Multi channel amp solution for full active setup

[annunaki]

So I am going to do a full active DIY setup in my home. I need 10 channels of power however (two per channel) to accomplish this. Crossover duties will be handled by the DCX2496.

I need about 50 watts rms minimum x 10 at 8ohms. The amplifier(s) should have level adjustment as well.

I am open to new or used, multiple amplifiers or just one. I am looking to keep the cost on this project low if possible.

I currently have a Beghringer A500 that I could use as part of my setup to drive the woofers for the mains, so 8 channels are all that is 100% necessary.

I had looked into the Niles SI-1260 as an option, but it is quite pricey.

Any other ideas or suggestions?

 

[JerryLove]

I don't know if I can get you there but perhaps I can get you started (thinking out-loud).

A good base-line might be the Yamaha P2500S? That would be $2100 for 5. It would meet all your goals, but have more power than you need so perhaps we can get less expensive.

Hrm. There are a decent number of 5-channel amps (2x Emotiva XPA-5 would be cheap), but both level control and pro-in (the Behringer is balanced out yes?) make it more complex.

How much level adjustment do you need? Your cheapest option may be a decent AVR (well two) with 5-channel inputs. You could use the speaker level adjust to match volumes.

I don't like it as it's kludgey, but it should work (once you convert the balanced inputs).

*sigh* I'll let you know if I get a better idea. See if you can find some cheap Yamaha P 1500S's on ebay?

 

[bandphan]

The Speakercraft 12 channel seems to go for $4-500 less than the niles. B&K's will cost about the same as the niles.
Russsound, Knoll, Channel Vision and others seem to be the $800 range.

 

[JerryLove]

The Speakercraft 12 channel seems to go for $4-500 less than the niles. B&K's will cost about the same as the niles.
Russsound, Knoll, Channel Vision and others seem to be the $800 range.

At least on the speakercraft: there doesn't seem to be a level adjustment. Do the others?

 

[zumbo]

How about a 12-channel Sonance?

http://electronics.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=sonance+1250&_sacat=14970&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=sonance&_osacat=14970

Russound 8-channel.

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Russound-R850MC-8-Channel-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ190310838818QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c4f68f222

 

[zumbo]

Russound 12-channel.

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Russound-R1250MC-Amp-12-Channel-1599-MSRP_W0QQitemZ190297720785QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c4ea0c7d1

 

[annunaki]

Thanks for the replies so far!

I know it sounds unrealistic, but I would like to keep the cost under $600.00 if possible. The cosmetically damaged Sonance amp is on my watch list.

Even if I have to piece this together with identical 2 channel amps that would be fine too.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thanks for the replies so far!

I know it sounds unrealistic, but I would like to keep the cost under $600.00 if possible. The cosmetically damaged Sonance amp is on my watch list.

Even if I have to piece this together with identical 2 channel amps that would be fine too.

In that case why not some more of that A500? Four more and you are about there price wise, if you have the space. I think someone else has a number of them in their setup, perhaps in a bridged mode though for them.

 

[WmAx]

Since you are not prepared to spend the dollars for my standard recommendations(Yamaha Pxx00S series amplifiers).....

Annukai, here is my suggestion after careful thinking: Get all matching amps: used late 1980's era Adcom. Get GFA-535, 545 and 555... depending on what power you need. They go for great prices, and are of very high build quality and produce 20% or more power than they are rated for. They look nice, too. I would stick with the original ones, too, not the 'II' series. Typically the 'II' sereis sell for a little more, for no good reason IMO. The originals are designed by Nelson Pass, and have superb performance. The 'II' were 'tinkered' with by Adcom, frankly just to be able to say they 'improved' them to market them longer. But that's just marketing talk; don't expect any real improvements over Pass's designs. I used the 555 for years on a 2 Ohm subwoofer pair for HT use - and they performed flawlessly at high SPLs.

True, they have no level controls. But I recommend making some short custom cables using a mini L network in each cable using 2 little 1% metal resistors in each adapter cable, or using some 25-50K high quality mini pots in a small enclosure, using short cables. Use the rated circuit impedances and calculate a 10dB attenuation. Or you can use the Harrison Labs premade ones from parts express.. but this will cost more than making your own. I have used both of these tecniques, and it works perfectly. You need the attenuation capability to reduce input to the Adcom RCA inputs from the DCX pro level outputs. The built in output level adjusters in the DCX are not likely to be satisfactory - you will end up with hiss/noise.

-Chris

 

[bandphan]

At least on the speakercraft: there doesn't seem to be a level adjustment. Do the others?

The speakercraft does have level adjustments for all channels.
AMP12065: BB1265 Shelf Top
AMP12065-R: BB1265 w/ Rack Mount
65 Watts Per Channel RMS
Independent Level Controls for Each Channel
Each Channel Can Be Set to Left, Right or Mono of the Bus, Aux Inputs or it's Own Dedicated Input
Adjoining Channels are Bridgeable
Remote Power-On Switching Via Signal Sensing or 3-30V AC/DC Trigger
Separate Protection Circuitry for Each Channel
12V Control Output for Switching Auxiliary Devices On and Off
Pass Through Output Allows Daisy-Chaining of Multiple Amplifiers
5-way Binding Posts
5U High
Standard Model Dimensions: (H x W x D) 8 3⁄4"* x 17"* x 17 5⁄8"** (222 mm x 432 mm x 448 mm)
Weight: 71 lbs. (32.2kg)

The Knoll and Channel Vision do also. Almost all of the multi-channel custom install amps do

 

[MidnightSensi]

The speakercraft does have level adjustments for all channels.
AMP12065: BB1265 Shelf Top
AMP12065-R: BB1265 w/ Rack Mount
65 Watts Per Channel RMS
Independent Level Controls for Each Channel
Each Channel Can Be Set to Left, Right or Mono of the Bus, Aux Inputs or it's Own Dedicated Input
Adjoining Channels are Bridgeable
Remote Power-On Switching Via Signal Sensing or 3-30V AC/DC Trigger
Separate Protection Circuitry for Each Channel
12V Control Output for Switching Auxiliary Devices On and Off
Pass Through Output Allows Daisy-Chaining of Multiple Amplifiers
5-way Binding Posts
5U High
Standard Model Dimensions: (H x W x D) 8 3⁄4"* x 17"* x 17 5⁄8"** (222 mm x 432 mm x 448 mm)
Weight: 71 lbs. (32.2kg)

The Knoll and Channel Vision do also. Almost all of the multi-channel custom install amps do

I've used this amplifier for install applications, works well for the money, but I wouldn't expect it to run a home theater at reference well. It's just not designed for that, especially the power supply. It's very well built, but it is made for background music. They are great for what they are designed for, driving program music at moderate levels to a lot of locations. They are very configurable, well built for the money, but, the power supply isn't designed for anything more than a small home theater.

For a home theater look into something with a beafy power supply like a Crest CM 2208. It is out of your budget right now, but, perhaps with a bit more savings you'd be a happier camper with the final result.

Also, does that Behringer have enough IO's to handle a whole active home theater or do you plan on using multiple? If so, maybe consider a dbX with enough IO's in one box and HiQ SystemArchitect

 

[WmAx]

DCX has 3 inputs and 6 outputs. One needs at least 2 for all HT channels.

The DCX is scalable. One connects any number of additional units in a chain, and the 1st one is the master controller.

-Chris

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Doesn't the DCX have level output adjustments? If so, why isn't that sufficient? Home amps with gain controls are hard to come by.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[annunaki]

I've used this amplifier for install applications, works well for the money, but I wouldn't expect it to run a home theater at reference well. It's just not designed for that, especially the power supply. It's very well built, but it is made for background music. They are great for what they are designed for, driving program music at moderate levels to a lot of locations. They are very configurable, well built for the money, but, the power supply isn't designed for anything more than a small home theater.

For a home theater look into something with a beafy power supply like a Crest CM 2208. It is out of your budget right now, but, perhaps with a bit more savings you'd be a happier camper with the final result.

Also, does that Behringer have enough IO's to handle a whole active home theater or do you plan on using multiple? If so, maybe consider a dbX with enough IO's in one box and HiQ SystemArchitect

I do not need anything the size of the Crest for this project. I am using this for my living room/theater/surround system.

60 watts rms per channel will give me nearly 130 watts rms per speaker. That is plenty for the levels I usually an using equipment.

When I build a reference pair of speakers I will go bigger for amplification.

I will be adding an additional Behringer DCX for this system.