Soundstream TN2.600D

Overall, a Good Amplifier

Why this amp? The only reason I purchased this amplifier (along with a TN5.950D) is because my $1,000 (new) ZED Leviathan III amplifier and, get this, my $700 (new) ZED Minotaur II amplifier both have to be repaired. One was isolated to be the cause of noise, the other cuts on/off at anything above half volume - nice. Being a professional installer (disclosure: part-time; I have a "career job" - I install because the career job is not nearly as fun) , I also have installed numerous amplifiers from Alpine to JL to Helix to Audison and Hertz. What I know is that the TN5.950D shares the same PCB and components (not sure what percent) of the same components as a similar Hertz 5-channel amplifier that sells for much more but looks surprisingly similar in physical design (hmmm!). So, I figured the 2-channel might have a similar level of value, which,after using it for a while, I think it just might.

Looks/Aesthetics/Build: aside from the ridiculous blue light up spider, this amplifier is quite good looking. The spider light isn't too bright so its tolerable. The aluminum case is manufactured well, although the black plastic grommets included in the holes for accessing wire terminal screws come out easily when you pull out your screwdriver (the terminals use #2 a Phillips head screw driver, not annoying Allen keys). IMO, you'll want to just take the grommets out after finishing your installation (using them just to protect from scratches) because the finish work on the aluminum under them is beveled and thus better looking anyway. The aluminum looks almost white in photos but I'd equate it in-between JL HD amplifiers and JL Marine amplifiers.

Sound/Power/Output: I'm using it to power Pioneer Stage 4 midbass speakers which are on the power hungry side and capable of producing quite a lot of bass and midbass if you ask them to, albeit I'm not impressed with their upper-midrange mellowness. I had these same speakers powered by the ZED Leviathan which is capable of 190 watts at 4-ohms per channel (though I had the gains down). In theory, this amp outputs 200 watts at 4-ohms per channel, so about even. To be honest, I really can't tell much of a difference. I'd say the ZED amp created a bit more controlled midbass, but you need to be paying attention to truly notice the difference. I certainly have no noise issues with this amplifier - it is dead silent for me, even after a processor. Then again, any noise is usually in a frequency range that my midbass is not playing so I guess I wouldn't know unless I purposefully looked for it (which, after having two ZEDs need repair for no reason, I'm not going to do... these are temporary amplifiers for me).

I haven't tried the amplifier on a subwoofer but I really don't think it'd be suited for that job. Sure it may say it can output the power but, in reality, it's better to use a dedicated sub channel or sub amplifier for the job as they're (theoretically, anyway) built for the difficult task. I've always noticed tighter, more controlled base from a mono when switching from a bridged 2-channel. But that's just me and could certainly be a function of increase wattage (though I am referencing instances where the wattage delta was only 100 watts or so).

Size/Fitment: This amplifier is a nice width and length, nice and compact in that department. But, you can find other amps of a similar size. Where this amp shines in the size department is its height or depth, whatever you want to call it. It is a very "short" amplifier which means it'll fit with ease behind the rear seats in a pickup truck (on the back wall), under a lot of seats, and I'd bet I can find a few cars where I could fit this particular model behind the dashboard or a plastic panel. I wish more amplifiers were this "short", personally. I really am not the type to display my amps and I always end up with cars (trucks) that are not well suited to "tall" amplifiers. The only amplifier "shorter" that I've come across is the current tiny Kenwood Excelon models. I've tried them and was not particularly impressed with their SQ so I let them go.

Features/Other Stuff: if you are a "run your speakers active" guy like me (or gal) but can't afford a processor yet, this amplifier does have bandpass capability so you can low and high pass the speakers that you hook up to it. This is an excellent feature that really should be included with every single multi-channel amplifier... ever. I am not using the crossovers on the amplifier so I can't comment on them, though.

Cons/Problems: for some unknown reason, Soundstream decided to use two rounded screws on the very bottom to hold the bottom casing to the PCB board (or whatever those screw into). They cause the amplifier to not sit flat. The TN5-950D came with flat screws in these same locations which still don't allow it to sit flat but at least it's much closer. With these rounded screws, the amplifier will tilt back and forth if on a hard surface. You don't really notice this when mounting to a carpeted surface but I just find it ridiculous that Soundstream did this. This is the only thing that makes this inexpensive amplifier actually seem inexpensive Well, aside from the stupid blue spider, which I'll let slide as that seems to be the thing with this company and is at least executed without flashiness on this model line.

I can't help but recommend this amplifier.

Great lil amp

I have two of these amps, bridged down running two 8s and one 3inch flare horn each, On my hse pro trident boat tower speakers. great power and great sound also has a bph filter which is perfect for my application. Nice and small fit anywhere and never over heats.

Great little amp !

Very compact amplifier that puts out clean rated power. Nothing more you can ask from an amp, very happy with it. It has a very good crossover section that's capable of being band passed.

By Juan on June 21, 2015 Verified purchase

Good value

Using this amp to drive 2 JL Audio 10" subs at 2 ohms. A little underpowered for my application, but works well. Runs a little warm, but to be expected considering what I am asking of it. Well built, small size, looks nice. Tuning was a bit difficult because the filter switch seems to be marked wrong.

SOUNDSTREAM TN2.600

This amplifier is only good for reproduce medium sounds anything else.

SOUNDSTREAM TN2.600

Don't waste your money in this amplifier is only good for mid sounds and for anything else is a very bad quality