lot of comments about people saying that these amps like or set it to 1.8 to 2.0 ac volts rca inputs.. WHY? What happens if I go with 4 or 5 volts ac? What advantages do I get by setting it at those lower voltages? I haven't seen any proof of this or an explanation as to why taramps perform better at 1.8 to 2.0 ac volts of rca input? I hope u see this and have time to explain this .. thank u . U are a badass at what u do and I appreciate the videos.

[@MotardPilot]

Excellent video man

[@Angel_xXx_76]

Since the crossovers limit the output drastically unless wide open. Let's say I set the crossover FIRST then set the gain which would then overcome the wonky crossovers & not use the ones on the deck? Currently I am using the deck as you suggested but I hate when I need to pull the battery for one thing or another & my HU resets itself thus loosing the crossover settings.

[@joshuaferris6344]

I own an hd3000 1 ohm wired at 4ohm to 2 12 inch subs and it bangs, but nice to know about the model difference and I do want to upgrade to 5-8k eventually so thanks for the information

[@Djmambo77]

Great detailed video. Thanks

[@RubberSalt]

Had 1 of these go up in smoke within 30 seconds... No idea what's up. The other 4 amps in the system work flawlessly.

[@salvatorehayes2753]

Was Good To Hear That The Low Pass Filter Went Down To 20Hz. Kinda Not Good To Hear That The High Pass Didn't Really Do Anything. I Really Need That In The Event Something Plays Below Tuning And Excursion Gets Way Out Of Hand.

[@donjaun540]

Very informative nice video. Thank you for information. 🤛🤛

[@reganmorben9248]

Big D sent me.

[@tabdougherty8549]

Hey man did I mis the amp mod vid you were doing last I knew you were waiting on some wire. I am subed but haven't heard anything. Love the content. Thank you

[@souljazstruggle859]

Great video

[@izaakavenaluckyss1933]

Love your videos ❤

[@noelsantiago3159]

Great info! Thank you!!

[@cali8221]

So which is better the smart 5k or the smart 5kbass???

[@RyanBassForLife]

I like that Taramps smart 5k

[@jasonneal]

On my Smart3k, I noticed the crossovers just plain SUCK. So I open them up and used the crossovers built in the head unit. Another thing is I got the same signal no matter if I plugged into the RCA in or out. So yes I just plugged into both and I haven’t had any problems. The only problems I had was the cooling fan quit and the amp got extremely hot. So I sent it back and got a new one. The pots on these amps are horrible, so you have to adjust them very slightly.

[@666nacirema666]

its common on most brazillian amps. jbl jl alpine and many others have full bridges with the kind of filters we like. though in this day and age even cheap decks have pretty decent dsp and or crossover capabilities

[@Turdpuncher]

The pots being sensitive are because they have lower voltage rca inputs , i may be wrong but i lower the rca voltage from my head unit and it helped alot.

[@Djmambo77]

@@Turdpuncher how did you lower the voltage from the rca from the head unit?

[@Turdpuncher]

My sub out has a level adjustment.

[@lunam7249]

no bass below 35hz , no matter what you do

[@justyna4276]

I wish I had your knowledge 👊🏽

[@daveb1963]

Great video thanks barevids...

[@joshuaferris6344]

I really like your knowledge and ability to explain everything in detail so I can understand everything making me more interested in watching your channel . Also was wondering if your in America and how can I send an amplifier to you for service hypothetically.

[@gregblau8082]

I'm curious how these compare to Sundown sia. From what I've read the sia is less finicky with input voltage and I like that it has a bass knob, but there aren't many reviews on them.

[@lunam7249]

ORION HCCA....skip the games.....

[@Hectoriousz]

Thanks very informative!!!

[@tylerhall71]

Any update as to the reliability of the bass version? Did they make revisions like on the mosfets that you mentioned? I need a new amp, and my coils are d1.4, so .7 or 2.8 are my options, the way I see it the bass version is my only choice here but the subs a team sundown so it will take just about all the power I can throw at it

[@1ohmwrecker]

Been using mine over a year now pretty maxed out🤷‍♂️

[@dead6last]

apreciate you.. i got the smart 5 bass.. it sounds about he same as my orion hcca 3k

[@Mr.NpK143]

About 🤔 🤔 !

[@joshholden8561]

Just bought the smart 5 to run 2 12d4 skar evl subs.

[@joshholden8561]

Update the smart 5 ate my 2 evl 12s I upgraded to better subs

[@luismarquez3342]

Hola amigo saludos desde Mexico.. Crees que le afecte trabajar a 0.8 ohms al smart 5 regular

[@jimcoleman52]

I'd like to see what they do with a reworking of a resistor divider to influence the power supply throttling and achieve a bit more rail voltage.

[@jimcoleman52]

I guess I should have finished the video before commenting, then I would have heard the comments on fet voltage ratings.

[@brothergarysampsonjr67]

The power supply fets do you think it is safe by them heating up ? I dont want to burn my car up

[@cecilmayers3429]

Boss u must remember some of us are technicians also and don't mind an hr of wave and shapes lol

[@legabrieldealfaro6144]

hello I greet you from Mexico, I see your videos on KZbin, I would like to know which amplifier to buy a taramps 800x4 or rockville krypton f2. Which one has better sound quality?

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

Great explanation A plus fellow God bless

[@SkittlesScott]

What amplifier would you recommend for 2 sundown U v.2 12s? They are dual 2 ohm subs.

[@papermaker85]

That spike is an easy fix. They should use 4 transformers tightly would in a two step voltage amplifier.

[@BIGGABO29]

can you run a regular smart 5k at .5???

[@AugmentedGravity]

My question is bass remote

[@MichaelBloesel]

Hi can you tell me if i should set the HPF, LPF AND Gain ON THE 3k BASS AMP like you suggest for the 5K Bass amp ?

[@HS786UK93]

I was actually considering swapping my 4 Rockford t2500-1bdcp’s for two of these. This will be an interesting watch for me.

[@EvanField6380]

Don't do it

[@HS786UK93]

@@EvanField6380 why mate?

[@bassbrother101]

@@EvanField6380 he'd get more power may lose a little sound quality soo why not

[@bassbrother101]

@@HS786UK93 what's your electrical set up ?

[@EvanField6380]

@@HS786UK93 dirty power and cheaply made

[@jimmymaggs3371]

Great video as always. I have two quick questions. I have a 4k sub at 1ohm. Would you recommend the smart 5 or the powerus 8k? Is the powerus worth 2x the price? Also, when are you coming out with your own amplifier line? You know it would sell and you could call it barepower or something.

[@RebursPsychology]

What amp did you go with

[@jimmymaggs3371]

@@RebursPsychology went with the powerus 8k's

[@whoopdeedo83]

Having been inside these Smart amps can you tell if the RCA inputs are connected internally? I've heard it said that they are combined inside therefore using both as inputs won't affect anything.

[@robdingosaenz5556]

Same!!!! Can u use both rca's as inputs??

[@huskylfp1505]

Excellent video 👌🏻 but you need a pronter ❤️

[@Gaming_officialmk_]

Is the LPF the same as HD line ?