Pro amps officially better than consumer amps!

[cembros]

Originally Posted by prerich

BD...the Crowns don't look that bad , I actually recommended these for use with some ML's in another thread. As you know, I have the Behringer EP4000 also, but I'm seriously looking at the Crowns if I need to replace my amps.

That was me. I was looking at their amps and after your suggested this and I figure the closest comparison to the TGA-7400 would be 7 XLS2500 at $600 each. That's $4200, $1200 more than what I can get the sunfire for. Plus, it's one amp versus 7. I know much of the home theater amp world is extremely overpriced but I think in this case the sunfire is the way to go. No?

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by BLindsay

Why do people buying "home theater" amps if these are so much better especially for the money?

The fans make noise, and the units are industrial looking. No meters, or shiny faceplates, and they howl.

[cembros]

or are they 2 ch?

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by cembros

or are they 2 ch?

Just about all of them are 2 channel. When I used mine, I drove the Sonus Faber mains for a while, and tried them with the DefTech Mythos as well.

Frankly, they were overkill. I didn't need 300 or 400 watts or more for my mains, let alone the surrounds, even though they could handle it.

But man, they were flat and clean. Depth of power, even dialed back. I've been scoffed at for using them, but I can't pay attention to snobbery -ears tell the tale, not invoices from whoever.

[Nick The Slick]

Originally Posted by cembros

or are they 2 ch?

The Crown XLS's are 2 channels and can be bridged for mono operation. As are almost all pro amps.

[cembros]

Originally Posted by Nick The Slick

The Crown XLS's are 2 channels and can be bridged for mono operation. As are almost all pro amps.

What's the build quality like on these things? I bought an emotiva thinking I could save a buck and it was built like crap. Had a faulty 12 volt trigger and was overall poorly constructed.

[ZIPPO]

Doesn't look too bad & addresses cooling, integration & sound issues.



A500_P0217_Top-Front_XL.jpg

A500_P0217_Rear_XL.jpg

The A500 Reference Amplifier is the ideal choice for recording studios, post-production suites, or anyone seeking audiophile-grade performance—without the audiophile-grade sticker shock.

2 x 300 Watts into 4 Ohms, 600 Watts into 8 Ohms in bridged mono operation

Advanced convection-cooling for absolutely noise-free and stable operation (no fan)

Input connections on balanced XLR, 1/4'' TRS and RCA connectors

High-current toroidal transformer for absolute reliability and lowest noise interference

[DerrellB]

Originally Posted by cembros

What's the build quality like on these things? I bought an emotiva thinking I could save a buck and it was built like crap. Had a faulty 12 volt trigger and was overall poorly constructed.

Dude every maker has a bad one in the bunch. I had a 5k bryston 4bsst2 that had to be sent back for repair because of a loose unbalanced connection that caused the left channel to go in and out. You dont expect those type of problems from an amp that cost 5k but it happens. that didnt change my thoughts on bryston one bit.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by cembros

What's the build quality like on these things? I bought an emotiva thinking I could save a buck and it was built like crap. Had a faulty 12 volt trigger and was overall poorly constructed.

They're built to haul in and out of vans and car trunks, and still work long enough for the musician to get paid. They're tough. At least the better brands are.

QSC, Crown, Behringer, you have no problems. Some of the other brands are of various quality, but those three, you're pretty safe overall.

[cembros]

Originally Posted by DerrellB

Dude every maker has a bad one in the bunch. I had a 5k bryston 4bsst2 that had to be sent back for repair because of a loose unbalanced connection that caused the left channel to go in and out. You dont expect those type of problems from an amp that cost 5k but it happens. that didnt change my thoughts on bryston one bit.

I know, had it only been the trigger I wouldn't have minded but overall it was cheaply made. The connections on the back felt like they would break if touched the wrong way. They metal casing would bend when i lifted it and even had a dent.

[Nick The Slick]

Originally Posted by cembros

What's the build quality like on these things? I bought an emotiva thinking I could save a buck and it was built like crap. Had a faulty 12 volt trigger and was overall poorly constructed.

I have no complaints. Everything works properly. Metal casing, binding post for speaker connects. Nice little display for going through your options/setup. Built in 4th order x-over that I've lightly tested to work wonderfully. I've cranked music up to 0 on the AVR and never got the thing to even get warm. As well as my favorite feature of all, class D weight of 11 lbs (which also contributes to the cool running). Class D also means you won't have to switch it off for energy saving as it only draws what it needs in the moment, I leave mine on 24/7 with never a hiccup in operation. Clip meter is nice as well, which even at 0 I can barely get the meter to reach -10 if at all.

[Blu-Dog]

Not bad at all.

[cembros]

Originally Posted by Nick The Slick

I have no complaints. Everything works properly. Metal casing, binding post for speaker connects. Nice little display for going through your options/setup. Built in 4th order x-over that I've lightly tested to work wonderfully. I've cranked music up to 0 on the AVR and never got the thing to even get warm. As well as my favorite feature of all, class D weight of 11 lbs (which also contributes to the cool running). Class D also means you won't have to switch it off for energy saving as it only draws what it needs in the moment, I leave mine on 24/7 with never a hiccup in operation. Clip meter is nice as well, which even at 0 I can barely get the meter to reach -10 if at all.

I'm intrigued but I think I'm still going with the sunfire. It is 1 amp versus 4, only weighs 46lbs, looks great and is only $600 more. I do like these crown amps though.

[Nick The Slick]

Originally Posted by cembros

I'm intrigued but I think I'm still going with the sunfire. It is 1 amp versus 4, only weighs 46lbs, looks great and is only $600 more. I do like these crown amps though.

It's definitely well worth the money, but I'm sure the Sunfire is too. I highly doubt you could go wrong with either choice.

[Movie Man Don]

I use QSC cinema amps. Rugged, built to last and HEAVY!! These amps are built to run day and night. Can't beat 'em IMO.
http://www.qscaudio.com/products/amps/usa/usa.htm

[ZIPPO]

Originally Posted by cembros

What's the build quality like on these things? I bought an emotiva thinking I could save a buck and it was built like crap. Had a faulty 12 volt trigger and was overall poorly constructed.

Most pro/commercial grade gear is very well built, usually better than consumer gear. Every brand can have a lemon every now & then.
Sorry Emotiva didn't work out for you, but myself & plenty others haven't had any problems with the build quality or performance.

[Big Daddy]

The Behringer EP amplifiers only have XLR inputs and their fans are relatively noisy. The Behringer EPX amplifiers have RCA inputs as well as well as well as XLR inputs. Their fans are significantly more quiet. I have three Behringer amplifiers (EP4000, EPX3000, and EPX4000). The first two are in my home theater room and power four of the subwoofers there. I replaced the fan of the EP4000 amp with a low noise one and placed it in the rear corner of the room. It does not bother anyone.

The EPX4000 is in my two-channel room and power the two 15" subwoofers of my DIY super tower speakers. An upgraded Carver M1.0t amplifier runs the upper portion of the speakers.

I used the EP4000 pro amp to run my two-channel speakers and I was more than satisfied. I also have a Technical Pro amplifier. They are the best sub $500 amplifiers that I have ever owned. I bought an extremely powerful 6-channel Cinepro amplifier in the mid 1990s for $3,600 plus tax. It has worked perfectly all these years. If it ever malfunctions and I need to replace it, I will most probably replace it with the new Behringer iNUKE 4-channel amplifier.

ALL HOME THEATER AMPLIFIERS ARE OVERPRICED.



.

[ZIPPO]

Originally Posted by cembros

I know, had it only been the trigger I wouldn't have minded but overall it was cheaply made. The connections on the back felt like they would break if touched the wrong way. They metal casing would bend when i lifted it and even had a dent.

True, you can't get 100% ATI amp build quality at Emotiva prices. Although, it appears they are using chassis-mounted RCA jacks & better build quality, on their newer products( XPR amps, XPA-200, XPA-100, XSP-1 & XMC-1 ).

ATI amp
rca.jpg
Chassis-Mounted RCA Jacks
The gold-plated RCA input jacks on our amplifiers are mounted directly to the rear panel and not to the circuit board. While this technique complicates assembly, it results in a more robust connection and the jack cannot be accidentally broken off by the tight-gripping RCA plugs used in some audiophile interconnection cables. http://www.ati-amp.com/about.php


Was it B stock or damaged during shipping? Sounds like it may have been dropped.

Sorry about going off on a tangent...

[Movie Man Don]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

.

ALL HOME THEATER AMPLIFIERS ARE OVERPRICED.



.

I totally agree!

[Big Daddy]

I am seriously thinking about buying this amplifier as soon as it becomes available and sell my Cinepro 6-channel amplifier.

The new Behringer iNUKE NU4-6000 4-channel amplifier may be a good option for people who are looking for a multi-channel amplifier. The amplifier channels can be bridged. It will be available soon. The price is expected to be around $500-$600.


Behringer iNUKE NU4-6000 Manual.

Product Features:

• Maximum Output Power:
  • Normal 4-Channel Mode:
    - 4 x 450 Watt into 8 Ohms
    - 4 x 860 Watts into 4 Ohms
    - 4 x 1600 Watts into 2 Ohms
  • Bridged Mode:
    - 2 x 1600 Watts into 8 Ohms
    - 2 x 3000 Watts into 4 Ohms
  
  
• Weighs less than 12 lbs / 5.5 kg
• Ultimate reliability through revolutionary cool-running High-Density Class-D technology with "near-zero" thermal buildup
• Ultra-efficient switch-mode power supply for noise-free audio, superior transient response and low power consumption
• "Zero-Attack" limiters offer maximum output level with reliable overload protection
• Built-in Subwoofer/Satellite crossover for perfect subwoofer operation
• Detented and illuminated gain controls for precise level setting
• Precise 4-segment Signal and Limit LEDs to monitor performance
• XLR and 1/4'' TRS combination input connectors for compatibility with any source
• Professional twist-lock speaker connectors for ultimate reliability
• Independent DC, LF and thermal overload protection on each channel automatically protects amplifier and speakers without shutting down the show
• “Back-to-front” ventilation system prevents thermal buildup for reliable operation
• High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
• Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

Behringer_iNuke_NU4-6000.jpg