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
Well, first of all you are asking about a subjective response to the XLS2502... but the criteria are objective measurements -so everyone is going to be guessing!
Some guesses may be more educated than others though!
My own comments on this family of amps and the genres (Class D and Class AB).
The Class D amps tend to be powered by regulated switching power supplies... so the power supply feed is fixed at a specific value, and that in turn defines the max output capabilities of the amp.
Most AB amps have traditionaly "linear" unregulated power supplies - their continuous max capabilities are often very different from their transient/short term peak capabilities - then often have substantial headroom above and beyond the continuous ratings.
For use as full frequency range amps, often the thing that determines dynamic capabilities will be that "Peak" capability (and to some degree the length of that peak).
So we often need to consider continuous ratings on Class D amps vs peak ratings on Class AB amps - yes they arent apples and apples.... but nearby equivalents. (Class AB amps with fully regulated power supplies, also show the same property of having little headroom above the continuous ratings).
So you probably need to look for amps with outputs that are relatively similar (ie: in the 350W to 500W @8ohm)
The other thing to watch out for, is how the amp handles difficult loads, low impedance, phase angles on speakers - for the XLS series those factors are inconsequential, indicated by the 2ohm rating of 1200W....
So both the power supply can provide the required current for difficult loads, and the power amp circuits can output stablely into loads of 2ohm (1ohm bridged!).
You may not need the 350W to 500W @8ohm rating, your speakers may need more of the 2Ohm or 1ohm stable rating!
So my suggestion would be to start out by looking for amps that are rated at 1ohm or 2ohm - and then consider the total power output (which can be considered as a dynamic range factor in combination with your speakers SPL specs).
The designer of the speakers I have (Anthony Gallo) used to demo them at audio shows with a Spectron Musician III amp, a class D design capable of 500w@8ohm and doubling down all the way to around 1ohm - very similar to the Crown XLS... Sadly the designer of that amp died way too young, and the brand then disappeared.
But when looking around for an amp with similar capabilities the XLS2500 stood out as being very similar... and fantastic value at the time (I purchased 2 for US$250 each).
Today there are more options/alternatives.... but what aspect of the XLS performance is critical to YOUR usage is difficult to tell from "out here"...
Still the XLS series remains an economical and high value option - especially out on the used market.
The XLS2500/2502 with 440W continuous is a real powerhouse....
