Amplifier choices????

[mp006ltk]

Hmm, I'm trying to decide what amplifier to use for my subwoofer designs. I'm pretty sure I want a pro amp, but which one ???

QSC PLX series
Crest CD series
Crown ?? There's a few I have been looking at.

I have heard older crest amps and they seem to perform very well, but that was 6 years ago. I'm looking for the tightest control I can get. Any sugestions from those who have heard all three?

Thanks!

[Ken L]

Originally posted by mp006ltk
Hmm, I'm trying to decide what amplifier to use for my subwoofer designs. I'm pretty sure I want a pro amp, but which one ???

IMHO, I would go for the largest I could get a deal on at E-Bay _grin_

[v-bro]

Make a car amplifier

[Spasticteapot]

41hz Amp2.

The kit's 85$ without PSU, and it's rated for 600w. (2x 300w channels into 4 ohms.)

It can be upgraded to run at almost double the base power (as much as 1100w) level with some modifications.

[v-bro]

I totally agree on that one Spasticteapot, very nice choice!

But I'm not sure mp006ltk wants to build the whole amp...

mp006ltk?

[v-bro]

Originally posted by mp006ltk

I'm looking for the tightest control I can get.

Class D (/"class T") is THE choice here if you'd ask me...
And if you climb into your soldering iron AMP2 from 41hz.com is REALLY interesting. Afterall this IS diyaudio.com....

More expensive but also good choice is the UCD400 module....

Originally posted by mp006ltk

Any sugestions from those who have heard all three?

Thanks!

We have piles of them at work, my choice would be the CREST, than the QSC than a CROWN....

[Spasticteapot]

Originally posted by v-bro


Class D (/"class T") is THE choice here if you'd ask me...
And if you climb into your soldering iron AMP2 from 41hz.com is REALLY interesting. Afterall this IS diyaudio.com....

More expensive but also good choice is the UCD400 module....



We have piles of them at work, my choice would be the CREST, than the QSC than a CROWN....

If you're willing to DIY, the Amp2 is the way to go. (You will, however, need a heatsink the size of Nebraska. 85% efficiency still means it would be dissipating over 150 watts!)

1.1 kilowatts for under 250$ is hard to argue with.
Besides, think of the fun you'll have launching the voice coils of tiny, inferior subwoofers across the room!

On the other hand, if you need convenience, a Hypex UCDxxx module might work for you. 100$ will get you the 180-watt UCD180, 150$ the 400-watt UCD400, and I'm not sure how much the UCD700 costs, but expect to pay a heck of a lot. The PSU's are none too cheap, either - expect to pay at least 200$ for a UCD180 and matched power supply. I think Hypex may also make a line of higher-distortion (so who cares if it has a THD of 10% at 10khz if you're not running it past 200hz?) subwoofer amplifiers.

[mp006ltk]

Hey guys thanks for your input. Let me clarify. I actually have alot of hypex stuff right now. I like it, but not for bass. I wan't something more solid, and I'm thinking of using this amp with a large TC sounds driver, meaning I need alot of power. I'm thinking in the neighborhood of 2.5Kw @ 4ohms I have heard older crest amps and I reall liked them but I'm not sure how that translates into today's models. I'm looking at the CD and CC line. I like the pricepoint of the CC line but I'm worried they don't sound nearly as tight. On the other hand I have seen some QSC PLX closeouts that look good for the cash. But I have never heard QSC, and Im not sure if they are loud and sloppy or if they can really keep a tight grip on the driver. Thanks in advance.

[v-bro]

QSC is not bad, but it probably will not have the control that your choice of CRESTs can offer (we don't use CC line, only CD). I've always seen it as a bit of a "pretty good for the money" but not perfect amp brand...

I suppose looking up the "damping factor" could make it a bit less of a mystery...

But why 2.5KW?!

Just use more small amps?
I don't know of any driver that can handle this power....

[Spasticteapot]

Originally posted by mp006ltk
Hey guys thanks for your input. Let me clarify. I actually have alot of hypex stuff right now. I like it, but not for bass. I wan't something more solid, and I'm thinking of using this amp with a large TC sounds driver, meaning I need alot of power. I'm thinking in the neighborhood of 2.5Kw @ 4ohms I have heard older crest amps and I reall liked them but I'm not sure how that translates into today's models. I'm looking at the CD and CC line. I like the pricepoint of the CC line but I'm worried they don't sound nearly as tight. On the other hand I have seen some QSC PLX closeouts that look good for the cash. But I have never heard QSC, and Im not sure if they are loud and sloppy or if they can really keep a tight grip on the driver. Thanks in advance.

http://41hz.com/main.aspx?pageID=122

With the right set of output stages, I think 2.5 kw is a definite possibility.