The CE1000M is bridgeable amplifier. Not by itself, but with a like amplifier. In other words, you can connect two amplifiers together to double the power. Bridging two amplifiers together can be difficult. When matching the gains, crossover points, subsonic filters and bass boost, you must be very precise. To simplify matters, Cutting Edge provides a parallel output for the slave amplifier so that all settings are made on the master amplifier only. Each amplifier can be initialized to their duty by selecting the master or slave position on each amp (one must be master and the other must be slave).
There is also a bass boost control in the preamp section. Centered around 45Hz, the boost has a range of 0-18dB. The Q is much lower (wide response curve) than we've seen in other amps, as indicated in the graph. This will likely produce a boomy sound when used. Some may prefer this sound, though.
Power SupplyThe power supply uses ten 85 ampere MOSFETs. That's a lot of power handling capacity! The FETs are mounted on opposite sides of the PCB, with speaker traces routed across these high current traces, which should be avoided. We saw evidence of switching noise in the speaker output probably due to this layout technique. We tested the amplifier with input voltages as high as 20 volts in search of its over-voltage protection, but the amplifier did not shut down as expected. Most amplifiers are limited to voltages of 16-18VDC in case of voltage spikes in the system or alternator regulator failure. Since the power supply is unregulated, the amplifier continued to increase its power output at this high voltage. While we did not measure output power at this high battery voltage, we're sure the SPL competitors will exploit this.
ProtectionThe amplifier is protected by four internal ATO (automotive) 20 ampere fuses. As these fuses blew when we attempted to drive the amplifier to full power (1,220 watts), we replaced them with more appropriately sized 40 ampere fuses. After measuring the full power output, we placed the recommended 20 ampere fuses in place for the remaining tests. During the output short test, these fuses blew again. It was evident there was no short protection other than these fuses. Fuse blowing as a form of short protection might be acceptable, but they should be accessible externally. The heavy clipping used during SPL tests will likely cause these stock fuses to blow.
We also forced the amp into thermal protection. The amp recovered from this test without a hitch.
ManualThe manual is written fairly well. Although it clearly states in the introduction, "this manual is written for the experienced installer," the content provided is enough for those who have basic installation skills to do a decent job powering this unit up. All specifications, features, wiring and troubleshooting are covered in detail. The only difficulty was deciphering what images go with what instructions, as they are not all labeled correctly.
PerformanceThe CE1000M surpassed the factory's power specifications at all impedance levels. At 1 ohm, Cutting Edge rates this unit at 1,000 watts; our test revealed this amplifier to be slightly more powerful, producing 1,220 watts at 0.3% T.H.D with 14.4VDC supplied. Being Class AB, the CE1000M produced 1,000 watts over the audio bandwidth of 20-20kHz, unlike many of its Class D counterparts.
The slew rate, about 13 volts/S was a bit slow for a full range amp. However, slow slew rates should not affect an amplifier's performance when used for bass, so you could safely ignore this number for subwoofer applications.
With regard to our reactive load test this amp passed with ease; it drove all of our nasty reactive loads without a hint of instability. While inductors in the speaker path are usually required to ensure stability, the lack of them in the CE1000M did not disrupt its performance.