All:
I've come across what may be a seriously good amp designed for professional use at bargain prices using MODERN class D design: Crown XLS. (Some models are Crown XLS 1000, XLS 2500)..
They also have XLR and RCA inputs and programmable crossovers with digital display. Sweet. Though not the most elegant design, I can hide them if necessary.
Power for XLS1500:
775W, Stereo, 2 Ohms (per ch.); 525W, Stereo, 4 Ohms (per ch.); 300W, Stereo, 8 Ohms (per ch.); 1050W, Bridge-Mono, 8 Ohms; 1550W, Bridge-Mono, 4 Ohms;
The XLS1000 is only $229, and the better XLS1500 only $299??? For 525Watts/channel of 4 ohm slam or a still respectable 300W Stereo 8 Ohms. I could keep this amp and add another one for dual mono blocks if I also eventually get the Maggies I've been pondering.
Finally, here is an excerpt from a fellow audiophile's review with these pro amps in his home setup:
"I've been using a Crown XLS 2000 for the past 8 months to drive a pair of Tekton Lores.....do doubt its overkill from the wattage standpoint as the Lores are pretty efficient. The Crown, in conjunction with an Oppo 103 and a Parasound 2100 produces a wide and deep sound stage. The dynamics are really good with a very tight low end and smooth mids and highs."
I stumbled across these amps when reading professional reviews of the Musical Fidelity M1PWR solid state amp, with the review comparing it to his "REFERENCE" Crown XLS2500!!??
What I am looking for is more power and a deeper soundstage for my Creek Evolution 50A, rated at 55 Watts @ 8Ohm and 85Watts @4Ohm. I will be driving Epos Epic 2 speakers, rated at Amplifier compatibility: 20–120W.
So, I am expecting to get that perfect level of power I am just a little shy of currently with my Creek alone, and supposedly these have excellent sound stage depth... something I have been struggling with.
Anyone own any of the Crown XLS series for home use? Anyone audition these?
UPDATE: If I get this, I will get the XLS1500, one step up and only $299, because I have found the XLS1000 is inferior to its bigger brothers with only 97 dB SNR...
Here are signal-to-Noise specs for the XLS1500 and up:
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Rated as dBr to full rated 8Ohm power output (A-Weighted): XLS1500 > 103 dB
I find this compelling as my Creek is rated at 102 dB SNR.....hmmmmm...maybe this is a true diamond in the rough and the best amp bargain out there....it's getting exciting!
Thanks In Advance,
Ron
All:
I've come across what may be a seriously good amp designed for professional use at bargain prices using MODERN class D design: Crown XLS. (Some models are Crown XLS 1000, XLS 2500)..
They also have XLR and RCA inputs and programmable crossovers with digital display. Sweet. Though not the most elegant design, I can hide them if necessary.
Power for XLS1500:
775W, Stereo, 2 Ohms (per ch.); 525W, Stereo, 4 Ohms (per ch.); 300W, Stereo, 8 Ohms (per ch.); 1050W, Bridge-Mono, 8 Ohms; 1550W, Bridge-Mono, 4 Ohms;
The XLS1000 is only $229, and the better XLS1500 only $299??? For 525Watts/channel of 4 ohm slam or a still respectable 300W Stereo 8 Ohms. I could keep this amp and add another one for dual mono blocks if I also eventually get the Maggies I've been pondering.
Finally, here is an excerpt from a fellow audiophile's review with these pro amps in his home setup:
"I've been using a Crown XLS 2000 for the past 8 months to drive a pair of Tekton Lores.....do doubt its overkill from the wattage standpoint as the Lores are pretty efficient. The Crown, in conjunction with an Oppo 103 and a Parasound 2100 produces a wide and deep sound stage. The dynamics are really good with a very tight low end and smooth mids and highs."
I stumbled across these amps when reading professional reviews of the Musical Fidelity M1PWR solid state amp, with the review comparing it to his "REFERENCE" Crown XLS2500!!??
What I am looking for is more power and a deeper soundstage for my Creek Evolution 50A, rated at 55 Watts @ 8Ohm and 85Watts @4Ohm. I will be driving Epos Epic 2 speakers, rated at Amplifier compatibility: 20–120W.
So, I am expecting to get that perfect level of power I am just a little shy of currently with my Creek alone, and supposedly these have excellent sound stage depth... something I have been struggling with.
Anyone own any of the Crown XLS series for home use? Anyone audition these?
UPDATE: If I get this, I will get the XLS1500, one step up and only $299, because I have found the XLS1000 is inferior to its bigger brothers with only 97 dB SNR...
Here are signal-to-Noise specs for the XLS1500 and up:
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Rated as dBr to full rated 8Ohm power output (A-Weighted): XLS1500 > 103 dB
I find this compelling as my Creek is rated at 102 dB SNR.....hmmmmm...maybe this is a true diamond in the rough and the best amp bargain out there....it's getting exciting!
Thanks In Advance,
Ron