Crown amps

[Rocco1]

Has anyone had any experience with Crown's products in home use?
I have seen them used plenty professionally, and was wondering if they had a home audio application? The reason I am asking is that i may have the opportunity to purchase some at a great price, and wondered how they would work with the RTi line.

[zarrdoss]

I have used them before on home audio, I cannot remember which one I had but it sure powered some CV AL-1000's to lift off

[HB27]

I've used the D-45, D-60, D-75, D-150, DC300 all models, PS-200, PS-400, Powerline all models, Com techs, Micro line, the big "K"s, etc.
IF you're gonna run Crowns I'd personally recommend the older series with passive cooling. Excellent clean sounding amps. Good range and under rated power specs. Built like tanks and hard to destroy or damage.
Harry

[Rocco1]

Great info HB.
How would they compare to Adcom?
I own a 555se and its great but the cost for the Crown's cant be beat.
Crown's power output is unbelievable.

[zarrdoss]

The one I had was older and rated 500 watts a channel or so and the al-1000 were rated 1000 watts each good match and sounded clean

[lightman1]

Great info HB.
How would they compare to Adcom?
I own a 555se and its great but the cost for the Crown's cant be beat.
Crown's power output is unbelievable.
Apples and oranges. Crown makes some nice pro-gear amps by todays standards. If you want some tasty home Crown amps from before, check out some '60's tubers.
But! the Crown amps make a nice sub-driver amp with a good X-over.

[HB27]

Like Lightman1 said. Apples/oranges.
I will say that Crown is very high on the list of hard hitting amps.
I also run tubes but if not, then my next choice for 2 ch analog listening is the Crown DC-300A for the warmth and deep bass response. Next is the PS-200 or PS-400. I personally feel the K1 and K2 were Crown's last excellent sounding and well built amps. After Harmon took over the cost cuts started showing up in production quality, parts availability, and customer service as it did with JBL, CV, Infinity, etc once Harmon Intl got their hands on them.
Still everyone has different likes and preferences.
Give 'em a try.
What models are you considering?
Also, I occasionally had ground loop issues with the DC-300A matching up with preamps. To cure it I had to run ground straps from amp to preamp. Pretty common on pro amps. With the RTi I see no problem there if you were going to run the beasts in mono.
Harry

[Rocco1]

I am currently looking at the XLS line. They seem to be priced very nicely and have great power. What i am worried about is the quality, and sound. I will be running a ONK pre. I love the sound stamp from the ONK and am hoping that the Crown Amps dont change the sound to much?

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

For mains? No sir!

We carry the XLS and XTI amps and both are a big no-no for home use on the main channels.

But they can power the shit out of some subs. Not to mention the software on the XTi amps is amazing. Very easy to use, crossover capabilities are out of this world.

[lightman1]

For mains? No sir!

We carry the XLS and XTI amps and both are a big no-no for home use on the main channels.

But they can power the shit out of some subs. Not to mention the software on the XTi amps is amazing. Very easy to use, crossover capabilities are out of this world. You still using yours, Trey?

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

Nah, when I sold off my Largers - the Crown went with it.

The one thing I do not like about them is the fan, I had to position mine in my closet as you may recall so I couldnt hear it...

Its a shame - killer sub amp. I went with plate amps on my current subs just to cut down on wiring and setup time.

[lightman1]

Dig it. I do remember the plaster seams cracking and expanding during my visit.:eek:

[Rocco1]

so i should stick with adcom then?
i figured that was the way to go. I really like the way the adcom sounds.
I was hoping that the crowns would work for the price factor.

[lightman1]

so i should stick with adcom then?
i figured that was the way to go. I really like the way the adcom sounds.
I was hoping that the crowns would work for the price factor.
+10 The Adcom should do the trick. But don't write off the Crowns if you decide to get silly with the subs.:D

[ward91]

i love the sound of my xs500 , i sometimes listen to it paired with my tannoy f4 customs , sounds nice.
it spends most of its time on sub duty. Its loud as f**k so i smother it with pillows to shut it up :)