How do I test an EP2500?

[GO-NAD!]

A guy who lives near me is selling an EP2500, which he says is in mint condition. I don't have my subs completed yet, so I can't simply install it, plug it in and functionally test it. Should I be satisfied with a visual inspection and if I just switch it on and the fan comes on?

With a visual inspection is there anything in particular that I should look for?

Plus, I have a multimeter, so are there any electrical checks that I should do?

Thanks for any advice forthcoming.

 

[markw]

Assuming you're picking it up, you could ask to hear it in operation in one of his existing systems.

 

[GO-NAD!]

Assuming you're picking it up, you could ask to hear it in operation in one of his existing systems.

I asked about that, but he's already sold his mixing board and speakers, so can't demonstrate it.

 

[tcarcio]

If you know any musicians or Dj's you could ask them to test it for you.

 

[GO-NAD!]

If you know any musicians or Dj's you could ask them to test it for you.

No, I don't.

 

[mike c]

i'm sure this guy has speakers. connect it to his speakers, get some source to connect directly (ipod, dvd player, cd player, etc.) to the amp inputs (don't forget to lower the two gain knobs to the minimum) then turn knob slowly up.

[the ep2500 only accepts balanced inputs or 1/4" trs connectors]

if he still doesn't want to do this, buy a new one.

 

[GO-NAD!]

i'm sure this guy has speakers. connect it to his speakers, get some source to connect directly (ipod, dvd player, cd player, etc.) to the amp inputs (don't forget to lower the two gain knobs to the minimum) then turn knob slowly up.

[the ep2500 only accepts balanced inputs or 1/4" trs connectors]

if he still doesn't want to do this, buy a new one.

He says he already sold his speakers. I realize that it only accepts balanced or 1/4" connectors and that why I can't test it with my own equipment - I don't have those cables or suitable adaptors to go to my RCA component connections. He was using all balanced connectors, AFAIK, so I don't think he has adaptors either. I'll double-check with him though. Failing that, is there anything else I can do to check this amp.

For example, if I simply plug the amp into the wall and turn it on, should there be any voltage at the speaker terminals when there is no input signal? My guess is no, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

 

[highfigh]

He says he already sold his speakers. I realize that it only accepts balanced or 1/4" connectors and that why I can't test it with my own equipment - I don't have those cables or suitable adaptors to go to my RCA component connections. He was using all balanced connectors, AFAIK, so I don't think he has adaptors either. I'll double-check with him though. Failing that, is there anything else I can do to check this amp.

For example, if I simply plug the amp into the wall and turn it on, should there be any voltage at the speaker terminals when there is no input signal? My guess is no, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

Go to Radio Shack and buy a couple of RCA-1/4" adapters. Checking for voltage isn't the way to test it- take a speaker with you and if you have any kind of source with variable level (or the amp has input controls), connect it and listen. It's not definitive but it will let you know if it sounds good. It would be best to have it fully tested and if you have a decent shop near you, you could split the cost with the seller, if you're really interested. He should be OK with this, too, because he would have documentation that it's OK.

If he refuses, walk. That amp isn't so expensive that buying it used is that good of a deal unless it's dirt cheap and if it is, it may have been rode hard and put away wet.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

He says he already sold his speakers.

Bring your own speaker. The EP2500 accepts bare wire via its binding posts, so any home audio speaker will do.

I realize that it only accepts balanced or 1/4" connectors and that why I can't test it with my own equipment - I don't have those cables or suitable adaptors to go to my RCA component connections.

Radio Shack? You can get a 1/4” to RCA adapter for a couple bucks.

If you’re uncomfortable, you might try eBay, where you can get some guarantees. Hard to go wrong there.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

EDIT - highfigh beat me to the punch by a couple minutes...

 

[GO-NAD!]

Go to Radio Shack and buy a couple of RCA-1/4" adapters. Checking for voltage isn't the way to test it- take a speaker with you and if you have any kind of source with variable level (or the amp has input controls), connect it and listen. It's not definitive but it will let you know if it sounds good. It would be best to have it fully tested and if you have a decent shop near you, you could split the cost with the seller, if you're really interested. He should be OK with this, too, because he would have documentation that it's OK.

If he refuses, walk. That amp isn't so expensive that buying it used is that good of a deal unless it's dirt cheap and if it is, it may have been rode hard and put away wet.

Hey, great idea! That had not occurred to me. Those adaptors are cheap, so the investment would be worthwhile to ensure I'm not getting a dud. I was planning to order XLR/RCA cables from Monoprice, but I wouldn't receive those for at least a week, probably two.

I could go from the pre-outs on my integrated amp, to the inputs on the Behringer, using the adaptors. I have extra speakers laying around, so I don't have to start hauling my system apart. He's bringing it to my house, so that's feasible.

Make sense? Thanks for the advice

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Sounds like you're good to go.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[GO-NAD!]

Sounds like you're good to go.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

I'm looking forward to checking this amp out. He says it's been hardly used, in the original box. If it works, I'll be saving $165, by not having to buy a new EP2000. Excellent, Smithers! ...(drumming of fingers together)...

 

[Knucklehead90]

If you'll be placing this amp anywhere near your listening position factor in the cost of a quiet fan - a must on these amps. I have the EP1500 which is basically the same as the EP2500 with a bit less power. The fan noise was unbearable so I swapped out the stock fan for one of these.

It's now very quiet and never gets hot while driving a pair of DIY 12" subs. And there is plenty of power.

 

[GO-NAD!]

If you'll be placing this amp anywhere near your listening position factor in the cost of a quiet fan - a must on these amps. I have the EP1500 which is basically the same as the EP2500 with a bit less power. The fan noise was unbearable so I swapped out the stock fan for one of these.

It's now very quiet and never gets hot while driving a pair of DIY 12" subs. And there is plenty of power.

Yeah, I've taken that into account and I plan to install the amp in the room below. If I ever move it into the listening room, I'll do the fan mod.

 

[highfigh]

Bring your own speaker. The EP2500 accepts bare wire via its binding posts, so any home audio speaker will do.

Radio Shack? You can get a 1/4” to RCA adapter for a couple bucks.

If you’re uncomfortable, you might try eBay, where you can get some guarantees. Hard to go wrong there.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

EDIT - highfigh beat me to the punch by a couple minutes...

I have the reflexes of a cat.

 

[highfigh]

Hey, great idea! That had not occurred to me. Those adaptors are cheap, so the investment would be worthwhile to ensure I'm not getting a dud. I was planning to order XLR/RCA cables from Monoprice, but I wouldn't receive those for at least a week, probably two.

I could go from the pre-outs on my integrated amp, to the inputs on the Behringer, using the adaptors. I have extra speakers laying around, so I don't have to start hauling my system apart. He's bringing it to my house, so that's feasible.

Make sense? Thanks for the advice

I'm only adding this because I don't like strangers in my house but do this test in an area where he won't see anything valuable.

 

[GO-NAD!]

I'm only adding this because I don't like strangers in my house but do this test in an area where he won't see anything valuable.

I get ya. Well, he only lives a few blocks away. If we get broken into a few days after he comes by this evening, I'll point the cops his way.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[WmAx]

You also need a Samson S-Convert to use this amplifier properly with standard consumer RCA outputs.

-Chris

 

[GO-NAD!]

You also need a Samson S-Convert to use this amplifier properly with standard consumer RCA outputs.

-Chris

Hmm, that raises a couple of questions:
1) For the purpose of testing the EP2500, would the Samson S-Convert be required? I just want to make sure that the amp works at this point.

2) I asked the first question, because I intend to add a DCX2496 to the setup, but I just don't have it yet. If I understand correctly, I can vary the input and output signals on the DCX to match the attached components.

Is it correct, that with the DCX, I can boost the output signal from the pre-outs of my integrated amp, as well as attenuate the return signal to the main-ins? Plus, maintain the correct signal to the EP2500, which will be powering a pair of subwoofers?

Am I understanding the above scenario correctly?

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Hmm, that raises a couple of questions:
1) For the purpose of testing the EP2500, would the Samson S-Convert be required? I just want to make sure that the amp works at this point.

No, you won't need it just to make sure it works - unless you're testing for maximum power output.

Regards,
Wayne