Deaf Bonce MFA-4.80 Review: Compact 80 W x 4 Class D for a First Proper Upgrade
Updated: Oct 6
The Deaf Bonce MFA-4.80 is the entry point to Deaf Bonce's Machete MFA four-channel range: a compact Class D amplifier rated at 80 W RMS x 4 into 4 ohm and 120 W x 4 into 2 ohm at 14.4 V, or 240 W x 2 bridged into 4 ohm. Its Indian MRP is ₹29,990, the lowest of the MFA four-channels we sell. It suits a first proper upgrade: a component set in the front doors and either rear speakers or a small subwoofer on the other channels. Today's price is on our MFA-4.80 product page.
Quick summary
80 W per channel into 4 ohm lines up exactly with Deaf Bonce's 80 W component sets.
Bridging two channels gives 240 W into 4 ohm for a small subwoofer alongside a front pair.
The Class D chassis measures 233 x 152 x 55 mm and weighs 1.73 kg packed.
No owner reviews or independent tests turned up when we checked in October 2026.
Deaf Bonce MFA-4.80 specifications
Specification | Deaf Bonce MFA-4.80 |
|---|---|
Type | Four-channel Class D, Machete MFA series |
RMS power at 4 ohm (14.4 V) | 80 W x 4 |
RMS power at 2 ohm (14.4 V) | 120 W x 4 |
Bridged power at 4 ohm | 240 W x 2 |
Minimum load | 2 ohm per channel, 4 ohm bridged |
Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
Input sensitivity | 0.4 – 8 V |
Filters | Low-pass and high-pass 50 Hz – 12 kHz, usable together, 12 dB/oct |
Signal-to-noise ratio | 90 dB or more |
Operating voltage | 9 – 15 V |
Terminals | 4 AWG power input, 10 AWG speaker outputs |
Dimensions (W x L x H) | 233 x 152 x 55 mm |
Weight (packed) | 1.73 kg |
India MRP | ₹29,990 |
Figures are from Deaf Bonce's MFA-4.80 page, which matches our store listing. The manual offered there is a scanned PDF we could not read, so controls beyond the spec table, such as speaker-level inputs, a bass remote input or a fuse rating, are not listed in anything we could check.
What 80 watts a channel is good for
Eighty watts per channel is a comfortable match for a 6.5-inch component set. Deaf Bonce's Machete MFC-60 and MFC-615 are both rated at 80 W RMS into 4 ohm, so the amplifier meets them exactly. The MFC-60's manual suggests an 80 Hz high-pass at 12 dB/oct, and our listing gives 60–80 Hz for the MFC-615's mid-bass drivers, both within the MFA-4.80's 50 Hz – 12 kHz filter range.
On the rear channels, a 50 W coaxial such as the Machete MFX-60 works if you keep the rear gain lower than the front; its manual suggests an 80–160 Hz high-pass with a 12 dB/oct filter. The amplifier will drive 2-ohm loads at 120 W, but with 4-ohm Deaf Bonce speakers that means two per channel, which most daily-driver installs do not need.
Front speakers plus a small subwoofer
The other common layout uses channels 1 and 2 for the front set and bridges 3 and 4 into a subwoofer. Bridged, the amplifier gives 240 W into a 4-ohm minimum. The Machete ML-10S, a 10-inch rated at 300 W RMS with dual 2-ohm coils, presents 4 ohm with its coils in series, so it receives 240 W, comfortably within its rating.
Where the filters can be set for each pair (we could not read the manual to confirm), set the bridged pair's low-pass to suit the sub and the front pair's high-pass to keep deep bass out of the doors. Deaf Bonce's spec table lists no subsonic filter or bass boost for this model. If you want those controls and more subwoofer power from one chassis, the five-channel MFA-5.1000 adds a dedicated subwoofer channel to four 80 W channels.
Power wiring, inputs and heat
Four channels at 120 W into 2 ohm add up to 480 W, a modest load next to Deaf Bonce's 1-ohm Apocalypse amplifiers. The power terminal takes 4 AWG cable, which is generous for this power level. Fuse the cable close to the battery and size the fuse to protect the wire.
Deaf Bonce lists a 0.4–8 V input sensitivity and no speaker-level input. With a factory touchscreen head unit, the Machete M6C converts speaker-level signals to line level and provides a remote turn-on output, which helps when the head unit has no remote lead. Class D runs cooler than Class AB at the same output, but give the heatsink some air, especially in a boot in May.
What owners and reviewers say about the Deaf Bonce MFA-4.80
When we checked in October 2026, we found no owner reviews or independent tests of this amplifier. Alphard Group's own Russian store lists the MFA-4.80 with the same specifications and no customer reviews, and the page at alphardaudio.us, the US dealer named on Deaf Bonce's site, had none either.
A Steve Meade Designs forum search turned up Deaf Bonce subwoofer and speaker threads, and a search for Machete MFA returned nothing. Other large review sites were not reachable for us, so we can't offer a consensus. If you have one fitted, tell us how it's going.
MFA-4.80 vs MLA-4080 and MLA-80.4XS
The cheaper Machete MLA-4080 (₹17,990 MRP) has the same 80, 120 and 240 W ratings, and its manual lists a high-level input and a 0–12 dB bass boost. It is a Class AB design, though, measuring 323 x 216 x 50 mm and 2.82 kg packed, and it needs at least 10 V against the MFA's 9 V. If price and built-in speaker-level inputs matter most, the MLA-4080 is the sensible buy; if space and efficiency matter, the MFA-4.80 is.
The tiny MLA-80.4XS (₹31,990 MRP) is another Class D four-channel at 80 W x 4 into 4 ohm and far smaller, at 151 x 83 x 35 mm, but its filters only span 40–400 Hz and it lists 85 dB signal-to-noise against the MFA-4.80's 90 dB.
Who should buy it, and who shouldn't
Buy the MFA-4.80 if you are fitting an 80 W-class component set, perhaps with rear speakers or a 10-inch sub, and you want a small Class D amplifier that is easy to hide.
Look elsewhere if you want the lowest price for this power, need speaker-level inputs built in, or plan high-power SPL mids, which call for the MFA-4.180 or larger.
Installation notes for Indian cars
The compact chassis can go under a seat or on the back of a rear seat, but measure the space before buying. Keep it clear of carpet and away from the spare-wheel well if water collects there in the monsoon. Set gains with a test tone rather than by ear, starting low on the rear channels. VA3 Car Studio in Ghaziabad offers professional installation and can make door baffles or a subwoofer box to suit.
Price and where to buy
The Deaf Bonce MFA-4.80 carries an MRP of ₹29,990. VA3 Car Studio often sells below MRP, so check the current price on our Machete MFA-4.80 product page. Every amplifier we sell is a genuine Deaf Bonce product.
The bottom line
The MFA-4.80 is a tidy, sensibly rated four-channel that matches Deaf Bonce's 80 W component sets and can bridge into a small sub. The Class AB MLA-4080 offers the same ratings for less, so the MFA's case rests on its compact Class D chassis. With no owner reviews yet, judge it on that.
Deaf Bonce MFA-4.80 FAQ
Can the Deaf Bonce MFA-4.80 run a subwoofer?
Yes. Bridge two channels and it delivers 240 W into 4 ohm, enough for a 300 W-rated 10-inch such as the Machete ML-10S with its dual 2-ohm coils in series. No subsonic filter or bass boost is listed.
Will the MFA-4.80 work with a factory head unit?
Speaker-level inputs are not listed, so add a line-output converter such as the Machete M6C, which converts the factory speaker signal to line level and provides a remote turn-on output.
What is the difference between the MFA-4.80 and the MLA-4080?
They share the same power ratings. The MLA-4080 is Class AB, cheaper and larger, and its manual lists a high-level input and bass boost; the MFA-4.80 is a smaller, lighter Class D design.
Buy Deaf Bonce Amplifiers in India
You can buy the Deaf Bonce Machete MFA-4.80 4-Channel Class D Amplifier 80W online from VA3 Car Studio with pan-India shipping. See more Deaf Bonce amplifiers, compare other multi-channel amplifiers, or book amplifier installation in Ghaziabad.
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