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Multi-channel amps - do you know these?

pacocreative

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Hey,

I'm looking for advice on multichannel amplifiers for spatial sound installation.
Need 16-24 channels, so this motivates me seeking something affordable.
At the same time, I don't want to sink money in something that's gonna blow in 10 minutes.

My power requirement is fairly small. Each of channels will drive a single 8Ω/50W driver or an equivalent of a 6"-7" studio with a woofer and tweeter (non bi-amp, passive boxes). So an amp around 150-300W/8Ω is more than sufficient, but can be stronger and used carefully.

Another requirement - it should be compact (ideally 1U/4ch or 1U/8ch).

I have shortlisted several affordable amps, and researched their reviews.
For most of them, it's hard to find something. For some (omnitronic), several unpleasant opinions on one model.
Some of these amps/manufacturers have been on the market for a good while.

Could you share any practical experience with the following?
Which ones are a total money wasters, which ones could be explored?


Sirus I-Amp 8.150

Low cost, a bit high noise at 96db s/n, but could cut it on the affordable side

Studiomaster HX4-600

Omnitronic XDA-1206

Omnitronic MCD-3006 MK2
Omnitronic MCD-4008 MK2

These look great on paper, even too good to be true.
4008 was fried on one forum, but not sure if it ports to the entire brand and other models?

IHOS
iHOS D2004
iHOS D1204
IHOS Quadro DSP 2.0

AFAIK about a thousand have been sold, been around for a while.
No reviews…

DAP audio
DAP Audio Qi-4200 - low cost
DAP Audio Si-4450 - this seems to the newer offering, on a bit more expensive side.

Soundking
BD4150 / BD4300 / BD4450
This looks really interesting, especially with built-in IES67, but haven't found a single review.

Thomann
the t.racks DSP 4x4 Amp 4,250
I'm leaning towards this one, as its a sweet spot, but again, no reliable reviews

the t.amp D4-500
the t.amp Quadro 500 DSP
Sirus I-Amp 4.500

Out of these 3, the t.amp D4-500 is the simplest and probably most reliable, and had better reviews than the other guy.
It's been out there for long, which is good.

I know Thomann had the other line of 2U units, some Class D, some AB, but they are too bulky for me.
Appreciate your advice, and any first-hand experience with any of these.

Thank you!
 
QSC, Crown, and Yamaha all make 8-channel amplifiers, but availability can vary depending on your location.
 
Various Extron's come up on ebay all the time for reasonable prices. The Extron XPA 2004 is a 4ch 100w pc 8 ohms which I use for my surrounds. However you would need 4 to 5 of these. Probably best to bite the bullet and get as many channels in one chassis for simplicity.
 


JSmith
 
Can't say I've ever run into any of the brand names in your post. I'd perhaps consider some of the Hypex/Purifi module amps assemblers mentioned instead.
 
Look into some of the home install market as well like Elan, Dayton, etc. I happen to have a 12ch 40W @ 8ohm Elan in the closet if you're interested.
 

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Just looked at some used DCA 1812 amps, 120wpc x 8 @ 8 ohms, 8 TOSLINK inputs and 8 block terminals, no other inputs. Guy wanted $140 for both in Glendale AZ. I dodnt test them passed due to input connections.
 
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