Description
Description
The ARC Audio Nighthawk is a high-output two-channel Class-D amplifier built in the same compact chassis format as the Blackbird, without an integrated DSP. ARC Audio designed it as a wideband power amplifier that can be used for demanding full-range speaker systems or bridged subwoofer applications.
It produces 250 watts per channel into 4 ohms and 400 watts per channel into either 2 or 1 ohm. In bridged operation it delivers 800 watts into a 4- or 2-ohm load. Selectable load stability, stereo/mono operation, and single-input capability allow the amplifier to be configured for several system layouts.
The Nighthawk uses a modern Class-D driver section with Infineon output devices, a fully regulated power supply, high-current plug-in speaker connections, and variable-speed ball-bearing fan cooling. Its broad frequency response, low distortion, high damping factor, high-level input capability, and multiple automatic turn-on modes support both aftermarket and OEM-integrated systems.
Specifications
| Amplifier Class | Class D |
|---|---|
| Channels | 2 |
| Power Output at 4 Ohms | 250 watts x 2 |
| Power Output at 2 Ohms | 400 watts x 2 |
| Power Output at 1 Ohm | 400 watts x 2 |
| Bridged Power at 4 Ohms | 800 watts x 1 |
| Bridged Power at 2 Ohms | 800 watts x 1 |
| Minimum Stereo Load | 1 ohm |
| Bridged Stability | 4 ohms or 2 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz to 32 kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Greater than 95 dB |
| Rated Distortion | Less than 0.03% at rated power |
| Typical Low-Level Distortion | Below 0.02% from 100 mW to 200 W |
| Best Published THD | 0.005% from 2 W to 20 W |
| Damping Factor | Greater than 500 |
| Idle Current Consumption | Less than 1.3 A |
| Standby Current | Less than 3 mA |
| Input Sensitivity | 200 mV to 3.5 V low-level; up to 32 V high-level |
| High-Pass Crossover | 20 Hz to 400 Hz |
| Low-Pass Crossover | 50 Hz to 800 Hz |
| Crossover Slopes | Selectable 12 or 24 dB/octave |
| Bass Boost | 0 to 15 dB at 20 Hz to 80 Hz |
| Automatic Turn-On | BTL, signal-detect and remote |
| Stop/Start Compatibility | Operational down to 6 V |
| Maximum Operating Voltage | 17 V |
| Cooling | Variable-speed ball-bearing fan and aluminum chassis |
Features
- Two-channel wideband Class-D design
- High-output stereo or bridged operation
- Stable into 1-ohm stereo loads and 2-ohm bridged loads
- Modern Class-D driver and Infineon output stages
- Selectable load-stability configuration
- Stereo/mono switch and single-input operation
- High-current plug-in speaker connections
- Low-level and high-level input compatibility
- Variable high-pass and low-pass crossovers
- Selectable 12 or 24 dB/octave crossover slopes
- Variable bass boost
- BTL, signal-detect and remote automatic turn-on
- Start/stop compatible operation up to 17 volts
- Variable-speed ball-bearing fan cooling