Specifications

4
ZAPCO
The Reference Digital Series
The Reference series (originally called AG) marked ZAPCO’s first
effort to bring the high quality that built the ZAPCO legend to an amplifier
line that everyone could afford. The response has exceeded the company’s
wildest expectations. Why has the line been received so well? We think the
answer is simple. The Reference Series amplifiers sound as good as, or
better than, other brand’s best amplifiers. This is possible because we took
a very different approach in the design of our Reference Series.
Rather than follow the crowd and build a less expensive amplifier
around cheaper components, ZAPCO chose to develop a more efficient way
to build the best, high voltage, amp on the market. The Reference Series
was modeled after the Studio Series including the same circuit design, Op-
Amps, Gate Drive Boost circuit, 1% metal film resistors and high current, Bi-
Polar outputs devices. One major improvement was the addition of
SymbiLink™ balanced line inputs.
Did we make any sacrifices to achieve this new Series? Certainly,
and these fall in two areas. First, we gave up a certain amount of headroom.
In the Studio Series, every model was overbuilt by 100%. The Studio
amplifiers had twice as many output devices as it needed to run full power
on all day long. The Reference Series amplifiers have only 1½ times the
output devices required. We still overbuild the Reference Series by 50%,
just not as much as the Studio. This is a difference that will almost never be
heard. The other sacrifice we made was in size. The Studio 500, for
example was probably the world’s smallest, 900-watt (only 19”L x 5.75”W),
class A/B amplifier. The Reference DC1100.1 is 23”L x 7.5”W, which is
more in line with what people might expect from that much power. While the
smaller size can be more convenient, it took much more time to build.
So, we have a slightly larger product but we can bring a much better
price to a product that offers vastly superior performance and reliability.
Digital Reference
Now ZAPCO takes the Reference Series to a whole new level. For
the basic install, Digital Reference amps are true plug and play devices. Just
hook them up and play your music, to enjoy the world famous ZAPCO
sound.
However, for the advanced installation, Digital Reference takes car audio to
a level of control and performance never before available. Every amp in this
series carries an on-board DSP capable of programming and controlling
every aspect of performance needed to tune your system for perfect sound
in your car regardless of the car model or your listening tastes.