Dayton Audio SPA250DSP Subwoofer Amplifier Module – Versatile subwoofer amplifier module with DSP capabilities

Dayton Audio's power is stated as 250 watts into a 4 ohm load. So not a power monster, but sufficient for many needs (a double-power SPA500DSP is also available). The statement is also correct. We measured the power as almost 290 watts into a 4 ohm load, but “only” 143 watts into 8 ohms. The amplifier limits the power output to two ohms, but the power is still the same as into 4 ohms. So the amplifier is in a way “optimized” for that 4 ohm load. Which is also the recommended minimum load. The class D amplifier stage enables high efficiency and low heat generation.

The “thing” of the amplifier is its DSP features: including a 5-band fully parametric equalizer, infinitely adjustable low-, high-pass and subsonic filters with selectable crossover, infinitely variable phase reversal, adjustable high-pass time delay and a kind of dynamics limiter. The adjustments provide good tools for optimizing the subwoofer's playback in different rooms and with different main speakers. Of course, many AV/home theater amplifiers also have similar features, including automatic so-called room correction, but here, however, it is specifically dedicated to subwoofers, and also for use other than home theater.

The amplifier's rear panel has a single control interface and an LCD display. However, adjustments are easiest to make using a separate computer program (Windows and Mac) and a USB connection (see separate link to a video demonstrating the adjustments). Unfortunately, there is no phone app available for adjustments.

Automatic power-on turns the amplifier on when it detects a signal and puts it into sleep mode after use. Connections include both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs and outputs.

The amplifier is easy to install. Operating it directly from the rear panel of the device requires a little familiarization. The easiest way to do this is with a computer connected to the amplifier via USB and Dayton Audio's computer software. It is clear and easy to use. Of course, basic adjustments and minor fine-tuning can also be done fairly easily from the amplifier itself.

The Dayton delivers fairly good power, but only into a 4 ohm load. This should be taken into account when choosing a driver. For more “robust” use, the power may be low. In that case, you should look at the parallel model, the Dayton Audio SPA500DSP. Although it is 150 euros more expensive.

We tested the amplifier in a reflex box with two 12-inch eight-ohm subwoofers connected in parallel to a four-ohm load. The Dayton Audio managed to drive them without any problems and the sound was more than adequate even at this power. The controls worked well and the sound could be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, the subsonic filter together with a small bass boost proved to be a very useful feature in this case.