Help with SVS amp decision--how much do I need? (1 Viewer)

[CollinMorphew]

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]

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]

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

Google it and you shall see.

 

[Edward J M]

QSC from Power Alley.

 

[steve nn]

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

 

[Paul_A]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Chris Sherman]

I have had good luck with the Outlaw M200 monoblock and like the conveniece of the auto on feature as well as no fan, it's 300 watts into 4 ohms. I have previously tried a Marantz monoblock, a Fidek pro amp and a Carver M-1. I find it takes around 200 watts to really take advantage of the CSi driver IMHO.

 

[Mark gas]

for info on teh Rythmik Audio 350 check the DIY section. From what I have read it is a realy good amp.

 

[Wayne Ernst]

If anyone lives near a Guitar Center, they are having a clearance sale that ends on January 31, 2004. Their prices are comparable to most Web vendors. The only exception would be state sales taxes. If you live in a state where you have to pay higher sales taxes, then you might order it on-line.

However, the prices I saw were:

QSC 850: $299 - this is their everyday price.

Crown XLS402: This was on sale @ $329. I'm not sure of the regular price.

The salesperson that I spoke with, recommended the QSC over the Crown because the XLS series from Crown was made quite a bit cheaper - in his opinion.

 

[steve nn]

One thing that comes to mind Collin is that you might want to go dual in the future?? The QSC is built like a tank and can take a 2 ohm load off of each side and still not clip. Thats four subs!> Two off of each channel. It will not have the options that the rythmik will but that can also be covered for a modest price if you need it. Just a thought and I'm sure you will consider the whole pic in your decision. Which ever way you go you will be sitting good.

 

[Chuck Schilling]

Here ya go...all the power even the most rabid, power-hungry geek could want:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=23787

 

[Sebastian]

If you are on a budget I second the Rythmik amp from acoustic visions. Contact Kyle, he will take care of you.
I am thinking on buying one to power my AV-12.