Amp Advice

[RON808]

I have no intention of taking away the 7100, still rocking after 16 years and hopefully more years. If ever, I'll sell the emotiva basx a-150 and move amp assignments. the class d amp just happens to be around so it is tasked the rear heights. I got it from amazon for $70 a while back.

The Crown xls1502 looks promising except for the fact that it does not have a 12v trigger, not good for a multi amp setup.
definitely

 

[lovinthehd]

I have no intention of taking away the 7100, still rocking after 16 years and hopefully more years. If ever, I'll sell the emotiva basx a-150 and move amp assignments. the class d amp just happens to be around so it is tasked the rear heights. I got it from amazon for $70 a while back.

The Crown xls1502 looks promising except for the fact that it does not have a 12v trigger, not good for a multi amp setup.
definitely

There is a trigger mechanism on the XLS gen 2 amps, but it's a bit different than most consumer type amp triggers, but you can build something to make it work. Search for a diy solution, they're out there. Personally with my gen 1 XLS amps (without such trigger option) I just use a smart power strip keyed to the avr on/off.

 

[PENG]

It's already being driven by an Outlaw multichannel amp.

I realize that but he's asking for suggestion for an amp to drive the center channel. I assume he wants a more powerful amp than the Outlaw 7100 that is only rated 100 W. And I suggested the M2220 only if he really want (not necessarily need) an amp for the center.

 

[PENG]

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I like the review by Gene and Hugo of the Outlaw 5000. That's how it got into my radar.

****

I thought they liked it due to the low price. That amp did not measure well on the bench, definitely worse than the AVR's only amps, just more powerful, obviously.

 

[Verdinut]

I have no intention of taking away the 7100, still rocking after 16 years and hopefully more years. If ever, I'll sell the emotiva basx a-150 and move amp assignments. the class d amp just happens to be around so it is tasked the rear heights. I got it from amazon for $70 a while back.

The Crown xls1502 looks promising except for the fact that it does not have a 12v trigger, not good for a multi amp setup.
definitely

You can order the following trigger switch. I used one in the past which worked pretty well but gave it away since I no longer needed it:

Amazon.com: XANTECH AC1 Controlled AC Outlet (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Home Audio & Theater

Amazon.com: XANTECH AC1 Controlled AC Outlet (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Home Audio & Theater

www.amazon.com

 

[RON808]

You can order the following trigger switch. I used one in the past which worked pretty well but gave it away since I no longer needed it:

Amazon.com: XANTECH AC1 Controlled AC Outlet (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Home Audio & Theater

Amazon.com: XANTECH AC1 Controlled AC Outlet (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Home Audio & Theater

www.amazon.com

Crown XLS1502 DIY Mod
I read that thread in the crown tech support forum and it looks complicated. I don't have soldering skills and my vision is no longer there. However, the smart power strip is a good alternative. Perhaps I'll just tell alexa to turn on the plug to turn on the xls1502 on.

XLS1502: When you put your ears near the speaker, is there any audible distracting hum or hiss during quiet passages?

there is a good thread in the audioholics forum about crown amplifiers last march 28, 2013.

Crown amplifiers vs. other amps in the audiophile world

Guys, the forum on whether or not amps sound the same or different got me seriously wondering about Crown amps. I've never heard Class A or Class I topology-based amps. In audiophile circles, Crown amps are immediately dismissed and then when you ask if the person has actually auditioned a...

forums.audioholics.com

Crown amps have high value (price/performance) - a very enticing proposition. Unlike the Crown, I don't have gobs of $.

 

[lovinthehd]

I've been using smart power strips with my Crowns for many years now; I have four XLS1500s and more recently also added a 2502, right now four of them on one strip, two for subs, two are powering my mains. The smart plug via Alexa could be interesting altho personally I don't want to talk to my appliances....

With higher sensitivity speakers you may get some hiss if you put your ears up to the speaker I suppose, I do remember one guy with super high sensitivity horns complained of too much hiss but his horns were crazy 109dB sensitivity or so. As a quick test, just turned mine up to ref level (Denon 4520 for pre) on a 2502 hooked up to JBL 590s (rated 92dB sensitivity) and no hiss on the bluray input both with nothing playing on the player as well as with the player off altogether.

Amir at audiosciencereview.com has tested both the 1502 and 2502, fwiw.

 

[RON808]

I've been using smart power strips with my Crowns for many years now; I have four XLS1500s and more recently also added a 2502, right now four of them on one strip, two for subs, two are powering my mains. The smart plug via Alexa could be interesting altho personally I don't want to talk to my appliances....

With higher sensitivity speakers you may get some hiss if you put your ears up to the speaker I suppose, I do remember one guy with super high sensitivity horns complained of too much hiss but his horns were crazy 109dB sensitivity or so. As a quick test, just turned mine up to ref level (Denon 4520 for pre) on a 2502 hooked up to JBL 590s (rated 92dB sensitivity) and no hiss on the bluray input both with nothing playing on the player as well as with the player off altogether.

Amir at audiosciencereview.com has tested both the 1502 and 2502, fwiw.

Thanks. That is so convincing. Now I'm leaning towards Crown XLS1502, at least one unit. Is it wise to bridge XLS1002 ro run the Paradigm center?

I'll check out that review by Amir.

Seriously, why do I get the feeling that most responders in this thread have negative opinion of Emotiva? I'm intrigued.

 

[lovinthehd]

Gene had some of their flagship amps that needed repair and Emotiva couldn't/wouldn't. They've had various other issues over the years, they're just of limited appeal to me. I'd stick with the 15xx and above models for XLS, just to get the slightly better SNR spec than the 10xx models. I avoid bridging if I can but the XLS will still be capable of 4 ohm loads if bridged....

 

[RON808]

Gene had some of their flagship amps that needed repair and Emotiva couldn't/wouldn't. They've had various other issues over the years, they're just of limited appeal to me. I'd stick with the 15xx and above models for XLS, just to get the slightly better SNR spec than the 10xx models. I avoid bridging if I can but the XLS will still be capable of 4 ohm loads if bridged....

Emotiva: That's not so comforting. I'll keep that in mind. Glad I was able to sell my emotiva umc preamp last year. now i have to sell my basx a-150.
crown: i was able to read the thread on audiosciencereview of the xls1502. interesting. very technical, though. according to the thread higher linear voltage is better. so, 2002 or 2502 is advisable but 1502 would work just fine.

 

[lovinthehd]

Emotiva: That's not so comforting. I'll keep that in mind. Glad I was able to sell my emotiva umc preamp last year. now i have to sell my basx a-150.
crown: i was able to read the thread on audiosciencereview of the xls1502. interesting. very technical, though. according to the thread higher linear voltage is better. so, 2002 or 2502 is advisable but 1502 would work just fine.

For the XLS, just sometimes the extra power for so little $$ is a good thing . I wouldn't necessarily dump any Emotiva gear (then again I put old gear to new uses, sort of the trickle down effect that actually works ).