Booo. My 2ch Atmos amp died... probably.

[Verdinut]

Just checking out the asr review of the XLi 800....https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/crown-xli-800-power-amplifier-review.9420/

I've just perused the specs for the XLS1002 and, as a matter of fact, it's distortion figures are about the same as those for the XLi800. I deleted my previous post which indicated otherwise.
As mentioned by PENG, either of those or the Yamaha PX3 would be fine for Atmos channels. But for driving the front channels, the Outlaw Monoblocks have a lot less distortion than the above three.

 

[PENG]

Yeah, any of those would be overkill for the Atmos channels. If I get a powerful amp, it's going to be for the mains.

I tested the AudioSource again and it's dead. I can hear it switching inputs when I give it a signal, but nothing from the speakers. Not even a hiss and I know this thing can't have a totally silent noise floor.

If I go cheap, then the Monoprice is it. If I don't, then the Outlaw amps are going to be hard to beat. That deal @Pogre posted is great, but I'm going to have to think about it.

EDIT: Hard to not go with the Outlaw after reading this.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/outlaw-2200-m-block-amplifier-review.11403/

That Monoprice amp is so cheap, but so ugly, ymmv,. What's wrong with the Outlaw? Amir did recommend it iirc. It measured better than manufacturer's specs. You can't compare it to DACs, but to power amps it looked fine.

 

[panteragstk]

This is interesting.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/behringer-a800-stereo-amplifier-review.10499/

 

[panteragstk]

That Monoprice amp is so cheap, but so ugly, ymmv,. What's wrong with the Outlaw? Amir did recommend it iirc. It measured better than manufacturer's specs. You can't compare it to DACs, but to power amps it looked fine.

You may have misread what I posted. I said they'd be hard to beat. That means I'd be hard pressed to find something better and I need to think if I want to spend that much right now.

EDIT: Forgot to add. Yes, that monoprice is a visual disaster.

 

[lovinthehd]

I've just perused the specs for the XLS1002 and, as a matter of fact, it's distortion figures are about the same as those for the XLi800. I deleted my previous post which indicated otherwise.
As mentioned by PENG, either of those or the Yamaha PX3 would be fine for Atmos channels. But for driving the front L & R channels, the Outlaw Monoblocks have a lot less distortion than the above three.

The XLS tested at ASR had better distortion spec. Crown uses a pretty conservative spec in their literature. Altho these specs have been fine for audio use generally for a long time without issue....generally not an audibility issue.

 

[Verdinut]

EDIT: Forgot to add. Yes, that monoprice is a visual disaster.

And also is reported as having a noisy fan by several reviewers.

 

[PENG]

You may have misread what I posted. I said they'd be hard to beat. That means I'd be hard pressed to find something better and I need to think if I want to spend that much right now.

EDIT: Forgot to add. Yes, that monoprice is a visual disaster.

My apology, I read too fast, didn't see the word "not".

 

[lovinthehd]

Well that made my decision to go that route easy. I'll keep my PA amps for sub duty only.

I need to see if he's measured some other "cost effective" 2ch amps.

I've used my Crown XLS1500s on main channels, not an issue, altho I did move them over to sub duty as they were the most appropriate on hand when completing diy subs....YMMV.

 

[lovinthehd]

FWIW
Crown XLS1502 testing https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-crown-xls-1502-amp.6062/
Crown XLS2502 testing https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/crown-xls2502-stereo-amplifier-review.10627/

 

[panteragstk]

I've used my Crown XLS1500s on main channels, not an issue, altho I did move them over to sub duty as they were the most appropriate on hand when completing diy subs....YMMV.

I'll already be getting more of those crown amps when I build new subs. I'm giving some serious consideration to the Outlaw combo.

Edit: am I crazy or did the price of the xls line go up?

 

[panteragstk]

My apology, I read too fast, didn't see the word "not".

No worries. You're making this decision difficult by posting good advice.

 

[panteragstk]

And also is reported as having a noisy fan by several reviewers.

I saw that too. It'll be outside the theater so that wouldn't bug me, but I think the price is telling me that cheap options aren't going to work in the long run.

This is the first amp I've ever owned that's died. Unless you count the center channel of the Kenwood receiver I've had for 20 years.

I could just use that Kenwood...

 

[lovinthehd]

Did you check out the ASR review of the Niles amp? https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/niles-si-275-amplifier-review.12055/#post-351317

The Crown XLS gen2 certainly doesn't seem to be discounted like gen 1 often was....but think MSRP was the same.

 

[PENG]

Did you check out the ASR review of the Niles amp? https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/niles-si-275-amplifier-review.12055/#post-351317

The Crown XLS gen2 certainly doesn't seem to be discounted like gen 1 often was....but think MSRP was the same.

That's another cheap amp but likely much better than the Audiosource. Amir said it measured better than typical AVRs but that I don't see much evidence to support that comment. It did do better some such as the NAD T758.

 

[lovinthehd]

That's another cheap amp but likely much better than the Audiosource. Amir said it measured better than typical AVRs but that I don't see much evidence to support that comment. It did do better some such as the NAD T758.

Amir sneers at avrs in general tho so his comments about them....meh. This kind of performance was considered so awesome at some points in time people are even buying "vintage" receivers now and are very happy with performance that is no better.

 

[panteragstk]

Did you check out the ASR review of the Niles amp? https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/niles-si-275-amplifier-review.12055/#post-351317

The Crown XLS gen2 certainly doesn't seem to be discounted like gen 1 often was....but think MSRP was the same.

Good find on that. Might be a good stop gap until I decide to get the Outlaw amps. I can always use a good 2ch amp. Niles has always had a good rep. Found one on ebay for $135 including shipping. Not bad at all.

 

[lovinthehd]

Good find on that. Might be a good stop gap until I decide to get the Outlaw amps. I can always use a good 2ch amp. Niles has always had a good rep. Found one on ebay for $135 including shipping. Not bad at all.

While the M2200 no doubt would be nice to have if needed, $135 vs what $800? Especially right now.

 

[panteragstk]

While the M2200 no doubt would be nice to have if needed, $135 vs what $800? Especially right now.

Exactly. I got it for $144 with tax and shipping. Thanks for the help.

I'm still going to think about the Outlaw deal though. Pretty much buy two get one free. Someday.

 

[lovinthehd]

Exactly. I got it for $144 with tax and shipping. Thanks for the help.

I'm still going to think about the Outlaw deal though. Pretty much buy two get one free. Someday.

Oh a trio of M2200s is definitely attractive for $800. I guess you get a bit of a discount for just two if you ask? Don't remember seeing an offer for combo of two....

 

[KEW]

That's another cheap amp but likely much better than the Audiosource. Amir said it measured better than typical AVRs but that I don't see much evidence to support that comment. It did do better some such as the NAD T758.

Definitely better than many amps. Niles seems pretty solid and spec's this amp as stable down to 2.66 Ohms which is something you don't see on many amps (much less, inexpensive amps)!