Thoughts on the Crown XLS amps?

joeinid

joeinid

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XLS DriveCore Series

A friend told me they are awesome, especially for the money. Anyone have/hear one?

http://www.crownaudio.com/media/storagebk/pdf/amps/XLS_Datasheet_CRO137.pdf


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I admit that I haven't heard them, but I'd be looking for a new audiophile friend! :disbelief: I don't think I could live with a fan cooled amp, and Crown's own description states that they're designed for portable PA systems. I would guess that they might be good for high powered subwoofer applications, but wouldn't expect them to compete with gear at the level that you're used to. Maybe I'll end up being proved wrong, but that's my reasonable expectation.
 
Ha! Looking for a new audiophile friend.

There's lots of buzz on audiocircle.
 
They really don't do anything wrong as they're dead neutral and the fan doesn't kick on too often. For home theater, they're really good. For 2 channel, it wouldn't cost you much to satisfy your curiosity. I will say, if you like the sound of lush tube amps, they're not for you.
 
Thanks Mike! Might be fun for a second system.
 
Ha! Budget & Joe aren't in the same postcode let alone the same room... ooooohh, did I say that out loud...hey Joe. :wave:
 
Wow, that's some serious power! I look forward to home, not pro, user feedback.


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My buddy Rex sold his Job amp after buying a Crown XLS 1500. I now have six of these amps, I bought 3-1500's and 3-2500's off of Craigslist for a total of $1050. I am thinking very hard about selling my Job amp now. I prefer the highly detail that the Crown's give me over the Job amp.
 
2500 Watts out of something that weighs 11 pounds is nothing short of remarkable.
 
ozarktom said:
My buddy Rex sold his Job amp after buying a Crown XLS 1500. I now have six of these amps, I bought 3-1500's and 3-2500's off of Craigslist for a total of $1050. I am thinking very hard about selling my Job amp now. I prefer the highly detail that the Crown's give me over the Job amp.
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Argh! Chaos ensues as tiny cheaply constructed budget PA amps prevail over flavor of the moment giant slayers. Audiophiles don't know whether to raise their fist in triumph or cower in fear at the new discovery. Paranoia and fear rain down as credit card charges ring up. The chase continues. As always. Everlasting.




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Swapping Job for a cheap class D amp? Power over quality? What happened to you guys over the change of year? Is this a zombie forum now?
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Glareskin said:
Swapping Job for a cheap class D amp? Power over quality? What happened to you guys over the change of year? Is this a zombie forum now?
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It is not about power, it i about SQ. Actually, a 25 watt amp is all I need.
 
Joe

Even though they are a few dollars more than Sweetwater, Musicians Friend and some other places, you can order one from Amazon and then have 30 days to try it out. If you don't like it send it back. I have thought about it, but.
 
What might be an interesting experiment would be to match one of these Crown XLS power amps with a high quality tubed preamp. Hmmmm.
 
In the last three months, I have found several 1500's for $150-200. I use searchtempest to find the amps on craigslist. It would be a great second amp at that price even if it does not beat your reference amp. They work great with tube preamps. I replaced the stock binding posts with Pomonas this week, and it sounds even better. With the Pomonas, there is no drilling or soldering.

These are also great sub amps.
 
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