Lepai LP-168HA 2.1 2x40W Mini Amplifier + 1x68W Sub Output

There are plenty of reviews detailing the features of this amp, so I'm going to discuss my specific setup, what worked for me, and what didn't.I purchased this amp to power the audio for my Burning Man bicycle, which is using a Tang Band W8-670C 8" 8ohm subwoofer in a ported enclosure, and two Tang Band W3-594SB 3" 8ohm drivers in sealed enclosures.MOSFET's, heat, and thermal pasteMy amp doesn't get very warm, even after an extended period of music at high volume. Several other reviewers reported poor factory application of thermal paste, so I was concerned that the heatsink wasn't getting warm due to the MOSFET's not making good contact. I opened it up to check and they looked just fine, but I went ahead and re-applied some thermal paste for good measure. After doing this I haven't noticed any difference in performance or temperature.CrossoverThe LPF crossover is a total joke. Mine "works" in that I can hear an audible change in the subwoofer output as I turn the knob, but the amp still sends the subwoofer nearly full-range input. Using only the included crossover, the overall audio quality is mediocre, and both the subwoofer and drivers were clipping well below the volume I had hoped for.I ended up purchasing a 225hz LPF crossover (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FNI3N4Y/), and it made a world of difference. The overall volume can now get much louder without clipping, the subwoofer hits harder, and the drivers sound great. With the crossover installed, this no longer sounds like a cheap ~$30 amplifier. If you are using this to power a subwoofer, do yourself a favor and get a crossover! You won't regret it!Power SourceThe included 12V 3A power supply works acceptably, but prevents the amp from reaching full volume. I've had the best luck with either a 12V 5A power supply, or a 12V SLA battery. Checking with an ammeter, the highest current I saw at full volume (with a bass-heavy track) was just over 4A @ 12V.RattlingI have this amp mounted on the subwoofer enclosure, and I quickly discovered that it likes to rattle. All of the knobs rattle, as does the case. The case rattling can be solved by putting some hot glue on the inside of the seams where the case pieces attach, but I'm still grappling with the rattling knobs. My "best" solution so far is a piece of electrical tape stretched across the tops of all of the knobs, but I'm sure there is a better way to do it.Audio Input LevelsOne unexpected problem is that a high input voltage is required for the amp to reach maximum volume. I first used a second generation iPod Shuffle. This worked in that sound came out of the speakers, but it just didn't get particularly loud. I then tried two modern Android phones (an LG G2 and an HTC One M8). The HTC produced the highest volume and clearest sound, but both it and the LG worked pretty well. You should try a variety of input sources if you're not happy with the volume.Final ThoughtsBuy this amp (and a crossover)! I wasn't expecting much from a sub $30 amp, but it's a surprisingly cool little device.

First off, I bought this amplifier for home use. While compatible with cars it works for home use as well.I bought this amplifier to power my vintage RtR G-40 speakers and my Kicker Comp-10 subwoofer. Installation was incredibly easy, just plug in, connect speaker wire and you're good. For about 2 or 3 weeks it drove my speakers great.The sub, however, was terrible.The biggest feature here for the product (to me) was the subwoofer crossover. I noted that on reviews on PartsExpress.com the reviewers stated the crossover did not work but I took the leap anyways. The crossover does not work AT ALL, and this (being such a big thing for me) knocks this down two stars from five.After those 2-3 weeks I mentioned earlier, the amp went completely haywire. The sub output stopped working completely, and at first I thought the volume was simply down too far so I turned it up.....and instead of the sub volume going up, an incredibly distorted signal was being sent to the main speakers--how this is possible I have yet to figure out. But the sub output somehow switched to the speakers. Down two more stars.For the price, it works.PROS:Easy to installDelivers clear audio to main speakersCONS:Subwoofer crossover does not workSubwoofer output breaks after a few weeksAnnoying blue LED that flashes with the bassGets warningly warm even with the heatsink body

I have owned a lepai 2020+ amp and loved it with a grounded 6.8 amp power supply, it sounded great with my bookshelf speakers. Unfortunately, the volume and tone pots are poor quality and eventually it output nothing but static and thumps maxxing out the excursion on my speakers.Here's where this comes in. I wanted a little more "oomph" on the low end with the same speakers. I found this amp with a dedicated crossover and sub out. For the money, it was worth a shot. I ordered it and it arrived quickly, packaged great. I dismissed the power connector that came with it and plugged in the adapted from my deceased lepai 2020+, plugged in my bookshelf speakers and a Sony 8" home theater woofer.I was very surprised with the output on the low end! Very very solid bass, loud and clear with this tuned port sub. Actually have it turned only 1/4 way up and fills the room with nice clean lows. The mids and highs however, aren't as defined as the 2020+. Should that deter you from picking this up? It is a small sacrifice to make. If you have excellent bookshelf speakers that reproduce sound well, the 2020+ is a great buy with a grounded transformer, just dial it in and leave it. Adjust the volume with your device. If your speakers lack lows and need backup, this amp has the power to deliver. I am very pleased with this and if it bites the dust in a year, I will happily purchase another.A few negatives though, the led lights on the front panel are blinding. Really REALLY bright. The sub out light is blue and for some reason flashes with the intensity of the subs output. They are covered with electrical tape and haven't been a nuisance since. Also, the sub out frequency control is just a dial, it makes no discernable difference in range. Mind you, no mids bleed through so its not a problem for me, even at high volume levels.All in all, I would buy this amp again.