Behringer EP2500 as Sub Amp?

[vega2K]

In my research for the biggest bang for the buck on a subwoofer amp, I came across the Behringer EP2500. Here are the details on this amp: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/EP2500.aspx
But in a nutshell, it puts out 2,400 Watts into 4 Ohms bridged operation!
450W @ 8Ω Stereo (per channel)*
650W @ 4Ω Stereo (per channel)*
500W @ 8Ω Stereo (per channel)**
750W @ 4Ω Stereo (per channel)**
1200W @ 2Ω Stereo (per channel)**
1300W @ 8Ω Bridged-Mono***
1500W @ 8Ω Bridged-Mono****
2400W @ 4Ω Bridged-Mono****
*20Hz - 20kHz @ 0.1% THD, both channels driven
**1kHz @ 0.1% THD, both channels driven
***20Hz - 20kHz @ 0.1% THD
****1kHz @ 0.1% THD

Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +0/-1dB(10dB below rated output power), 5 Hz - 50 kHz(at -3dB points)

And I found that through independent testing, the actual output were close. Check it out here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post10755565
This, as it turns out, is not common with a lot of amps. And you can't beat the price: I've seen it as low as $270 and up to $375 shipped!

I see these Pros: Huge Power/Headroom, Price, Sturdy
I see these Cons: No Sub adjustments such as Phase, Cross-over (but most AV Receivers actually can control this), etc., Not as attractive as other amps, Rear connections are Pro Audio type (XLR) 1/4" TRS inputs) which require purchase of connectors, has a fan (but so does my PS3).

So as a Sub Amp? What do you think? What am I missing?

[jeff92k7]

If you are looking for pro audio equipment, I would recommend anything but Behringer. They are the lowest of the low and cater towards music store buyers that don't really know any better.

For example, that amp is a thinly disguised copy of a QSC RMX series amp. Behringer just changed enough of QSC's design to keep from violating copyright and patent laws. Behringer is well known in the Pro audio field for blatently copying other companies designs and then remanufacturing them with the cheapest components they can find (usually cheap copies themselves) to sell their products at rock bottom prices. This leaves the reliability FAR from anything usable.

I have worked with quite a few Behringer products before and, without fail, EVERY SINGLE one of them has broken or stopped working correctly within one year.

Save yourself some headaches and look for something else. If you want a pro audio brand instead of a home audio brand, then try Crown or QSC for amps. But keep in mind that you'll have to get pretty high up in their lines to get sound quality performance anywhere near audiophile quality. Most pro audio amps are designed to make a LOT of power to fill less than perfect venues. Thus, the sound quality, while usually very good, is not near audiophile quality.

[Big Daddy]

I am assuming that you are building a subwoofer. If you want to use a Pro Amplifier, understand that their fans are pretty noisy. You also mentioned that they do not have phase, crossover, and volume control. Volume control becomes important if you decide to use several subwoofers. You need a way of matching the levels.

I am using this Pyle Pro crossover and volume control on one of the DIY subs in my home theater room. I bought it from Amazon for $70.

If you really want a Pro amplifier, go to Amplifier Manufacturers thread. In the original post, all the home and pro manufacturers are listed. The pro manufactureres are at the end.

I encourage you to buy a genuine subwoofer amplifier from the following list. Also read Repairing, Upgrading, & Building Subwoofers. All the suppliers are listed in post #2.

Plate Amplifiers for Powered Subwoofers:
http://www.parts-express.com/webpage...ctGroup_ID=505
http://www.madisound.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=360

External Amplifiers for Passive Subwoofers:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-812
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...TOKEN=50414889
http://www.amazon.com/Audiosource-AM...8465481&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Acousti...8465645&sr=8-4
http://www.amazon.com/TBI-200-su-Sub...8465645&sr=8-5
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...ifiers/swa500/

[vega2K]

Thanks for the feedback Jeff92K7 and Big Daddy.

Point taken on the Behringer quality, although I have read mixed feelings about it. Also the ProAudio Sound difference is not too much of a concern since I would be using it strictly for the Subwoofer, hence full range is not necessary.

Just to be clear, the amp does have gain controls per channel, hence the "volume" issue is null.

As far as the frequency crossover, I have a Pioneer Elite 94TXH which allows for Sub Crossover, currently set to 80Hz. My understanding is that the Receiver then passes the frequencies >80Hz to the Subwoofer. Am I incorrect?

Fan noise is a concern, but I have a PS3 which also has a fan and have lived with it. Alternatively, I would be able to place the amp in a different room altogether.

Bottom-line: Research continues with your feedback in mind. Thanks again.

[primaz]

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/2200.html

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by vega2K

Thanks for the feedback Jeff92K7 and Big Daddy.

Point taken on the Behringer quality, although I have read mixed feelings about it. Also the ProAudio Sound difference is not too much of a concern since I would be using it strictly for the Subwoofer, hence full range is not necessary.

Just to be clear, the amp does have gain controls per channel, hence the "volume" issue is null.

As far as the frequency crossover, I have a Pioneer Elite 94TXH which allows for Sub Crossover, currently set to 80Hz. My understanding is that the Receiver then passes the frequencies >80Hz to the Subwoofer. Am I incorrect?

Fan noise is a concern, but I have a PS3 which also has a fan and have lived with it. Alternatively, I would be able to place the amp in a different room altogether.

Bottom-line: Research continues with your feedback in mind. Thanks again.

For an amp of this type, go to the QSC website, and look at the RMX series. Extremely high quality, excellent units.