Pro audio amp vs. residential amp


My Sim Audio (Celeste) HT-3 has taken a dump, and I can't really afford to ship it out for repairs. What are the communities thoughts on replacing it with a Pro-audio Crown xls1000 amplifier?

Sim audio p-5 pre
Cambridge DAC
Pro-Ject RM5 SE
Vonschweikert VR-4jr
bones45
Bryston amps have been raved about among home audio reviewers for years, and might be among the few brands that have successfully hurdled the "pro" vs. "home use" barrier. In recording studio use anyway...not so much in PA systems for various reasons (cost per watt, lack of internal heat dissipation fans, etc.). So, once again, Elizabeth is mistaken, and has given me another opportunity to question her sanity (I kid Lizzy...heh heh).

I know exactly what many Crown amps sound like as I've been using those and other pro amps for decades. All pro amps sound a little different, but I did recently notice when mixing a show using a cheap model of Crowns in a club (with main speakers and a mixer I was familiar with) that this particular version was less refined than other amps I'd used (QSC, older Mackie, etc.). Not much help maybe, but I own some well regarded PA amps that of course will work in a hifi, but have noisy (for home use) little fans and input level pots and stuff you may not want or need in your hifi (the Crown you mentioned is class D so is likely not running hot). Most PA amps lack the subtle tonal refinement evident in well designed home audio gear so you'll have to let your ears decide that one, but note that you could damage your audio geek credibility if you go with the Crown for hifi, so try not to mention it in forums...you've been warned!
Crown XLS series are very successfull models even for home audio. Fans will hardly ever engage for home volume levels and the noise floor is suprisingly low. Also you will have a great power drive, control, but with sacrifice to detail and transperency. It also offers balanced inputs you can use from your SIM preamp recommended.
The people who have "disparaged" the Bryston amplifiers are usually former owners or those with listening opportunities who have expressed an opinion based on their individual experiences. This is no different than any other brand, some will like what they hear and some won't. Bryston is no exception.
"Most PA amps lack the subtle tonal refinement evident in well designed home audio gear so you'll have to let your ears decide that one, but note that you could damage your audio geek credibility if you go with the Crown for hifi, so try not to mention it in forums...you've been warned!"

Just buy a $5000 power cord for it and you'll retain your audiophile street credit.