Looking for stand-alone amp to drive subwoofer

[markus76]

Hi guys

I'm looking for an amp to drive a Shiva-X subwoofer (65l sealed). Searched high and low but couldn't find a model meeting my requirements:

- 250W@4Ohm minimum
- adjustable gain
- fanless
- balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs
- 115V@60Hz/230V@50Hz compatible
- rack-mountable
- 1RU

Any help would be highly appreciated.

Best, Markus

 

[davygrvy]

Closest I can't find is an ART SLA2. It isn't fanless, but the spec does say "Stable into 4 Ohms" for bridge mono operation.

4 Ohm operation with just natural convection cooled (no fan at all) is a sizable heatsink. I got one here for Class A/B amp design of my own and it weighs probably four pounds. Actually, it is 3.5 inches of this extrusion.

A different class of amplification such as H or D ought to get the heat issue out of the way, thus the size, so 1 RU is possible. The 1 RU spec is really pushing it. Have you considered a plate amp built into the cabinet?

 

[markus76]

Thanks davygrvy, but the ART's all have fans. 2RU would be an option if there's really no 1RU that suits my needs.
A plate amp is not an option because I don't want to run an unbalanced line cable several meters through the room.

Best, Markus

 

[richie00boy]

See if you can pick up a Hill Chameleon in good used condition.

edit: I thought they were fanless but not sure now.

 

[DougSmith]

TOA electronics makes 2 and 4 channel class D amps that will do 250W at 4 ohms and fit in a single space - I'm not sure whether or not they have fans or balanced inputs though (and they are not exactly cheap). I think I have seen some others like that, but can't remember where.

- Doug

 

[markus76]

richie00boy, don't feel comfortable with buying used amps from a company that is out of business.

Doug, they too have fans and are pretty pricey at $800...


I was always under the impression that there are tons of amps out there for each and every need - far from it.

Best, Markus

 

[chris661]

Two options - one, find a PA amp, with a fan, with some kind of system that means it only comes on when it gets warm.

To quote my grandad, "Why do you want to buy one when you can make one at home?"

I'd agree with the suggestions for class D, or even tripath (www.41Hz.com)

Chris

 

[DougSmith]

I'm currently putting together a dual 2x250 amp form these guys: Class D Audio Home page

That's 4 channels for ~$325, including power supply - however, I also spent about ~$150 for an enclosure + connectors). No fan required, but they do require 2U height because of the power transformer. One of their amps has balanced inputs. I'd be happy to let you know how it works when I get it up and running.

- Doug

 

[markus76]

Thanks guys but I think I'll get a BEHRINGER: A500

Best, Markus

 

[Pallas]

The Behringer is a tiny bit below your requested power level, but otherwise seems to fit the bill pretty well. See http://theaudiocritic.com/plog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=22&blogId=1 if you haven't already.

 

[markus76]

Thanks Pallas. Owned two of them back in Germany but had to sell them because they were 230V/50Hz only. In the US they're $200, so there's really nothing more to think about.

Best, Markus