Rotel or Outlaw

[majorloser]

I use these so I do have 12v triggers.
http://www.smarthome.com/81301/Xantech-Controlled-AC-Outlet-AC1/p.aspx

Not cheap. Even if I piggyback a few amps I would still more than one.

I don't have that much problem getting my big butt up to turn them on or off. Listening to two-channel music, turn on two. Watching movies, turn on seven.

 

[majorloser]

If Aesthetics aren't important then I can see considering one of those, but you may want to also consider heat and noise. I've heard they can very loud and very hot. This my not be an issue in your environment either, but I think it should be considered.

The A-500's don't have fans and don't even get slightly warm. One of the other mods turned me on to them a couple years back. Granted, he sugested using them in stereo mode. But I couldn't resist running them bridged.

 

[PSWii60]

It will drive about anything.

Mine powers my sub.

Damn, no wonder you have a piece of granite on top of it. I guess I would have to bolt down the 100's if I used that. It doesent mention anything in the specs for it about driving 8 ohm loads though

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The EP2500 is whisper quite after a 5 minute fan mod and it doesn't even get warm.

If Aesthetics aren't important then I can see considering one of those, but you may want to also consider heat and noise. I've heard they can very loud and very hot. This my not be an issue in your environment either, but I think it should be considered.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

It's only money man.....

Not cheap. Even if I piggyback a few amps I would still more than one.

I don't have that much problem getting my big butt up to turn them on or off. Listening to two-channel music, turn on two. Watching movies, turn on seven.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I had to also use an ART clean box which was another 45 bucks as I had a bad ground loop issue.

So factor in the cost of the XLR cables, the ART, and the XANTECH and I am at $443. The consumer level amp that would provide this power was around $4,000.

 

[PSWii60]

Those A-500's should do the trick. Damn, thats some serious power! Those would explode my Aperion 532 surrounds. I like the idea of being able to get three now for the front sound stage, and maybe getting 2 more if and when I swap out to Paradigm dipoles for surrounds. It would go easier on my bank account that way too or should I say "mine and my wifes bank account". If I buy one here and there shes less likley to notice the money dissapearing

 

[ParadigmDawg]

If you go this route, use ZZounds. They are really good at price matching the cheapest price you can find.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHEP2500

Those A-500's should do the trick. Damn, thats some serious power! Those would explode my Aperion 532 surrounds. I like the idea of being able to get three now for the front sound stage, and maybe getting 2 more if and when I swap out to Paradigm dipoles for surrounds. It would go easier on my bank account that way too or should I say "mine and my wifes bank account". If I buy one here and there shes less likley to notice the money dissapearing

 

[Soundman]

The EP2500 is whisper quite after a 5 minute fan mod and it doesn't even get warm.

ok, nice. I only mentined the fan noise and heat b/c I heard some people complaining about it. It's definitely something to consider,especially in a HT environment. But of course, I don't own one either. I just know it's something I would want to know if I were going to buy one. If they are quiet and cool after a few minutes then fine, that may be ab economical way to go.

 

[majorloser]

A bunch of us bought our A500's from American Musical Supply:

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-BEH-A500-LIST

Free shipping and 12 month warranty. They used to offer a easy payment plan, too.

 

[Soundman]

A bunch of us bought our A500's from American Musical Supply:

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-BEH-A500-LIST

Free shipping and 12 month warranty. They used to offer a easy payment plan, too.

What's really the catch to these amps being so cheap? It looks like they are designed for commercial use. Anyway, I'd like to see a pic of the inside. What class amplifier is it? What's the quality of the construction?

 

[Soundman]

I'm not trying to be too skeptical, and I know Behringer is well known and all. It's just that most of their products I'm familiar with are for musicl equipment and studio use, not home theater. I tried searching for some more detailed specs on these amps and they don't list very much information.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Here are the insides of a EP2500.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45137

What's really the catch to these amps being so cheap? It looks like they are designed for commercial use. Anyway, I'd like to see a pic of the inside. What class amplifier is it? What's the quality of the construction?

 

[bigred7078]

I hear great things abou the pro-amps. The only downside is some people complain about fan noise.

 

[majorloser]

Here's a couple threads including some tests on the Behringer A-500

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17004

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38666&highlight=a500

FYI- no fans on the A-500

 

[majorloser]

Here's an older pic of my rack

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The stock fan is loud on the EP2500 but as I said earlier, it is an $8 fix and takes 5 minutes.

I hear great things abou the pro-amps. The only downside is some people complain about fan noise.

 

[bigred7078]

The stock fan is loud on the EP2500 but as I said earlier, it is an $8 fix and takes 5 minutes.

aaah gotcha, good to know.

 

[Soundman]

Here's an older pic of my rack

Very Nice! One concern for me would be the amount of space all this would take up if buying several of them to run bridged and using 1 per channel for a full HT setup. How are they rating their power? If running it bridged into 1 channel and 8ohm, what would be the output? I've heard a couple different opinions on this after reading through that other thread on it.

 

[Soundman]

BTW, I know I've been skeptical concerning the Behringer products, but the reason I ask is b/c I'll be moving into a new house soon and setting up a dedicated HT room. Depending on room size (approx. 2,250 cu ft.) and acoustics, more power may be required for this application.