Amp thoughts

[ahblaza]

Hello to all,
I just wanted to throw this out there, I try to ask the gurus here before I do anything, well almost everything. I bought a new Onkyo M-282 amp because when I bought my 809 it was like a package add on and got a fairly good deal on it. It's still in the box unused. Regardless of speakers being driven I can get a good deal on a pro amp new, Crown XLS1500. Should I sell the M-282 and get the XLS1500 or keep the M-282? Like I said don't base your reco's on speakers that will be driven by either amp. I've always wanted to try a pro amp and that's really the only reason to do so. Your impressions will be greatly appreciated, you too ADTG
Cheers Jeff

 

[Irvrobinson]

These amps aren't comparable in any way. I'd rather have the Crown in my system over the Onkyo on every decision vector.

 

[avnetguy]

I've always wanted to try a pro amp and that's really the only reason to do so.

Do you need any other reason(s) other than you've always wanted to try it?

Steve

 

[ahblaza]

Do you need any other reason(s) other than you've always wanted to try it?

Steve

Steve, no just like to have it, price is right, have no experience with class D and a 10 lb amp, price is only available for a couple more days.

 

[ahblaza]

These amps aren't comparable in any way. I'd rather have the Crown in my system over the Onkyo on every decision vector.

Irv, me too, I just needed to hear that

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well, you have my blessing.

The 1500 is 300wpc 8 ohms. Get it.

2 things on the Crown amp.

1st, remove those plastic plugs that cover the speaker posts for the bananas. Use a mini flat screwdriver.

2nd, you'll need to turn the gain level to about 75-80%. Otherwise, your volume will be very low.

 

[slipperybidness]

Well, you have my blessing.

2nd, you'll need to turn the gain level to about 75-80%. Otherwise, your volume will be very low.

Why not 100%?

 

[ahblaza]

Well, you have my blessing.

The 1500 is 300wpc 8 ohms. Get it.

2 things on the Crown amp.

1st, remove those plastic plugs that cover the speaker posts for the bananas. Use a mini flat screwdriver.

2nd, you'll need to turn the gain level to about 75-80%. Otherwise, your volume will be very low.

Thanks Brother, I was waiting for your approval, I will be ordering after this post. Gain @ 75-80 OK, why not 100 as slip says above, may induce some noise @100% ? I know you're familiar with the XLS's and I respect your opinion, I like your no nonsense approach, GET IT.
Jeff

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Why not 100%?

Because I'm 100%!

Everyone else can be 75%.

100% is fine with me. But you would probably have to lower the speaker channel level on the AVR.

So it's like matching the AVR level to the amp level.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks Brother, I was waiting for your approval, I will be ordering after this post. Gain @ 75-80 OK, why not 100 as slip says above, may induce some noise @100% ? I know you're familiar with the XLS's and I respect your opinion, I like your no nonsense approach, GET IT.
Jeff

No more noise at 100% than at 50% gain level. Just a matter of matching the level between the amp and the AVR.

For example, if you have 5 speakers and a sub all at 75dB, and you use the XLS1500 for only the front main LR, and the AVR powers the other 3 speakers, all the channel levels will now have to be calibrated again. Setting the XLS1500 at 100% will probably force you to lower the speaker channel levels for the front LR in order to match the 75dB level.

 

[avnetguy]

I copied down my level settings before installing the amp for the LR mains. Then I adjusted the amps attenuators to get the center and surround as close as possible (+/- 0.5db) to the previous values. Basically I level matched the new amp to the AVR amp and that's it so it really doesn't matter where you start off but 80% or so should put you close.

Steve

 

[ahblaza]

I copied down my level settings before installing the amp for the LR mains. Then I adjusted the amps attenuators to get the center and surround as close as possible (+/- 0.5db) to the previous values. Basically I level matched the new amp to the AVR amp and that's it so it really doesn't matter where you start off but 80% or so should put you close.

Steve

That really puts it in perspective, it's all about matching levels in both AVR and outboard amp. Thanks Steve

 

[ahblaza]

No more noise at 100% than at 50% gain level. Just a matter of matching the level between the amp and the AVR.

For example, if you have 5 speakers and a sub all at 75dB, and you use the XLS1500 for only the front main LR, and the AVR powers the other 3 speakers, all the channel levels will now have to be calibrated again. Setting the XLS1500 at 100% will probably force you to lower the speaker channel levels for the front LR in order to match the 75dB level.

Got you brother, thanks

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Last night I hooked the Crown XLS2500 to my dual RBH subs. Set the Crown gain to 100%. To achieve the usual 75dB SPL, I have to reduce the Denon speaker channel level of the sub to -12.0.

So I bet setting the Crown gain to 100% is equivalent to an amp gain of at least 28dB. Maybe 34dB.

 

[DS-21]

1st, remove those plastic plugs that cover the speaker posts for the bananas. Use a mini flat screwdriver.

Or just use a modern speaker connector that's a serious part and not a Rube Goldberg kludge like bananas...

 

[mike c]

has this crown amp ever been bench tested? (if it's rated wattage was 'accurate')

 

[Irvrobinson]

has this crown amp ever been bench tested? (if it's rated wattage was 'accurate')

For some brands I'd wonder as you do, but for over 40 years Crown has been beyond reproach on specs.

 

[mike c]

For some brands I'd wonder as you do, but for over 40 years Crown has been beyond reproach on specs.

http://www.avsforum.com/t/855865/measuring-amplifiers


edit: the K and XS series is ok ... the Xti might not be that good.

-0-

to the guys that have this amp, is there a voltage switch at the back? 110 to 240?