Help with SVS amp decision--how much do I need?

CollinMorphew · 01-13-2004, 07:22 PM

Hi everyone!

It's been awhile since I posted and in that timeframe I've forgotten what I originally wanted to do!

Anyway, I have an SVS 16-38 that I bought from a fellow HTF'er. I wanted to buy an amp as well but had some other things come up and I never purchased an amp for the sub. I have the sub currently connectod to and ADCOM and gets 100 watts. With that, it sounds pretty good but I know I am not maximizing the ability.

Any suggestions on brand and/or watts that I should/could run to the sub? I've been really happy with ADCOM and run the rest of my 6.1 set up through them.

Thanks for any and all assistance/suggestions!

Paul_A · 01-13-2004, 08:35 PM

I was going to ask the same question. I have a 20-39CS, and I am only running it on 80 watts. It sounds great, but there have been a few instances where I have noticed that it gets a little choked up, or the low notes in music aren't as powerful as they should be.

I think I will get the Samson S-700 since it fits the 20-39CS perfectly, but I was hoping to find a used one.

TanT · 01-13-2004, 09:04 PM

I've heard good thing about the NADY XA-900.

Google it and you shall see.

Edward J M · 01-13-2004, 09:43 PM

QSC from Power Alley.

steve nn · 01-13-2004, 10:11 PM

http://www.poweralley.com/rmx850.htm

**HTF Ads**

Paul_A · 01-14-2004, 12:02 AM

I checked on the NADY XA-900, and musiciansfriend is selling it for only $180. The specs are listed on the site as 340W/ch @ 4 ohms, but the manual says it is only 300 @ 4 ohms. Would running the XA-900 bridged be harmful? Seems to me like it would, but I'm still learning. I also checked the NADY SPA 850, which is rated on the site and in the manual at 2 x 350W @ 4 ohms, and it is only about $40 more.

Would I be better off going with the NADY XA-900 or the SPA 850 than with the Samson S-700? The lowest I have found the Samson is $340, which is $120 more than the SPA 850. This extra $120 could be used to purchase something like the BFD. The only advantage I can see that the Samson has over the Nadys is a better look, but when an amp is in a closet, you don't really see it that much.

Thanks for your help!

Mike Gl · 01-14-2004, 05:02 AM

There are many options you may want to consider. Be aware that some AV receivers or preamps will not drive pro power amps to their full capability without a boost in the LFE signal.

Zzounds.com has attractive pricing on a number of pro power amps. For example, the Crown XLS402A Stereo Power Amplifier with 400 watts into 4 ohms is $330 shipped.

If you are interested in a used amp, eBay often has used equipment at attractive prices. For example, there was a Samson S1000 for $200 buy it now recently. Always check the seller's feedback.

Partsexpress.com (also on eBay) offers subwoofer amps. They offer a 250 watt amp for $128 or a 500 watt amp for under $300 each with some additional features.

CollinMorphew · 01-14-2004, 08:38 AM

Thanks for all the responses--for both and myself. Paul brought up one point I was wondering as well--I believe the SVS handles a maximum of 350 watts at 4 ohms--is that correct? (if anyone knows).

With that, I like some of these suggestions and will check them out. I don't think you're going to damage your sub running 400 watts at standard/reference levels--you would have to really be pushing it to do any damage. Is that correct?

Mike_Skeway · 01-14-2004, 10:36 AM

You should be fine with an amp slightly bigger than the stated watts of the sub.

As for pro amps, the line level is different between consumer and pro gear. I use all pro gear amps in my system. I use an Ebtech Line Level Shifter to step up the level from -10dBV (consumer gear) to +4dBu (pro gear). You can go with out, but your pro amp will not be receiving the needed line level voltage. when mixing consumer and pro gear it is always a good idea to use some sort of line level shifter.

Paul_A · 01-15-2004, 08:18 PM

I was checking around and I found the Rythmik Audio 350 at acoustic-visions. Has anyone had any experience with this plate amp? It looks like the best way to go since I don't want to have to worry about the line level if I use a pro amp.