PA amp vs. Hifi amp

[keyser]

Hi guys,
I'd like to hear some opinions about the difference between Pa-poweramplifiers and Hifi-poweramplifiers. PA-amps usually offer more power for less money than Hifi-amps. Their distortion numbers are only slightly larger than those of Hifi-amps. Why do we still buy multiple hundred dollar hifi-amps, if the same power is available for much less?

btw. I've ordered my first PA-amp, and it is due next friday...
(135 watts@ 8 ohm, 200 watts@ 4 ohm, for only $190)

[richie00boy]

We went through this a 2 or 3 months ago... do a search in this forum.

[keyser]

i have, but couldn't find anything

[richie00boy]

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...407#post503407

[keyser]

thanks. I'll read it... yet still, if anyone wishes to post his view, please do so!

[keyser]

it has been educational! Guess it means that you should not buy a hifi-poweramp if the fan-noise isn't a problem to you
... Can't you just remove or disconnect it?
In most hifi systems the amp won't be built into a Pro-rack. It will be in some well ventilated place. right?

[usekgb]

I have used several PA amps in hi-fi applications. The main amp that comes to mind is the Crown K2 (or smaller K1). This is a great sounding amp with a great dampening factor. I've used it in several recording studios, and there are 10 or so of them installed in the Utah Symphony Hall. (The musicians complained too much about fan noise). Another nice thing about the K series is they demand much less power than a traditional Class AB PA amp. So, you can run them on standard 15 amp house lines without running in to trouble. Another wonderful amp for hi-fi use is the Crown MT-1200 (or MT-2400). The one drawback is the fans. If you can put them in a well ventalated cabinet with good airflow, they are hard to beat for the money.

My 2 cents.
Cheers,
Zach

[pinkmouse]

A truly excellent range of PA amps was made in the 90's by H+H, and called the Chameleon. They ranged from 2x300w to the 2x1000w shown in the pic below. They were all 1U high, built like nothing on earth, quiet, and sounded phenominal. I have heard many touring pro market PA amps, but these were easily the most musical, defined and powerful. I would recommend them to anyone, and if I had the money, I would have a rack full of them.

However, because they were so compact, they were a complete %$^&&%$£ to work on!

[keyser]

Thanks for the input guys! I have already ordered an amp though, and it dóes have a fan. so...

Originally posted by keyser
not buy a hifi-poweramp if the fan-noise is a problem to you
... Can't you just remove or disconnect it?
In most hifi systems the amp won't be built into a Pro-rack. It will be in some well ventilated place. right?

[anatech]

Hi keyser,
Only disconnect the fan if you would like to buy a hi fi amp. The unit will overheat and you will have let the magic smoke out of the box. Replacement smoke costs a lot of money.

Try installing the amp in the basement or in a closet if you find the noise too loud. After a few years, it will be too loud. Don't forget that fan cooled amps need to be cleaned out. Much like your vacuum cleaner.

-Chris