Zapco C2K - Manual (Page 7)

7
Our Dedication to Sonic Purity Requires the
Highest of Quality in Internal Component Parts
• Resistors
All resistors (other than power resistors) are 1% precision, low noise
metal film. This is a key reason why ZAPCO products have the industries’
best noise specifications, and why you won’t see as much fluctuation in
our test certificates as you will in others. Precision resistors also reduce
distortion and improve channel matching.
• Capacitors
Capacitors are similar to batteries. Like a battery, they store energy
and have an electrolyte (internal fluid). Also like a battery, a capacitor can
have a very limited life. “Computer grade” capacitors for example, are
reliable only in cool environments with very little current applied to them.
Only the best high current and high temperature capacitors should be
used in an auto-sound application. Although these capacitors typically
cost five times as much as those used in our competitor’s products,
ZAPCO insists that no audio degradation will occur over time.
• Transistors
Two types of transistors are used in ZAPCO products, bi-polar and
MOSFET. MOSFET transistors are rugged, high current devices that are
suitably used as switches. They are the choice for switching power
supplies. They are however, very non-linear and are not suitable for use
as audio outputs. They cannot be matched and their inherent distortion
requires too much feedback to achieve reasonable distortion levels.
Bipolar transistors are used exclusively in our outputs. The audio
performance of a bipolar transistor heavily outweighs any minor
advantages a MOSFET might offer in durability. We solve the durability
question by simply using considerably more output devices than the amp
needs. This gives us a bulletproof amp with the sound we demand of a
ZAPCO product.
• Transformers
Most of the transformers used in our products are hand-wound in our
own facility to ensure maximum quality. This is the only way that current
capability, efficiency, and radiated noise can all be kept within our
demanding parameters. All transformers are securely mounted in their
respective chassis. Transformers are massive, and if not securely
mounted can cause failure among internal components due to vibration.