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But is it HiFi? (Crown)

Possible amplifier for my Magnepan LRS?

Today's Score! I've been intrigued by the Crown professional Class D amplifiers. I kept waiting for the XLS1502 to go on sale or maybe I could find a used one reasonably priced. New they are currently $535. Which still seems like a value. Scanning Facebook Marketplace for "Crown Amplifier" I see a photo of what looks like a Crown XLS....But it is listed as a Crown "SLC" 1502.....Fortunately there was a picture of the rear and it clearly stated on the ID tag, XLS1502.........Buyer wasn't getting much action and had it down to $200!  And only a 15 minute drive away! Interesting amplifier with huge power and built in crossover and a few other features. Although not a true HIFI product, it is getting good reviews by the YouTube review crowd. Something to play with when I get back from an extended trip I leave on this Friday.

Features

Power: 775W at 2ω, 525W at 4Ω, 300W at 8Ω

  • Class D amp with Crown's ultra-efficient DriveCore technology weighs less than 11 lb

  • Higher DSP capabilities: More control; has band pass filter per channel

  • Increased lighting functionality; turn off all LED indicators except clip and thermal to reduce distraction in dark venues

  • Selectable input sensitivity; 1.4Vrms and .775Vrms options so that amp can be driven at full power

  • Set sleep mode after specified time without having to press a button

  • Security setting disables menu buttons; menu locked/unlocked by entering combination

  • System reset allows factory settings to be restored

  • Remote power trigger

  • Peakx™ Limiters provide maximum output while protecting your speakers

  • XLR, 1/4", RCA inputs provide flexibility

  • Integrated PureBand™ Crossover System for better performance and control

  • Efficient forced-air fans prevent excessive thermal buildup

https://www.crownaudio.com/en/products/xls-1502

rbertalotto

Showing 1 response by phusis

phusis's avatar
phusis
1,266 posts
 

@ditusa wrote:

If you like the way it sounds that’s all that matters.

+1

In my opinion. The Crown Studio Reference 1 amp is the best sounding amp Crown made for reproducing audio playback. All the power you will ever need in a home hi fi rig 780 watts per channel @ 8 Ohms class AB. The Crown amplifier, is below the floor of my listening room so, the fan noise is a non issue for me. I would say the Crown Studio Reference 1 amp is, high fidelity. FWIW: I run the Crown Amp on a dedicated AC 240 volt 20 amp circuit. 😎

Mike

Definitely, the Studio Reference I/II from Crown is the best series of theirs I’ve heard, and just great solid state amps by any standard and meaningful comparison to me - be that against a Mark Levinson, Krell, Audio Research, Luxman, McIntosh or whatever.

If given efficient enough and easy-load speakers those fans don’t come to life within sane SPL’s, but when they do, however - you know they’re there for sure. One would be surprised to learn how much power low eff. and heavy (passive) filter-load speakers can suck up. A friend of mine used two bridged Ref. II’s over a pair of S.P. Tech Revelations (passively), and during fairly lengthy and SPL-intensive sessions the fans spun eagerly and very audibly.

Btw., aren’t you running your 4435’s actively, which would necessitate two stereo amps?

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