Crown XLX amps? (1 Viewer)

[RichardHOS]

[edit]oops, that should have read XLS :b [/edit]
[edit]added Crest Audio options[/edit]

Does anyone have any experience with the new Crown XLS series amps (the new 2U chassis)?

Like many people, I suppose, I've been scouring the web looking at different options for bass amplification. I ran across these, and they look promising. The specs all look pretty decent, and it has a good, clean look (something I can't say for many prosound amps) - I wouldn't be ashamed for this one to be seen.

I'm wondering about fan noise - didn't see any specs on that, but pics do show that it has two large fans in the rear, and uses a front to rear flow direction.

http://www.crownaudio.com/pdf/amps/135738.pdf

As far as price, I'm looking at 4 ohm operation at the moment, and here are some of the contenders:

Crown XLS402, 400W x 2, $300 from PE, $.375 per watt
Carvin DCM1000, 350W x 2, $360 direct, $.514 per watt
Carvin DCM1204, 300W x 4, $470 direct, $.392 per watt
QSC RMX 850, 300W x 2, $300 online, $.500 per watt
QSC PLX 1202, 325 x 2, $600 online, $.923 per watt
Crest Audio CPX900, 300 x 2, $350 online, $.583 per watt
Crest Audio Vs650, 325 x 2, $580 online, $.892 per watt

and some more powerful contenders:

QSC PLX 3402, 1100W x 2, $1200 online, $.545 per watt
QSC MX3000a, 1200W x 2, $2600 online, $1.08 per watt
Crown K2, 800W x 2, $1400 online, $.875 per watt
Crest Audio CA12, 1200W x 2, $1700 online, $.708 per watt

All of these options will give me between 200 and 400 watts per sub... most 300 to 350 (K2 is pulling up the rear here). Ironically, the Crown XLS402 is one of the cheapest solutions (I'd need four... a pair of the Carvin DCM1204's comes in quite a bit cheaper, with the XLS tied with the RMX850 and PLX3402 for second), although it gives the highest raw power.

So... anyone used one? It looks comparable to the RMX or Carvin models as far as specs go, but with pretty nice pricing. Are they noisy (fan and/or sound)? Run hot? Burn up in a week? Leak oil?

 

[Karl_Luph]

Alot of folks swear by Crown and QSC amps and then others swear at some other brands lol! Did you happen to check out Crest Audio Professional amps?

 

[Jim_F]

If you decide you like the Carvin DCM1000, come see me in Hardware for Sale/Trade

 

[RichardHOS]

Thanks for pointing out the Crest amps... I hadn't run across them yet. I really like the way the Crest Vs amps look. Too bad they're a bit pricier.

Crown and Carvin really have the value going... especially when you consider that Crown XLS and Carvin DCM1000's come up used farily often (as do the QSC amps). The QSC PLX3402 has some nice specs, but I think I have a mental block against one amplifier being responsible for that much power output.

 

[John-Tompkins]

Im using a crown xls402 right now. Im powering a pair of nht b5 bass modules in parelell on one channel and Ive got an svs 20-39 plus on the way for the other channel..

Its fans are too noisy to put in the same room so I have it in another room. It does run cool however. For the price I got it for brand new with a 3 year no fault transferable warranty I cant complain..400 watts @ 4 ohms for 280.00

 

[Chu Gai]

If you've got a "guitar center" around you Richard, you can give them a call and maybe check them out in person.

 

[Randy Haines]

I use a Crown K2 for my subs. By the way, it's 500 watts @ 8 ohms and 750 @ 4 ohms output. there is no fan noise. I have mine rack mounted and it is quiet and has plenty of oomph for powering both of my subs. If you want a little less power and want it quiet, then check out the Crown K1 which is 350 watts @ 8 ohms. Being a pro engineer, I use Crown gear all the time and appreciate the reliability and just the pure balls they have. Crest is also great stuff. Hey, this is pro gear. If you're looking for stuff that looks homogenous, then stay with consumer gear not pro stuff.

 

[John H]

By the way, it's 500 watts @ 8 ohms and 750 @ 4 ohms output.

My K2 manual and Crowns website states the amp is rated at 800w per ch @ 4 ohms.

 

[alan halvorson]

Richard: I believe Parts Express sells the QSC PLX3402 for something like $1,050, and I found one dealer that sells it for less than $1,000. This amp would be my choice were I to replace mine (a Crown Macro Reference, 760 watts/channel). There's no such thing as too much power!

 

[RichardHOS]

John... can you PM me as to where you found the XLX402 for that price?

Alan, thanks for the heads up on the QSC prices at PE, I hadn't noticed that before.

To clarify, the choice would be a single K2 or PLX3402 vs. four of the Carvin DCM1000's, Crest CX900's, or Crown XLS402's.

 

[Randy Haines]

John,

Upon checking K2 my manual, you are correct. My memory is obviously gone, victim of excessive volume.

 

[Randy Haines]

I guess my sense of grammar is also gone after seeing my last post. Or my dyslexia is flaring again........

 

[anth_c]

What about the Samson S1000 as recommended by SVS?

 

[RichardHOS]

OK, here's how the appropriate Samson amps compare:

S500, 250 x 2, $300 at zzsounds, $.600 per watt.
S700, 350 x 2, $340 at zzsounds, $.486 per watt.
F800, 400 x 2, $300 at zzsounds, $.375 per watt.
Servo550, 275 x 2, 300 at zzsounds, $.545 per watt.

Lots and lots of choices!

 

[RichardHOS]

To complicate things further, and since I'm a DIY kinda guy, has anyone ever made one of Rod Elliot's 300W sub amps?

If so, how was the performance, and what would you estimate as the cost for building one of them?