Crown XLS2502 Stereo Amplifier Review

[Frank207be]

Wow, that’s an alarming number of high-performance subs in one room!

Do you live in a steel-reinforced bunker by any chance?

Here; I found your house curve:
View attachment 412021

/friendly banter

LOL!

It's just a brick house but as said I try to avoid excessive SPL. I just want clean undistorted bass with decent headroom and extension, so:

• My subs are all sealed to avoid port issues.
• These PA woofers have decent X-Max with a lot of cone area so they can do 10Hz with some boost.
• The Crown all have a 106Hz LPF to tame the midbass. I still have to experiment with a lower LPF and see how Dirac copes with that.
• My AVC-A1H is calibrated with Dirac Live Bass control without bass boost but with useful extension to about 13Hz and it still feels overpowering at times so I hope to have access to Dirac ART sooner than later to reduce RT60.
• I also have a 2 dB boost Harman curve in Dirac slot 3 but that is WAY too loud.

 

[dlaloum]

LOL!

It's just a brick house but as said I try to avoid excessive SPL. I just want clean undistorted bass with decent headroom and extension, so:

• My subs are all sealed to avoid port issues.
• These PA woofers have decent X-Max with a lot of cone area so they can do 10Hz with some boost.
• The Crown all have a 106Hz LPF to tame the midbass. I still have to experiment with a lower LPF and see how Dirac copes with that.
• My AVC-A1H is calibrated with Dirac Live Bass control without bass boost but with useful extension to about 13Hz and it still feels overpowering at times so I hope to have access to Dirac ART sooner than later to reduce RT60.
• I also have a 2 dB boost Harman curve in Dirac slot 3 but that is WAY too loud.

I too am a fan of sealed woofer / subwoofer designs... I believe they are as a general rule lower distortion, and have deceptive low extension due to the more gradual roll off - meaning the typically have a more extended low end frequency response....
But they trade these advantages off for typically lower efficiency.... so higher power needs for equal SPL.

Seems like a valid tradeoff to me!

 

[Frank207be]

I too am a fan of sealed woofer / subwoofer designs... I believe they are as a general rule lower distortion, and have deceptive low extension due to the more gradual roll off - meaning the typically have a more extended low end frequency response....
But they trade these advantages off for typically lower efficiency.... so higher power needs for equal SPL.

Seems like a valid tradeoff to me!

Yes agreed on all the above! I've been collecting information from every interesting large DIY subwoofer build from various internet sources for quite a long time.

Next job is moving most of the subwoofer output to the front of the room with Dirac ART in mind.

 

[Frank207be]

After reading a lot of posts regarding Crown XLS amps and their infamous built-in subsonic filter that would make them not really recommended for HT subwoofer amplification, I decided to measure the XLS1002 against a Hypex NC400. The XLS2502 have the same DSP module so it's applicable for this model too.

See https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...s1002-pro-amplifier-review.16211/post-2179737

 

[Old_School_Brad]

After reading a lot of posts regarding Crown XLS amps and their infamous built-in subsonic filter that would make them not really recommended for HT subwoofer amplification, I decided to measure the XLS1002 against a Hypex NC400. The XLS2502 have the same DSP module so it's applicable for this model too.

See https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...s1002-pro-amplifier-review.16211/post-2179737

Thanks. Seems like it performs just perfectly in low frequencies.

 

[Frank207be]

Thanks. Seems like it performs just perfectly in low frequencies.

View attachment 417232

Yes indeed this measurement has taken away all my concerns. The Crown only loses a little bit under 4 to 7Hz and 10 to 20Hz remains fairly intact. I'll probably experiment with a MiniDSP to boost the 10-15Hz region as my system should be capable of reproducing it without breaking a sweat.

 

[mrick39]

Yes indeed this measurement has taken away all my concerns. The Crown only loses a little bit under 4 to 7Hz and 10 to 20Hz remains fairly intact. I'll probably experiment with a MiniDSP to boost the 10-15Hz region as my system should be capable of reproducing it without breaking a sweat.

Hi Frank...I'm looking to build two sealed 18" subs mainly for home audio purposes (classical, pipe organ stuff mainly). I currently have two 12" DIY sealed subs using Stereo Integrity drivers powered by two bridged Crown XLS-2502's. Any recommendations on 18" sealed for 6-8 cu ft. enclosures? The Stereo Integrity HST-18 is high on my list but I'm also interested in other options. I have a miniDSP Flex HT with Dirac but haven't done anything with it yet...don't really know what I'm doing.

 

[Frank207be]

Hi Frank...I'm looking to build two sealed 18" subs mainly for home audio purposes (classical, pipe organ stuff mainly). I currently have two 12" DIY sealed subs using Stereo Integrity drivers powered by two bridged Crown XLS-2502's. Any recommendations on 18" sealed for 6-8 cu ft. enclosures? The Stereo Integrity HST-18 is high on my list but I'm also interested in other options. I have a miniDSP Flex HT with Dirac but haven't done anything with it yet...don't really know what I'm doing.

I'm afraid that I can't really help you on this matter as I don't have access to these woofers in Europe. But IMHO you can't go wrong with these awesome SI woofers in sealed enclosures of that size. Simulations in WinISD should give you a better idea regarding power handling vs xmax vs box size.

 

[mrick39]

Ok thanks. I’ve tried WinISD and though it appears to be simple I just feel like I’m doing something wrong. I will try again.

Also, SI does ship to Europe though the shipping cost may be prohibitive.

 

[nick-v]

I can get a Hypex NCx500 2-Channel amplifier for just slightly more than the price of a Crown XLS 2502.

The Crown delivers a little bit more power, but obviously the Hypex is significantly more objectively performant.

To drive a pair of 15" subwoofers in a living room system, is there any benefit either way (better specs vs. slightly more power)? A miniDSP SHD will be handling DSP/Crossover/Dirac Live duties.

The System:

• KEF Ci5160RLM-THX
• miniDSP SHD DAC/Preamp
• NAD C298 Power Amp
• Adding a pair of 15" passive subwoofers (potentially Triad Cinema 15")

 

[dlaloum]

I can get a Hypex NCx500 2-Channel amplifier for just slightly more than the price of a Crown XLS 2502.

The Crown delivers a little bit more power, but obviously the Hypex is significantly more objectively performant.

To drive a pair of 15" subwoofers in a living room system, is there any benefit either way (better specs vs. slightly more power)? A miniDSP SHD will be handling DSP/Crossover/Dirac Live duties.

The System:

• KEF Ci5160RLM-THX
• miniDSP SHD DAC/Preamp
• NAD C298 Power Amp
• Adding a pair of 15" passive subwoofers (potentially Triad Cinema 15")

If I could get a Hypex at roughly the same price as the Crown, I would choose the Hypex too...

But the Crown XLS2500 cost me US$250.... (the used marketplaces can be wonderful!)

 

[levimax]

I can get a Hypex NCx500 2-Channel amplifier for just slightly more than the price of a Crown XLS 2502.

The Crown delivers a little bit more power, but obviously the Hypex is significantly more objectively performant.

To drive a pair of 15" subwoofers in a living room system, is there any benefit either way (better specs vs. slightly more power)? A miniDSP SHD will be handling DSP/Crossover/Dirac Live duties.

The System:

• KEF Ci5160RLM-THX
• miniDSP SHD DAC/Preamp
• NAD C298 Power Amp
• Adding a pair of 15" passive subwoofers (potentially Triad Cinema 15")

For the same price I would get the Hypex but for sub duty the Crown is just as good if not a little better because of more power.

 

[Panelhead]

My thought is get the Hypex, if close in price. The Crown is not worth much used. The Hypex will be.
Getting a Crown for 250.00 makes it a harder decision. What is crazy is I think 10 years ago the XL-2500 was about 250.00 new. Think the XL-1500 were around 129.00. Paid 179.00 for a XL-2000. Had enough power for my needs, did not need a XL-2500.

 

[MediumRare]

I can get a Hypex NCx500 2-Channel amplifier for just slightly more than the price of a Crown XLS 2502.

The Crown delivers a little bit more power, but obviously the Hypex is significantly more objectively performant.

To drive a pair of 15" subwoofers in a living room system, is there any benefit either way (better specs vs. slightly more power)? A miniDSP SHD will be handling DSP/Crossover/Dirac Live duties.

The System:

• KEF Ci5160RLM-THX
• miniDSP SHD DAC/Preamp
• NAD C298 Power Amp
• Adding a pair of 15" passive subwoofers (potentially Triad Cinema 15")

List, they are about $200 apart. But the Crown has at least 100 watts more headroom and built-in DSP. The SINAD far exceeds what any Sub will produce. At low frequencies it’s -100dB anyway. A recent used 2500 is basically the same as a new one and costs far less. The only thing the Hypex has (re sub usage) TBH is novelty. I’d go Crown and spend the extra $500 on wine, bourbon, and live music. Not my listing: https://reverb.com/p/crown-xls-2502-2-channel-775w-power-amplifier

 

[dlaloum]

Consensus seems to be, look around for a used Crown... there are bargains to be had... If buying new, then the decision is more difficult... personally I would get the Hypex... as although currently allocated sub duties, down the line I may want to use it as the main power amp...

 

[Ted B]

I use a Crown XLS-2502 to power two passive 4-ohm 15" subwoofers for 2-ch audio. These subwoofers originally had 200W BASH plate amps. One failed and looked to be a real PITA to service, so removed both plate amps and converted the subwoofers to passive.

My main tower speakers run full range signals and deliver usable response to <30 Hz, so the subwoofers are there for support in the lowest octave. Placement is almost adjacent to the towers, so no group delay issues are apparent. I've set the Crown's internal DSP to low pass at 70 Hz. I use analog (dbx) EQ and take measurements with REW to obtain the desired curve in the lowest octave. The F0 of the subwoofer enclosures is around 25 Hz, which is fine for 2-ch audio (one would want another 10 Hz or so extension for home theater).

I'm using balanced XLR connections, but I did find that I preferred setting the input sensitivity on the Crown's menu to 0.775V and the amp's attenuators to around 75%. This gives a bit more punch in the 25-35 Hz range than 1.4V with attenuators at 100%. Perhaps someone may find this useful.

 

[mrick39]

I have both. I have two XLS2502’s to power two separate DIY Stereo Integrity SQL12 4 ohm sealed subs and a stereo Hypex Nilai for my mains.

My reasoning for the Crown’s is the amount of power for their cost is hard to match, and that they are built for much heavier duty than I put them through. I have them both bridged mono. Each sub thus gets its own 2400 watts supply.

The Nilai is exceptional for my mains, plenty of power, ability to power down to 2 ohms if needed with no issue and excellent SINAD etc.

 

[Rebelhifi]

Two Options: 1.) Get the NCx500 if you plan to use on main speakers in the future. It will be great in any use. 2.)Get the Crown for dedicated sub use. Crown has a higher noise floor and some hiss on high sensitivity speakers. Crown at $250 used is a bargain. Crown is very durable. I have owned the 2502, 2002, 1502, and ComTech Drivecore CT8150. I never had a problem with Crown over 15 years. Still using the 2002 on sub and CT8150 on surround/atmos. The CT8150 has a much better SNR and noise floor. Both options are good depending on future use to get the best bang for your buck.

 

[Agapetos]

I appreciate this thread a lot. I was nervous about buying the 2502, or a crown in general.

Im building my first diy subwoofer and decided to use this amp. While I am waiting for my driver and flat pack I hooked this thing up to a pair of 60xti towers that currently is serving stereo listening duty, and my goodness I had no idea what kind of impact this kind of power would have on my speakers.

My lord ....

Anyways, even with highish sensitivity and atm tweeters I didn't hear any hiss at all. Since I'm unfamiliar with class D and how they sound, I might be a little unaware of its impact, but I'd say less refined, a slight dullness at the top end and even a little bit imagining constraint. But, what I take away, is that my concern about getting a purify for my setup is gone. I want one

I can't believe how alive and demanding those little 8" woofers became....just crazy cool.... can't wait till I get the house fir myself again so I can crank it up and get that giggle and smile

Thanks again for a kickass forum, ive learned so much from so many of you!!!

 

[Agapetos]

So a question: what exactly makes the 2502 sound so dynamic? Is it the high level of power, the class D type of application or perhaps both?

The reason im asking is because, my 2502 will soon be on sub duty, and I want what it did to my stereo setup, but higher quality.

If its the power, could I expect the same experience with an ab amplifier at same output?

Or, is it the class D design that gives me this and can expect same dynamics with a say purify? And, if its both would I need to aim for the same or close output level as the crown?

I hope im making any sense lol

Tia