Anyone using Mackie or Corwn amps?

[FLZapped]

I'm looking at the Mackie M800 and M1400i, and the the crown XLS 402 and XLS 602 as a sub amp to replace the plate amp I'm currently using. I'm just wondering what your thoughts are on these amps.

The Mackies have better specs than the XLS line. I have heard they have reliability problems, but I don't have any personal experience with them, so this information is no better than second hand.

Now, I have used Crown. Currently the PB-1(Powerbase, now discontinued) and Powertech(PT). Very good amps. However, since these are all for the pro market, they have internal cooling fans so they will add noise to your listening environment when all is quiet.

If you want a power amp without a fan, you might want to look at a used DC300, or look at the Crown K series(K1), these not only have no fans, but are the most efficient amps in Crown's line-up because of their power supply techology. Of course, you'll pay twice as much, but it depends on what you think is worthwhile.

-Bruce

[grampi]

You have heard the Mackies or the Crown XLS series amps have reliability problems?

[jbangelfish]

I can't speak for the new stuff but some of their old amps seem to be indestructable. I think they were either bought out by or merged with HK and I don't know what that would do for them.
My son still uses my old Crown DC300 A which I bought new in 1975, it's been repaired once for $125 and works as good as new. This amp was claimed by some reviewers to be the finest amplifier ever made (back in the 70's) and it certainly had to be in the top few. I would think it would drive a subwoofer very well with a range from 0 to 100khz. It also has very low distortion which nobody seems to care about anymore. I have no idea how the new ones will hold up or how they sound but I don't think Crown makes any like they used to. The Studio Reference amp from Crown is around $3500 and might be similar to the old amp with even more power.
Bill

[FLZapped]

You have heard the Mackies or the Crown XLS series amps have reliability problems?

Mackies. Again, take it with a bag of salt. -Bruce

[grampi]

Even knowing little to nothing about either of these, they've certainly got to be a step up from this stinkin' plate amp.

[piece-it pete]

Rec'd Hafler DH-200.

I've also "heard" good things about the Crown DC300.

I've never heard either of them .

I bet you're right, they'll be better then your plate amps.

Pete

[poneal]

Grampi, just found the XLS 202 on e-bay for $210. This amp can be bridged to provide 500 watts into 4ohms. Not bad at all. Looks like they are getting ready for the new year models so they are going at really good prices. Heres the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=23787

[grampi]

There's also the XLS 602 on ebay for $292, which is a much more powerful amp than the 202. It makes 370 X 2 in stereo into an 8 ohm load. I'd probably rather go with this amp as it would give me more flexibility for future applications.

[FLZapped]

Grampi, just found the XLS 202 on e-bay for $210. This amp can be bridged to provide 500 watts into 4ohms. Not bad at all. Looks like they are getting ready for the new year models so they are going at really good prices. Heres the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=23787

The XLS series is a new model. They are for low-end installs. I don't think they are the best choice myself. If you look around, you'll find good deals on recently retired products such as the Power Base series, or Power Tech series. Again, just be aware that you'll have fan noise to contend with.

Here is an example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...EBWA%3AIT&rd=1

If you want to have a look around, Crown's home website is:

http://www.crownaudio.com/

And be PATIENT when doing business on Ebay.

-Bruce

[hifidan]

If you want a power amp without a fan, you might want to look at a used DC300, or look at the Crown K series(K1), these not only have no fans, but are the most efficient amps in Crown's line-up because of their power supply techology. Of course, you'll pay twice as much, but it depends on what you think is worthwhile.

-Bruce[/QUOTE]
Hi, I'm presently using a Crown K-1 driving a pair of DIY Isobarik 10 inch peerless CC Line subs. The bass is tight as it will ever be I think. It is musical. It is replacing an Parasound HCA 1500A (205wpc/8 ohms). There is no comaparaison whatsoever. The crown amp is just cruising along.
A class A dor subs at least if not for driving mains.
Cheers
Hifidan