Crown XLS 2500 - the best amp value per dollar?

"I have never listened to a top of the line Class A amp so I can't speak to differences. If there is a "huge" difference then I have got to listen to a Class A setup to hear it for myself to justify the exponential increase in cost over the XLS."

Class A operation isn't, and shouldn't be the defining characteristic of any amp. Its just a feature. And like any feature, it has to be well implemented in order for it too sound good. Not all Class A amps sound the same. Not only that, just because an amp runs in Class A, doesn't automatically mean its the best sounding design. I've had some great sounding Class A SS amps, like Pass, but I still like my Ayre's better. Some people don't like Ayre at all, and that's OK too. Its just personal preference.

This is an old thread I started but wow has my perspective changed since then. So much so that I consider my original post bordering on disinformation and I feel obligated to correct the record.

Since I purchased the Crown XLS 2500 I have acquired some other higher fidelity amps that taught me what musicality really is and the Crown XLS 250 just does not reach even a minimal level of musicality. I just didn't know better until I compared it to the other amps I acquired all of which I bought used at great prices. Those other amps in order of purchase are Yamaha MX-1000, Yamaha B2 (Vfet aka SIT), and finally a Cary V12R Tube amp (called V12 because it has 12 EL34 tubes).

In fairness to the XLS, it probably is ok for someone who just wants to play head banging heavy metal music, or uses it as a musician playing loud live music. But in a home system where one is going to really listen to music it just does not cut it.

I am learning the same thing right now.

I have a W4S ST1000 that I thought was the cat's meow with Maggie 3.6's as the amp had the power to wake them up.

Got a pair of Thiel CS5's and the amp did not sound so good.

So in the last month I have tried a Pass x350 and a Levinson 533. Both are better than the W4S with the Pass having more texture & mellowness and the Levinson having tighter bass and cooler sound. Both capture more detail than the W4S.

I am currently auditioning a 15 year old Proceed HPA2  at half the price of the other two; and I am thinking that it has the most "live presence" and bass  of all four amps.

I thought I was having a problem with my Pass Labs X150 amp. Had some distortion on the right channel. So I decided to pull out a Crown  XLS 1000 amp I was intending to use for pro audio.  I am surprised how good this little amp sounds. Almost thought about selling the Pass amp, it is that good.
I listened to the Crown for two days and appreciated how well it presents the sound stage, imaging, nice natural warmth in the mids, bass nice and tight and clean, with a somewhat subdued high end.
Curious, I hooked up the Pass amp again to find out the little XLR copper jumper was dirty and cleaning it made the distortion go away.
After letting the Pass amp warm up again, I have to say it does sound better than the Crown.  The cymbals now have a see though quality the Crown amp tends to smear a bit.  The Pass amp had much better drive to the music (current output?).  The bass seemed fuller.  Not sure if the crown amp is just a little more detailed through the midrange, possibly.  The Crown seems a little warmer through the mids which I like, but overall the Pass is a better amp and not going into the Audiogon classifieds.  The Crown amp is spectacular for the $$$.  I don't believe you can do better for the bucks with these dollars.  I was hoping it was better than my Pass amp so I could pocket the extra change and apply those funds to more upgrades! Won't happen. I am running Eminent Technology VIII speakers with upgraded caps, a Supratek tubed preamp, and a Schiit Dac.  The rest of the system is up to par to easily identify any changes in my system.  Even power cord changes make a significant change in sound. (not to open that can of worms!)

Want better sound from Crown's XLS series amps?  Pair them with an airy-sounding tube preamp (CJ ET3).