Crown Audio XLS802Ds for home theater

[atomsrock]

Hello,

I'm looking to replace my Adcom 565 amplifiers which are currently powering my home theater speakers consisting of the following configuration:

Fronts: Martin Logan SL3 (2)
Center: Martin Logan Theather (the original, not the "i") (1)
Rears: Martin Logan Aerius (i) (2)

I’m considering using five (5) of the Crown Audio XLS802Ds in bridged configuration. Are the Crowns suitable for these speakers? Crown claims they can drive 2 Ohm speakers. What about sound quality when compared with the Adcoms? I had previously used the Krell KAV series amps but consistently blew them. The Krells provided superior audio quality, however, they simply didn’t hold up. I can live with the audio quality of the Adcoms, but nothing below their performance.

Would the smaller XLS602Ds suffice?

I’m considering the Crowns due to the fact that they are popular in night clubs, so, they must be pretty durable. At this price point, I’d prefer to sacrifice sound quality for durability.

Any recommendations for mono block amplifiers (preferably un-bridged) priced around $1,000 each?

Thanks in advance.

 

[roberto]

Hello,

I'm looking to replace my Adcom 565 amplifiers which are currently powering my home theater speakers consisting of the following configuration:

Fronts: Martin Logan SL3 (2)
Center: Martin Logan Theather (the original, not the "i") (1)
Rears: Martin Logan Aerius (i) (2)

I’m considering using five (5) of the Crown Audio XLS802Ds in bridged configuration. Are the Crowns suitable for these speakers? Crown claims they can drive 2 Ohm speakers. What about sound quality when compared with the Adcoms? I had previously used the Krell KAV series amps but consistently blew them. The Krells provided superior audio quality, however, they simply didn’t hold up. I can live with the audio quality of the Adcoms, but nothing below their performance.

Would the smaller XLS602Ds suffice?

I’m considering the Crowns due to the fact that they are popular in night clubs, so, they must be pretty durable. At this price point, I’d prefer to sacrifice sound quality for durability.

Any recommendations for mono block amplifiers (preferably un-bridged) priced around $1,000 each?

Thanks in advance.

Hola Atomsrock...just remember that ML is one of the most revealing speakers on earth and it is better to have quality than quantity. All depends on your liking...the SL-3s are a classic. Try to listen first with your own system and then decide. Trust your ears...happy listening,
Roberto.

 

[atomsrock]

Auditioning

Roberto,

So, you suggest auditioning the amplifiers first?

C.

 

[MiTT]

As I almost always do, I once again agree with Roberto. The Crown amps are well regarded as industrial powerhouses, but they aren't exactly known for being "musical".

 

[atomsrock]

Mitt,

So, your vote is no. Any recommendations for solid state around $1,000 U.S.?

C.

 

[Pcar928fan]

Mitt,

So, your vote is no. Any recommendations for solid state around $1,000 U.S.?

C.

Rotel RB1090 for a bit more or an RB1080 for a bit less. Plenty of power. Some say a little bass shy, but I don't see that with my system and the 1090 doing full on 2 channel bypass. My MBL 101a's are not really strong on bass so it would not be fair to try and compare the Prodigy on the 1090 to the 101 on the 1080. Both do seem quite bright, so a damped room would help...it is as much the fault of my room as anything, because both rooms where the Rotel are working are VERY, VERY bright! Figure $1200ish for the 1090 and $750 on the 1080. They do make plenty of power for the $$$$!

 

[atomsrock]

The RB1090 looks pretty solid. What are they typically discounted to? Who sells Rotel?

 

[Pcar928fan]

The RB1090 looks pretty solid. What are they typically discounted to? Who sells Rotel?

They don't make the RB1090 any more so you will have to buy used. You can find them off and on at A'gon for about $1200... Mine ROCKS!

 

[atomsrock]

What is the repalcement for the RBs?

 

[JonFo]

Man, I drove sequels with a 555 and the step up in quality when I went to Sunfires was amazing.

Therefore, I recommend a used Sunfire cinema grand as the answer to your needs at your price point. Hunt one down on Audiogon or the AVSForum.

The Crown XLS series is a decent class AB amp, suited for sound reinforcement or subwoofer duties. I'd not use them on the highs.

I actually use an XLS602 on my infinite baffle. Works great there.

But recomendation stands: Sunfire CG for the 'logans.

 

[IWalker]

I have a 602B that's currently doing duty on my midbass arrays. I had them on my panels a while back, and they actually do a pretty awesome job. Much better than they have any right to be at that price point.

You are looking at serious overkill for bridged 802s....you would be MORE than fine with unbridged 602s. I believe that when you bridge, the amp is less able to handle the lower impedences, so I'd not bridge in general. I could be wrong, but the rated specs generally suggest this to me.

Even the 602s are overkill, but if you get them, you can likely mod(disconnect) the fans in them, as you'll never use their full capability, which would make them much quieter.

My recommendation is...get one, test it out....if it doesn't meet your standards, use it to power your rears, and get something else for the fronts. If nothing else, it'll leave more budget for your fronts!

 

[Pcar928fan]

What is the repalcement for the RBs?

There really is none for the 1090. The new RB1092 (I think that is what it is called) is a class D amp. The RB1090 is like a dual mono amp. Puts out 700 wpc into 4 ohm! NOT BAD! I think the RB1080 is also a dual mono but I could be wrong on that...it is quite a good bit smaller and lighter than the 1090.