Are there other suggested amps like the XTI series

[bzb]

That don't have the DSP? If I have a DCX2496, I don't really need to pay the "extra" that may be included in the price of the XTI, but I'd love the weight (or weightlessness in this case!) of those amps.

Is there anything comparable out there? I think the verdict is still out on the Behringer EPX series...?

[David Carter]

QSC's PLX2 series are very good lightweight amps. I had the PLX1104 for a while, and it weighed in at 13 lbs. Only thing to watch out for is the model numbers ending in "04" can only do 4 ohms. QSC's GX series is cheaper and just a little heavier. Peavey's got a new IPR series (I think that's right) that's supposed to be lightweight. They have models with DSP and models without it.

The only one of the above that I can vouch for personally is the QSC PLX2 series. I was very pleased. I only sold it to finance a Crown XTi 4000 that I got a great deal on.

[bzb]

I saw those PLX series, but they're a good bit MORE than XTis (weird)!

I'm just so skeptical when it comes to the XTis because of all the reviews/complaints I've read online about them failing during gigs. The point of this is to reduce weight for me, not carry two backup amps in my rack The Powertech is like 35 lbs, and that Microtech is another 40, I think. Back breaking.

I'll have to look into those GX amps. Which one should I be looking at if I want to run it mono with the T48s on one side and DR200 on the other? GX5?

[David Carter]

Check out the QSC GX series and see if it seems like it will meet your needs from a weight and price standpoint. I've never used one, but I've never seen anyone complain about them either.

[wallywally]

Just remember most of the time people only sound off when they have a problem. The XTi's did have some issues early in production with ribbon cables and the display board. From what i've read those problems have been resolved. Crown claims the failure rate is 1.5%. I have owned 2 xti's for about 1.5 years and they have been good. On 1 of them I did have to reload the firmware because it wouldn't always boot correctly. The only other complaint I have is they do hiss(slightly). Overall I am very happy with the XTi's and I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. As far as price goes I haven't seen any lightweight amps that cost less yet.

[David Carter]

The only other complaint I have is they do hiss(slightly).

I have noticed this also with my XTi 4000. My QSC PLX1104 wasn't dead silent, but it was noticeably quieter than the XTi. However, for pro audio, it's a moot point. As soom as you put even a minimal signal level through it, the slight hiss is overpowered by the source material.

[sstillwell]

A big thumbs up for the PLX2 amps. I run an 1804 on the tops and a 3602 on the subs...with another 3602 sitting in the wings for when I get REALLY crazy. They thump HARD. I've got XTi's too...using a 4000 for monitors, and another 4000 and 2000 in a "B" rig. Tried 'em both...preferred the QSC.

Either way, you can't beat the weight...beats the heck out of my 80lb Hill DX3000...I still have nightmares about carrying that thing.

If we were talking about Itech or Macrotech .vs. full-on Powerlight I might come down on the Crown side of things...but maybe not.

Scott

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

The new Peaveys look interesting, available both with and without DSP.

[Dazombiewoof]

+1 for Peavey. Usually very good price point and reliable. I also own a PLX2 1804 I use for a bass rig. Nothing succeeds like excess.

[bzb]

Went ahead and picked up a XTI 1000 for $250. Manufactured date is Aug 2008, and the owner claimed it was only used a couple times. Skeptical as I am, I tend to believe him, as there's no smoke smell and the fan is pristine. No rack rash, either.

Hoping the 2008 date is after the issues were cleared up. Had some issues hooking it up to the Mac last night, so I wasn't able to pull the firmware rev.

I think I'm going to stick with the XTI series and pony up the cash for a 4000 once I have the DRs and T48s completed sometime in 2010. The weight on these things is *wonderful*. Can't believe my mixer is heavier than my amp now.

[Gauss]

Are you running windows on your Mac? I had to borrow Grandma's vista laptop to setup the XTi I borrowed, because I only have the Apple OS. It was a breeze once I downloaded the software.

[WiSounds]

Take a look at the Ashly stuff too, the PE series amps.

http://www.ashly.com/pe-series.html

[jcmbowman]

Take a look at the Ashly stuff too, the PE series amps.

http://www.ashly.com/pe-series.html

For that price I'd get a Crown I-Tech.

[rec]

The new Peavy IPR amps almost sound too good to be true.
There is a video on sweetwater http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IPR6000/
They are tossing an amp around like a shoe box
Seems like a no brainer if they are reliable, sound good and that light. Especially at that price point!
I guess time will tell

[bzb]

Are you running windows on your Mac? I had to borrow Grandma's vista laptop to setup the XTi I borrowed, because I only have the Apple OS. It was a breeze once I downloaded the software.

Yep, Parallels. It detects that I connect the XTi, but it never shows up in the Architect software.

I just used my DJ laptop instead, which is XP. It's working fine, but now I just don't know what to set I have to do some probing, it seems.