Finally, one package, I will be upgrading to one of these for sure. Guess my winter project list just changed..... <BR> <BR>PORTLAND, USA – Exile Audio introduces the “SAMSON HARPOON 1K”, a 2 Channel 1000 Watt Limited Edition Wake Sports Amplifier. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/751619.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR> <BR>Thrust Control: In a typical wake sport boat installation this remote controller allows the Captain to adjust the overall volume of his tower speaker output levels. When his rider drops, he simply adjusts the thrust controller back to eliminate the full force of the tower sound. The ThrustTM controller can be remotely mounted in a number of handy locations. <BR> <BR>Throttle Box TM Control: An optional add-on remote controller that allows the Captain to actively shape the sound of the tower speakers depending on the real world listener position i.e. wake boarding (far out), wake surfing (close in) or cove (stationary). Whatever the case may be, Throttle Box TM tunes your tower speakers from full throttle (wide open) to Sound Quality (completely engaged). It’s so unique; were even applying for a patent. The Throttle Box TM controller can be remotely mounted in a number of handy locations. <BR> <BR><a href="http://pdxwakesnow.com/viewtopic.php?p=8949#8949" target="_blank">http://pdxwakesnow.com/viewtopic.php?p=8949#8949</a>

Wow that sounds really cool! It'll throw a very solid 250 watts at each tower speaker on 4 speaker set ups. What this gonna run about $600

damn to bad this thing is not 500 watts x 2 at 4ohm!

Hey guys - <BR> <BR>Yup, HARPOON is a beast power wise. I don't think there is a bigger rated Marine amplifier anywhere. Might be wrong about that, but we threw a TON of power at this design. It's definitely a dedicated marine amplifier made for the wake sports community. I think when people read up on Throttle box they will be pretty blown away. Really gives total control of the sound on the boat! <BR> <BR>Hate: Yes, your right on pricing. msrp: $699 <BR> <BR>Nate: 500W x 2 at 4ohm? whoa? you crazy man. What speaker do you have that handles 500W continuous power? Now you got me curious. <BR> <BR>This amplifier is built for guys that want to power 4 HLCD's with one amp and have some dynamic headroom available for good measure! <BR> <BR>-Brian <BR>Exile Audio

The NVS speakers are rated for 500 Watts RMS. But they would be at 4 Ohm, so this would be a little weak on the power for a pair of NVS, giving them only 300 Watts to each unit.

Is "Thrust Control" marketing speak for volume knob?

From what I understand from talking w/ Brian, is that there is a volume control in addition to the Thrust Control. Brady explained it best in the first post on how it works.

Thrust control??? correct me if Im wrong but its a remote volume for the amp?? <BR> <BR>I have this thing on my EQ its called a FADER it works just like a "Thrust Control" LOL I think Ill start calling the fader on my EQ a "Master Volume Blender" <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0>

G, I call my fader the "Pimp Mojo Enhancement Control" LOL <BR> <BR>500 Watts X 2 at 4 ohms is the standard level of power for speakers like Wetsounds Pro-485 or NVS 1010's. Lots of us are pushing this or more. <BR> <BR>Can you bridge two of them to a pair of 1010s and have the controls operate both at the same time?

confused by the throttle box control... is this actually a speed based volume control or more of an eq setting with various presets for how you want the speakers to sound? I guess I'm confused by the use of the word throttle but no description of the role the throttle plays....

Is is always important to have thrust control. Not having thrust control can lead to a premature ej@#*%*tion. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0>

This is serious business. I'm shocked to read people are stooping to this kind of humor. <BR> <BR>The 'throttle' feature will allow listeners to go from a more linear sound quality mode for near field listening to a more aggressive mode for long range projection. This EQ takes into consideration the increased noise floor and higher absorption rate of high frequencies over extended distances, yet tames the HLCD for a more tranquil in-close experience. I'm assuming that the EQ hinge and turnover frequencies are ideally tailored for HLCD tower speakers, which would be a first. That pretty much solves the conflict that every HLCD tower speaker manufacturer faces. <BR> <BR>The 'thruster' control has the advantage of being a voltage-driven fullrange level control so that the audio signal does not have to make a 'to and from' transverse run in order to put a zone control at the driver's fingertips. <BR> <BR>I'd like to see an accessory to follow that replaces the 'thruster' control in the form of a momentary (on)off(on) footswitch that keeps both hands from leaving the steering wheel and throttle. <BR> <BR>Pelvis Presley <BR>Earmark Marine

Pelvis Presley...<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR>Just spit my coffee on my monitor. <BR> <BR>BTW. Dave could not have articulated it any better.

Oh boy! Look at all the action I’ve been missing. For the record, I think Murphy’s thrust control wins the award. (lol). Guys, in simple terms here’s what the Exile amplifier is all about. <BR> <BR>POWER – for your tower HLCD’s and CONTROL. – of the sound style and volume of it. <BR> <BR>As Exile began rolling out our marine audio products last year, we saw an opportunity to build a unique amplifier that is completely focused on the needs of EVERYONES HLCD speaker setups. There are some great systems out there but they all face the same inherent issues. HLCD technology is capable of delivering huge sound but in a way that doesn’t always acoustically couple to the rest of the stereo or is lacking midbass or is running mixed mono or is to bright and lacking bass or needs tons of equalization. The list goes on and on. From an engineering point of view, if one is willing to go to a great effort, these issues can be overcome with design circuitry and that’s what this amplifier is all about. The reality is we have invested a tremendous amount design time to create features not found on any amplifier, anywhere. We’ve combined that with our proven topology that will let you run big power into 4 or 2 ohm setups. <BR> <BR>300W rms x 2 @ 4 ohm <BR>500W rms x 2 @ 2 ohm <BR> <BR>[Pelvis Presley says]: The 'throttle' feature will allow listeners to go from a more linear sound quality mode for near field listening to a more aggressive mode for long range projection. This EQ takes into consideration the increased noise floor and higher absorption rate of high frequencies over extended distances, yet tames the HLCD for a more tranquil in-close experience. I'm assuming that the EQ hinge and turnover frequencies are ideally tailored for HLCD tower speakers, which would be a first. That pretty much solves the conflict that every HLCD tower speaker manufacturer faces. <BR> <BR>--Well put Presley! That’s exactly what the amplifier does! <BR> <BR>[Pelvis Presley says]: The 'thruster' control has the advantage of being a voltage-driven fullrange level control so that the audio signal does not have to make a 'to and from' transverse run in order to put a zone control at the driver's fingertips. <BR> <BR>-- Bingo again. I’m not sure people understand the coolness of being able to control voltages inside the amplifier from a remote versus running signal to exterior devices cascaded together. In the real world this gives the user a control to chop the sound off from the tower all voltage controlled by the amplifier itself. If anyone wants a detailed explanation pm me. <BR> <BR>Nate and Mike mention standard levels of power for the 485 or 1010’s. Well guys, these are mono arrays of multiple high-end specialty drivers. On the 485 its rated at 300W RMS (according to the mfg’s website), which means you could drive 2 of these systems in stereo from 1 HARPOON amplifier and control the tower volume by the thrust controller and shape the sound as needed by the throttle box controller. You would not want to use this amplifier as a mono amplifier with one of these systems because it would be 3 times too much power for it’s rating. I’m not real sure what to tell you about the 1010’s because when I checked the site it lists a spec of 400-500 rms. I don’t know if that’s a clerical error or what, but rms / rms continuous power ratings are not spec’d in a range. <BR> <BR>Good reading on this subject if anyone cares to indulge. <BR><a href="http://www.bcae1.com/voltages.htm" target="_blank">http://www.bcae1.com/voltages.htm</a> <BR> <BR>Assuming for a moment that the 1010’s are 400W rms continuous power, the HARPOON amplifier would be slightly under powering the setup at 4 ohm. But you always could use an impedance matcher and drop the HARPOON down to continuously see a 2 ohm load. Then presto you have 500 x 2 rms and still have the built in tower control and sound shaping ability as mentioned above. <BR> <BR>I also should point out that there is no such thing as one amp does it all for every installation. No way! What Exile has created with the HARPOON is a dedicated marine amp delivers huge power for tower setups and user controls for the caption. This is a serious amplifier. <BR> <BR>Peace! <BR> <BR>-The Motley Crew <BR>Exile Audio.

I felt like I just read a marketing flyer... Brian what tower speakers have you tested these on? Any real world results? Impedance matcher? <BR> <BR>Weren’t you the Boston rep that claimed everything they made was the best and now you’re an exile rep and everything they make is the best? <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>(Message edited by norcalmalibu on December 15, 2009)

Somewhat hesitant to get into this but since NVS was mentioned I guess I’ll try to add something. Firstly, I for one try not to provide an opinion on anything I don’t have any experience with. Marketing is Marketing but the people on this board rarely will let any just Marketing slide by…..they know better. <BR>As far as the link about RMS ranges, people here will also quickly realize that the information pertains to Amplifiers, not speakers. If that was the intent then fine but I inferred that it was directed to NVS speakers providing a Range of RMS power. My position is that Amps provide power and right or wrong are measured in RMS Watts and or Peak Watts. This measurement is based on what the unit can provide based on a FIXED resistive load (a simple measurement)and at a fixed input power. This is the only way a sinlge output number can be obtained. <BR>However speakers, since they provide a resistive load (not fixed by the way) can handle a range of power that the manufacture determines will 1) provide minimum acceptable performance, 2) a maximum that could be either a target power and or 3)a value by which if passed can damage the unit. If you prefer to have evidence of someone else providing a Range for speaker power handling, try this <a href="http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_subs_pages.php?page_id=35" target="_blank">http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_subs_pages.php?page_id=35</a> JL Audio has been doing this for years. <BR>Lastly, I’d be happy to evaluate the Harpoon amp on each of the NVS products and then provide my opinion. Please include one of the "impedance matcher" devices mentioned. <BR> <BR>Have an NVS Holiday, <BR>Duane

So I should address David's comment about some of us getting slap-happy in this thread. <BR> <BR>Wakeworld is somewhat inconsistent when it comes to manufacturers or dealers posting plugs for their own products. I am aware of others that have had threads pulled for posting what is really an unpaid advertisement. Maybe there was some funding applied for this posting but it appears in the forum so I would guess not? Assuming there was no funding, the most appropriate thing might be to just delete this entire thread. It seems the PDX wake folks have been doing a fair amount of free marketing here on wakeworld. At this point I would like to see a PDX wake header that clearly indicates they are a sponsor or they should be called out. It just seems weird to see a product in the paid advertisement header of this page that appears to be in direct competition to the products described by the originator of this post. <BR> <BR>May the THRUST be with you...

Is the inference here that the PDX Wake guys are affiliated professionally with Exile? I've always understood that they are friends or acquaintances as well as users if their products but nothing more. Am I just being naive?

Well since Brianinpdx's email address in his profile is <a href="mailto:brian@exileaudio.com">brian@exileaudi o.com</a> then I think you are being naive...<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/proud.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR>Just one more thing...that really has no bearing on anything, I just thought it was funny. Brad's quote in his profile. "If you are ever in Portland. Check us out at pdxwake.com" Maybe it's just me. I thought it sounded funny.

To much drama over this whole thing. Pdxwake is a consumer from the NW who runs Exile gear. Nothing new about that. Ive noticed information on this amp on several of the forums which is a result of pumped up people. I suppose thats a great thing, but the info he put up was that of an active Exile press release on <a href="http://www.motodash.com" target="_blank">www.motodash.com</a>. He did not write this this - Exile did when it was sent out to the Newswire. Motodash is a site that regularly posts info on new marine / car / home gear. <BR> <BR>As for the slap happy stuff, no worries.. It's all in good spirit as I would expect from the crowd. If this thread is causing to much conflict, take it down. It's not a big deal. If anyone wants info on the amp, pm me. After all, its just an amplifier, and as such I dont think it will cure world hunger or fix the US economy. <BR> <BR>Just my 2 cents. On a lighter note, have a happy holiday and stay safe! <BR> <BR>-Brian

Ya, Wakeworld is turning into "Hateworld". <BR> <BR>Something new comes out and the haters hate. <BR> <BR>Peace Brothers! Get your dry suites on and ride that hate out of the blood. It has to be the winter blues. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0>

Mike, please don't take my initial comments or tone seriously. I was just setting up my own punch line. By all means, get slap-happy. <BR> <BR>BTW, I'm pretty sure you can still buy an AccuMatch transformer from Voodoo Acoustics. <BR> <BR>Pertaining to the marketing issue, I agree that there are abuses but I couldn't stomach a forum that was the sole domain of just a few. <BR> <BR>Besides, I'm paid for all my contributions. Just kidding. <BR> <BR>David <BR>Earmark Marine

I have to agree with Mikiski. Does exile pay for advertisement on this board or what?

Who cares!! It's a freaking amp, if you like it great, if not that's fine too. If David thought it was an issue he would take care of it. Why do we have to question the motives of the OP? But really, who cares? <BR> <BR>I'm still unclear as to what exactly this thing does, is it just another amp, does it have features that are not available elsewhere? Are these extra features something that we need or want? Can someone please explain the features of this amp in regular non-stereo geek terminology? I have three Apline PDX 4.150 amps on my boat and can't imagine ever needing more..

Oh I was assuming that PDX referenced an area of Portland. I realized that Brian works for/owns Exile but wasn't going to assume a connection with the PDX Wake guys (Brady and Diggs) outside of what I previously mentioned. Could it have been a poorly veiled attempt to circumvent the advertising rules her on WW? Sure. Do I give two schitts? Nope, just wanna know about all the new and cool stuff? <BR> <BR>Honestly, I think all the policing of this we need is already in place.

<u>Can someone please explain the features of this amp in regular non-stereo geek terminology? </u> <BR>LOL. Sam Im with you I was laughing at David's first post." linear sound quality mode" and "noise floor and "higher absorption rate of high frequencies" I had to call him to get a explanation of what the hell he was talking about. I was like David, your gonna have to dumb it down. If I can't understand what the hell your talking about then I don't know how the average guy's gonna understand. <BR> <BR>I hope Im off base here but IMO all the hype/intrest about this amp is due to people not clearly understanding what this "Thrust Control" is and how it would work in a system. Mabey this was part of their plan? LOL put it out there with some vauge details and then let everyone ask what the hell is that and how does it work? <BR> <BR>Someone from the company comes in and say's "Ooo I'm glad you asked that question" Let me answer it by copying and pasting a page from my marketing flyer. <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0>

Wow! I posted this as I was running out the door to Seattle on Monday. I really just thought it was cool, and that it was going to change my winter project agenda. I have explained in the past my desire to control my system for different activities. I actually had four volume controls on my system last year. The tower was always an issue to adjust for different activities. <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/751995.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>I am hoping that this new design, which appears to have some control qualities is going to make it easier for me. <BR>Sorry for sharing my excitement.

To address the affiliation: <BR>I can tell you I am a pdxwaker and can tell you the site is not a for profit site, so I certainly doubt brady is seeking any financial gain from posting on here. pdxWAKE is a local site for portland and supports local wake related businesses, events and a way to get acquatined with others with similar interests. He has Exile gear and is stoked on it. I am sure there is nothing more to it than that unless I am out of the loop too. <BR> <BR>I know the reason I started visiting wakeworld was to learn about products and how to care for my boat. I have learned a ton. Not sure why that has to change????? <BR> <BR>Carry on.....

Voltage based volume control = FAIL <BR>Tower only speed/voltage volume control = FAIL <BR>Thrust Control = lame marketing <BR> <BR>I have an HSE revolution automatic RPM based volume control. It changes the volume exactly as I would do with my hand when my rider falls and when we pull him back up, without removing my hands on the steering and throttle. Everyone that has driven my boat with this addition loves it. It attenuates the entire system 36db when very smoothly whenever the RPMs drop below 1800 and raises it back up whenever they exceed 2000. You guys just tried to copy it and failed. <BR> <BR>I also have a WS-420 EQ. It does everything I need to adjust my system for any listening situation or music content abnormality. <BR> <BR>You PDXwake guys should help Dave Williams out by purchasing some add space and stop freeloading off his website. If I sound bitter, it's just because I don't like freeloaders. "started visiting WW to learn about products and how to care for my boat" = BS. You guys came here on a mission to shamelessly promote your businesses very aggressively.

Wow...Did you kick your dog too when you walked into the house? I'm sure Dave is aware of this thread, and we all know how he feels about people using WW to advertise their product without paying for it.

One conveniently installed tower speaker zone control knob is not a substitute for the sophistication and versatility of an automatic volume control plus an equalizer. But its $600 less considering cables, adds zero noise and doesn't extend the audio cable's path at all. At minimum its a good option for some. <BR> <BR>The variable sound shaping circuit has the ability (similar to Yamaha's famed 'continuous volume' control but for a different application) to compensate for both listening level and distance in a single, inexpensive and conveniently located control. If (and the question remains) they nail it, then we might have a control that uniquely addresses the common characteristics of HLCDs in a way that multiple bands of a graphic equalizer with fixed frequencies and Qs cannot. I understand what Exile is after and while its not completely original the adaptation is very innovative. I'm looking at this feature with an open mind and hoping it actually turns out as useful as the vision. <BR> <BR>I'd hate to see new ideas and new products squelched or censored. <BR> <BR>David <BR>Earmark Marine

Looks like a great amp. I was sold on the JL 600/hd but this new Exile amp has me thinking twice. Great price as well. <BR> <BR>A while back I was looking at a Supra from the Portland Area. It was tricked out with numerous Exile amps. I ended up passing on the boat but a friend bought the boat instead. I had a chance to listen to the system...wow. I gotta say i was impressed. Thanks for the info PDX Wake.

Whoa Mikeski. Now I am not even a part of this thread, but hold on a second. <BR>pdxwake.com is not a for profit site. pdxwake does not even really sell anything. It is a webforum and a place for local people to learn and meet. An occasional t-shirt or sticker to help pay for food at an annual wake event to get the local community together. Local dealers and businesses pitch in money for that event also to make it happen. For you to think that pdxwake makes money or is trying to advertise on this board you are crazy. Seriously. Drop me an email off this thread so it can carry on offline and I would be happy to explain any and every action we have had on this board.