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Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 7:05 am
by djengineer
Yes I know, apples to oranges..For powering my pair of T48s, I am trying to decide what is a better option. I tried out the RMX 2450 twice and it is very powerful with good headroom. Would this be the case with the new XLS? How about being a bass-friendly amp? I've read some amps don't produce bass as good as others.
All the good deals on used RMXs on Craigslist are killed by the shipping costs, and for 25% more, I can have a brand new Crown.

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 9:22 am
by camrynekai
I just got 4 of the XLS2500's...haven't ran them for sub duty only for monitor duty so far. They seem like OK amps, only thing I dont like is the X-over/HP filter...your limited to 50Hz :( that might be a indication that they might not be suited for sub duty.

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:03 am
by Bruce Weldy
Since you are comparing to the QSC, then you obviously don't need processing - thus the XLS shortcomings in that area don't matter.

I'm using an XLS 1000 in bridge mode to run my subs and they work like a champ. Other considerations:

The Crown is only 10 pounds.

The new Crown has a 3 yr warranty. The used QSC probably has none.

Also, if you are just running 2 T48s, no reason not the run the XLS1000 in bridged mode. Unlike the older XLS models, the Drivecores are rated to run bridged at 4 ohms (each channel can go to 2 ohms). Plus, you'll save a ton of cash.

So, between the QSC and Crown...

Crown...no brainer.

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:45 am
by djengineer
Yes no processing needed on amp (2496 in sig.) I tried my XLS 602 in bridged mono this past Sat. 2 T48s were 5 ohms. Amp is rated for 4 ohms bridged mono. It didn't fare any better than both T48s on 1 channel nor them each on their own. I was dissappointed based on the wattage claims in 4 ohm b-m. 5 ohms shouldn't have been much less. Either way, I need good headroom so the XLS 2500 would be the option over the 1000.

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:50 pm
by Bruce Weldy
djengineer wrote:Yes no processing needed on amp (2496 in sig.) I tried my XLS 602 in bridged mono this past Sat. 2 T48s were 5 ohms. Amp is rated for 4 ohms bridged mono. It didn't fare any better than both T48s on 1 channel nor them each on their own. I was dissappointed based on the wattage claims in 4 ohm b-m. 5 ohms shouldn't have been much less. Either way, I need good headroom so the XLS 2500 would be the option over the 1000.
The 602 didn't work well because it is not designed to run a 4 ohm load bridged.
http://www.crownaudio.com/amp_htm/xls.htm
Lucky that you didn't blow it up.

The XLS1000 is designed to run a 4ohm load bridged. It puts out 1100 watts - 2-T48s only need 900 running at max so there is plenty of headroom......In fact, the XLS1000 bridged is more power than the 2500 running one per side - 550 watts per speaker vs. 440.
http://www.crownaudio.com/amp_htm/xls_drivecore.htm

Obviously, if you bridge the 2500 it is way more power.....but overkill for no reason. You can get the XLS 1000 for $300. I like this series of amps and either one will work - I just like saving money.

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 1:29 pm
by djengineer
Yeah as soon as I saw slight clipping, I switched them on their own channel. The manual gave (1600w?) At 4 ohms b-m. So I was tricked. I agree on the 2500 being overkill, esp if I don't plan on building more cabs anytime soon. I ordered the 1000 and will have it for Thurs night gig. I will surely report my experiences. Thanks all for input. Happy Holidays!

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 1:30 pm
by camrynekai
Bruce Weldy wrote:Obviously, if you bridge the 2500 it is way more power.....but overkill for no reason.
Ohhhhh boy...you wouldn't want to hear what I power my T48's with :shock:

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 4:23 am
by Dave Non-Zero
Um, I do!!!

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:10 am
by camrynekai
well...ummm...a XTI6000 :fruit: just cant run that HP to low or bad things WILL happen. I have quite a few gigs under the belt with this setup and I just love it. I can run all 8 of my T48's with one amp and not break a sweat...HP @ 45 the T48's will take all that the XTI6000 has to offer.

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:08 am
by sine143
man.... 45 just seems too high for an 8 stack.... I'd be thinking you could push low 30s, if limited to 60ish or below. We discussed using Itech HDs for t48s.... a man can dream.

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:29 am
by camrynekai
sine143 wrote:man.... 45 just seems too high for an 8 stack.... I'd be thinking you could push low 30s, if limited to 60ish or below. We discussed using Itech HDs for t48s.... a man can dream.
I use 45 for war volume and 37 for everything else. Low 30's....no way, I'm to chicken shit to do that...BTW did I mention I hate limiters. The XTI6000 is a Itech with a few caps missing from the power supply...whole different beast then the rest of the XTI series.

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 8:48 pm
by Dave Non-Zero
Run all 8 from one amp? I may have to look into that. It's in the future tho, can't afford a 4000, never mind a 6000. :( I'm going to be doing more events next year that require 6-8 of my t48 so I need a solution that won't break my back or bank.

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:09 pm
by camrynekai
Dave, If it wasn't for the $400 Crown rebate I wouldn't own one either...I will say that the XTI saves me over 65lb's from my amp rack and 2 less NL4's that need to be ran :)

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 4:26 am
by Dave Non-Zero
Nice! But what is this rebate of which you speak!?! 'tis some magical manna from heaven around the witching hour?

Re: Crown XLS 2500 vs RMX 2450 for 2 T48s

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 7:09 am
by LelandCrooks