Description
ARC Audio Cu 4.2 — 2-Channel Copper Series Class A/B Amplifier
Two reference channels when the system does not need four—and we do not want to compromise the power stage just to fill an amp rack.
Building a serious left/right section, a high-quality midbass pair, or a bridged application where two channels are exactly what the system needs?
That’s where the Cu 4.2 makes sense.
Use the Cu 4.2 when the speaker layout and DSP plan already tell us exactly where two channels belong. It can run a premium stereo pair, bi-amplified drivers in the right system layout, or bridge into a higher-power 4-ohm load when the design calls for it.
The big deal is the signal path.
ARC Audio builds the Copper Series around its ULF signal architecture and Thermal Tracking Bias. The Cu 4.2 also has a true front-end crossover-bypass switch, so if an external DSP is already doing the crossover and tuning work, the amplifier’s onboard processing section can be removed from that signal path instead of stacking controls on top of controls.
Why choose it
The Cu 4.2 is not the choice because somebody asked for the cheapest way to make two speakers louder. It makes sense when the rest of the system is already being designed around sound quality, staging and control, and the amplifier needs to match that level of planning.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Model: Cu 4.2
- Amplifier class: Class A/B
- Channels: 2
- Published power at 4 ohms: 225 watts RMS x 2
- Published power at 2 ohms: 350 watts RMS x 2
- Published bridged power at 4 ohms: 700 watts RMS x 1
- Frequency response: 10 Hz–75 kHz
- Crossover range: 55 Hz–5.5 kHz
- Front-end crossover bypass: Yes
- Built-in DSP: No
- ARC Audio technologies: ULF and Thermal Tracking Bias
- Cooling: Microprocessor-controlled internal cooling
- Dimensions: 11 x 8.65 x 2.65 inches
Two reference channels when the system does not need four—and we do not want to compromise the power stage just to fill an amp rack.
Building a serious left/right section, a high-quality midbass pair, or a bridged application where two channels are exactly what the system needs?
That’s where the Cu 4.2 makes sense.
Use the Cu 4.2 when the speaker layout and DSP plan already tell us exactly where two channels belong. It can run a premium stereo pair, bi-amplified drivers in the right system layout, or bridge into a higher-power 4-ohm load when the design calls for it.
The big deal is the signal path.
ARC Audio builds the Copper Series around its ULF signal architecture and Thermal Tracking Bias. The Cu 4.2 also has a true front-end crossover-bypass switch, so if an external DSP is already doing the crossover and tuning work, the amplifier’s onboard processing section can be removed from that signal path instead of stacking controls on top of controls.
Why choose it
The Cu 4.2 is not the choice because somebody asked for the cheapest way to make two speakers louder. It makes sense when the rest of the system is already being designed around sound quality, staging and control, and the amplifier needs to match that level of planning.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Model: Cu 4.2
- Amplifier class: Class A/B
- Channels: 2
- Published power at 4 ohms: 225 watts RMS x 2
- Published power at 2 ohms: 350 watts RMS x 2
- Published bridged power at 4 ohms: 700 watts RMS x 1
- Frequency response: 10 Hz–75 kHz
- Crossover range: 55 Hz–5.5 kHz
- Front-end crossover bypass: Yes
- Built-in DSP: No
- ARC Audio technologies: ULF and Thermal Tracking Bias
- Cooling: Microprocessor-controlled internal cooling
- Dimensions: 11 x 8.65 x 2.65 inches
AMPLIFIER SYSTEM FIT
Where this fits in the build
An amplifier should be chosen around the channels, load, speaker or subwoofer plan, available electrical support and how hard the system needs to play.
Authorized Dealer — In-Store PurchasePlan aroundMatch usable channels and power to the actual speakers and load.
Match itPlan signal processing and gain structure before chasing wattage.
Finish itHigher output may require charging, battery and wiring upgrades.