Junk Chinese 4 channel Class D PA amp

[beigtapel3]

Slowly building my garden party/garage PA setup.

Plan to get two 15" or 18" subs & combine with 8-10" tops. I prefer going with passive speakers & separate AMP(s) as I have DBX PA2 for EQ, X-Over, room correction and stuff.
Want to get best bang for the buck while maintaining acceptable sound quality.

Now I'm digging deeper into amps. Prefer max portability so Class D.

• My "Premium" option: pair of used Crown XLS 2002/2502. Est. cost 1000€ in second hand market (400-500€ per unit).
• Budget choice: Behringer NX4-6000 - 4 channels in one box, similar output power "on paper", half the price (~500€). I have read about the reliability issues (channels stop working) but I doubt 5 parties at high power + 20 days on weekend playing background music in garage a year would be an issue.
• And then I stumbled upon this "masterpiece" while browsing eBay today - MiCWL CA650 / Q650 - 4-channel amp (4x650W/8ohm RMS) at $250. I thought it could be fun to order one and send to someone to measure the true output power, SNR, THD etc., cause the numbers are way too good to be true. Is it a wolf in sheep's clothing or a complete piece of garbage that should be expected at this price?

Is there someone located in EU who can and would like to test it? Or, the idea is a waste of time & money just as stupid as it sounds?

 

[RayDunzl]

I put one in the shopping cart (just to see), and got this on checkout:

 

[mhardy6647]

I put one in the shopping cart (just to see), and got this on checkout:

View attachment 468632

probably just as well...

 

[DVDdoug]

but I doubt 5 parties at high power + 20 days on weekend playing background music in garage a year would be an issue.

It may not be as critical as live or DJ use but a blown amp at a party would be a bigger bummer than a blown amp for everyday home use.

I think Behringer doesn't claim "RMS" or continuous power. Amir reviewed a Crown amp and I was surprised that it didn't live-up to its specs either. Some Crown amps claim something like 5000W and you can only get about 1800W out of a regular power outlet. The power supply in an amp has capacitors that store energy so it MIGHT put-out 5000W on a peak (without blowing a circuit breaker).

 

[mhardy6647]

It may not be as critical as live or DJ use but a blown amp at a party would be a bigger bummer than a blown amp for everyday home use.

good point. so many people seem to get surly when they're drunk.

 

[beigtapel3]

I put one in the shopping cart (just to see), and got this on checkout:

View attachment 468632

There are many listings on eBay. Like this one from the manufacturer itself https://www.ebay.com/itm/224138431413

Found a listing that has a photo with the inside. Any comments?

 

[ZolaIII]

Take a look at Dynacord LxxxxFD line. L1300FD did fine giving 240W (@ 8 Ohms) continues and very good with low impedance loads, it's not usual junk (A-B/G class with torodial transformer) so it should last. It also has Xover, PEQ and FIR. Other than that that old Yamaha Pxxxx series also class A-B if you can find them.

 

[beigtapel3]

I have DBX PA2 processor to take care of crossover, EQ, limiters and other stuff. Prefer Class D due to weight & portability.

Just got offered QSC GXD8 @ 540 EUR. 2x800W (continuous) at 8 ohms. Not the best specs but for subwoofers could be fine.

 

[ZolaIII]

I referred to mesured power, not declared one. I prefer good; capacitors, transformer and from reputable brand along with good performance of course but as you wish. Take Dynacord now as Crown used to be, there are & series without DSP. New Yamahas are class D if that makes you happy.

 

[beigtapel3]

Thanks for the tips, appreciate! I understand that stated power rarely reflects to real life performance. Sadly measurements are available rarely, especially for budget stuff. Could be nice seeing professional rtings type of website of Hi-Fi & PA amplifier reviews with all the important aspects (true power, SNR etc.) tested.

 

[Scrivs]

I referred to mesured power, not declared one. I prefer good; capacitors, transformer and from reputable brand along with good performance of course but as you wish. Take Dynacord now as Crown used to be, there are & series without DSP. New Yamahas are class D if that makes you happy.

Just get a couple of Icepower 1200AS2, plop them into a Ghent/enclosure of your choice, be happy. Top tier on the BOM, very well designed SMPS integrated into the board, good measurements/power, and plenty of other options built into the boards, up to the end user to decide how far to go with it (hangar power, I/V monitoring, clip indicators, etc).
Comfortably all in for less than $800. Happy days.