Crown or QSC?

[energie]

I'm new to all this, so don't flame too much.

I'm about to build 2 x O12TBs in the 2x10 configuration as a full PA setup for no more than 300 people.

To power them, I'm looking at the QSC RMX 850, but I just found this: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=481584

Crown XLS 202D, and what looks like the same power ratings as the RMX. Now I know enough to not buy a Pyle but not enough to pick out an amp that will do the job and keep doing the job for years. Not looking to spend $300 on an amp, but recommendations are always helpful if neither of these are sufficient.

[SeisTres]

Those two amp lines are pretty similar in quality. Both are probably made in China just like the behringer's and probably most of the lowered priced options from reputable manufactures. Both amps have a good track record. I guess it really comes down to personal preference since some people will swear by crown, and other will swear by qsc.

[Bruce Weldy]

If you use the BP102 8ohm speakers, they will be optimum at 200 watts ea. or 400 watts per cabinet. The Crown puts out 300 watts at 4 ohms per side. A little underpowered.

Look for an amp that will give you at least 400 watts per side at 4ohms.

[Bruce Weldy]

Spend $50 more and get this one.....it has the right power.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=481585

[energie]

If you use the BP102 8ohm speakers, they will be optimum at 200 watts ea. or 400 watts per cabinet. The Crown puts out 300 watts at 4 ohms per side. A little underpowered.

Look for an amp that will give you at least 400 watts per side at 4ohms.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=481585

I could afford this. $200 looks like the step up from the other Crown and puts out 450w/ch at 4ohms, which my O12s would be.

Is this a solid amp though for mobile use? I'm fine with spending a couple hundred, but don't want to have to do it again in a couple years

[energie]

Spend $50 more and get this one.....it has the right power.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=481585

Haha beat me to it

Any experience with them?

[Bruce Weldy]

Ha! Beat you to it!

[Bruce Weldy]

You beat me to the "beat me to it".

There's a lot of guys here that have used that amp. I'm using the new XLS 1000 and 1500. That is a really good price because they are closing 'em out due to the new Drivecore XLS. I don't think you could go wrong. Plus, it's a Crown and I believe that all their amps are warranteed for 3 years. They stand behind their stuff.

[SeisTres]

I would clump the qsc rmx, crown xls (d), and the behringer europower lines all in the same reliability standard. But saying that, they've been proven to be work horses that take a beating night and night out. None of them have given me any problems. Ever. (well can't really speak for the qsc as I have only used a few times but do no own it).

[bzb]

If you use the BP102 8ohm speakers, they will be optimum at 200 watts ea. or 400 watts per cabinet. The Crown puts out 300 watts at 4 ohms per side. A little underpowered.

Look for an amp that will give you at least 400 watts per side at 4ohms.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=481585

I could afford this. $200 looks like the step up from the other Crown and puts out 450w/ch at 4ohms, which my O12s would be.

Is this a solid amp though for mobile use? I'm fine with spending a couple hundred, but don't want to have to do it again in a couple years

Haha, I don't know too many guys here, or otherwise, that aren't doing it all over again in a couple years.

[bgavin]

I would clump the qsc rmx, crown xls (d), and the behringer europower lines all in the same reliability standard.

Not me.

The RMX is indeed built in China, to US engineered specs.
This means they have a good design assembled without using low quality, high priced union labor in the US.

RMX are work horses, and far above the the Behringer in reliability.

[energie]

I'm leaning toward the crown simply because of price. Anybody want to sell me on qsc before I take the dive?

@bgavin: I just assumed all consumer electronics of this nature would be manufactured in china, but I could be wrong. At least the eminence drivers I'll be purchasing are american made

[energie]

Also, on a semi-related note, in the product description it states it having a 3 yr warranty. I would assume thats from crown, but then they try to sell me a warranty when I go to purchase it. Is it the same warranty that really doesn't come with it unless you purchase it, or are they just trying to upsell me to THEIR musician's friend warranty? I'm a little confused. I would spring for the warranty, but not if crown already offers one.

edit: Amazon clarified it for me.

Three-Year Warranty
The XLS402 is backed up by Crown's three-year, no-fault, fully transferable warranty. Protect your investment and guarantee its specifications.

Shame on you musician's friend. I think I'll just buy it from amazon.

edit 2: Would this be worth the extra $16 or would it just be overkill at this point?

http://www.amazon.com/Crown-602D-Stereo ... 798&sr=1-2

[Bruce Weldy]

Also, on a semi-related note, in the product description it states it having a 3 yr warranty. I would assume thats from crown, but then they try to sell me a warranty when I go to purchase it. Is it the same warranty that really doesn't come with it unless you purchase it, or are they just trying to upsell me to THEIR musician's friend warranty? I'm a little confused. I would spring for the warranty, but not if crown already offers one.

edit: Amazon clarified it for me.

Three-Year Warranty
The XLS402 is backed up by Crown's three-year, no-fault, fully transferable warranty. Protect your investment and guarantee its specifications.

Shame on you musician's friend. I think I'll just buy it from amazon.

Hey, those guys (and all the rest of 'em) will try to sell you a warranty on guitar picks. It's the gravy part of their business.

For what it's worth. The QSCs are great amps. I actually run more of them than Crowns between my various system duties, but you can't beat Crown's warranty. I just had a Crown arrive that went DOA after about 30 minutes - they had a new one shipped within the week....no questions asked. You can't wrong with Crown.

[saloonstudios]

I recently bought an XLS402d for $220 and now the XLS602d is $215!? What's with the price drops!