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.
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
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:
+1
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? |
@phusis Wrote:
Yes. I have the the Crown Studio Reference 1 amp on the woofers and a pair of Quicksilver silver 60 monoblock tube amps on the horns. The active crossover is a JBL 5235 with special plug in JBL crossover cards # 52-5130 designed for the JBL 4430, 4435 monitors. 😎
I agree! Mike
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