But is it HiFi? (Crown)


Possible amplifier for my Magnepan LRS?

Today's Score! I've been intrigued by the Crown professional Class D amplifiers. I kept waiting for the XLS1502 to go on sale or maybe I could find a used one reasonably priced. New they are currently $535. Which still seems like a value. Scanning Facebook Marketplace for "Crown Amplifier" I see a photo of what looks like a Crown XLS....But it is listed as a Crown "SLC" 1502.....Fortunately there was a picture of the rear and it clearly stated on the ID tag, XLS1502.........Buyer wasn't getting much action and had it down to $200!  And only a 15 minute drive away! Interesting amplifier with huge power and built in crossover and a few other features. Although not a true HIFI product, it is getting good reviews by the YouTube review crowd. Something to play with when I get back from an extended trip I leave on this Friday.

Features

Power: 775W at 2ω, 525W at 4Ω, 300W at 8Ω

  • Class D amp with Crown's ultra-efficient DriveCore technology weighs less than 11 lb

  • Higher DSP capabilities: More control; has band pass filter per channel

  • Increased lighting functionality; turn off all LED indicators except clip and thermal to reduce distraction in dark venues

  • Selectable input sensitivity; 1.4Vrms and .775Vrms options so that amp can be driven at full power

  • Set sleep mode after specified time without having to press a button

  • Security setting disables menu buttons; menu locked/unlocked by entering combination

  • System reset allows factory settings to be restored

  • Remote power trigger

  • Peakx™ Limiters provide maximum output while protecting your speakers

  • XLR, 1/4", RCA inputs provide flexibility

  • Integrated PureBand™ Crossover System for better performance and control

  • Efficient forced-air fans prevent excessive thermal buildup

https://www.crownaudio.com/en/products/xls-1502

rbertalotto

What’s the preamp? I’ve found they are kinda sterile but with a tube preamp or something with meat on the bones they sound pretty good. 

Crown makes terrific amplifiers. They have the advantage of being bulletproof, like QSC, but they sound better. I'd jump on this were I not a tube addict.

 

Preamp is one of three....Buchardt i150, Schiit Freya or Zero Zone Conrad Johnson clone........

No need to apolgize for resorting to pro gear....If it's made with it, mastered with it, what the diff?

I've played about with them for quite awhile, as long as they do what they're supposed to without being annoying about it....wtf.... ;)

Have considered Crowns', but I'd have to start a whole new topology so later for that.  I keep options open, tho'... ;)

@ditusa wrote:

If you like the way it sounds that’s all that matters.

+1

In my opinion. The Crown Studio Reference 1 amp is the best sounding amp Crown made for reproducing audio playback. All the power you will ever need in a home hi fi rig 780 watts per channel @ 8 Ohms class AB. The Crown amplifier, is below the floor of my listening room so, the fan noise is a non issue for me. I would say the Crown Studio Reference 1 amp is, high fidelity. FWIW: I run the Crown Amp on a dedicated AC 240 volt 20 amp circuit. 😎

Mike

Definitely, the Studio Reference I/II from Crown is the best series of theirs I’ve heard, and just great solid state amps by any standard and meaningful comparison to me - be that against a Mark Levinson, Krell, Audio Research, Luxman, McIntosh or whatever.

If given efficient enough and easy-load speakers those fans don’t come to life within sane SPL’s, but when they do, however - you know they’re there for sure. One would be surprised to learn how much power low eff. and heavy (passive) filter-load speakers can suck up. A friend of mine used two bridged Ref. II’s over a pair of S.P. Tech Revelations (passively), and during fairly lengthy and SPL-intensive sessions the fans spun eagerly and very audibly.

Btw., aren’t you running your 4435’s actively, which would necessitate two stereo amps?