Pro Audio Amps - Yes, We've had this discussion Before....

[BrentEvans]

Got a lightning hit at the church and insurance is paying a nice sum to replace everything. Obviously they're not paying for speakers, but I'm trying to work that into the budget, as well as some nicer equipment than what we had.

Was considering the QSC GX series until a colleague relayed a story regarding caps blowing in spectactular fashion at a show, not even being driven hard...

So I need a few along the lines of the GX3 and a few along the lines of the GX5. Don't need DSP..

Some of these need to be portable, so I'm back to the drawing board. I don't mind heavy iron for the stationary ones, but I really like the weight of the EPX and GX amps. Obviously the XLS and IPR win on those categories, but I still haven't seen lots of reliability reports on any of the lightweights... anyone?

Options seem to be:

Peavey IPR1600 (300w) $290ish
QSC GX3 (350w per side 8 ohm) $250 + ship
Behringer EPX2000 (350) $255 free ship
Crown XLS2000 (390w) $390 + ship
Behringer EP2000 (400w) $255 free ship
Behringer EPX3000 (400w) $350ish
Crown XLS2500 (440w) $465 + ship
QSC GX5 (500w) $295 + ship
Peavey IPR3000 (540w) $390ish
Behringer EP4000 (750w) $320-350ish
Behringer EP4000 (750w) $320-350ish

So.... all that said... thoughts?

[Bruce Weldy]

I've used the XLS series for over a year now. I have the 1000, 1500, and 2500 (and waiting on another 2500 to arrive any day).

The first 1000 I got crapped out within 30 minutes of having it on....pretty much DOA. Crown replaced in less than a week. No problem with any of 'em since. I do love the light weight and the price. Mostly outdoors gigs and haven't had one lay down due to heat yet.

Quality seems to be good and you can't beat Crown's warranty.

[imnotded]

I have a GX3 that I push pretty hard and it runs great. Had an outdoor gig last weekend where it was in the sun (well the amp rack was with the GX in it) and it stayed cool. Although in a church it might be better to have the crossovers on the amps since kids like to turn knobs.

I would buy more of the GX. If I needed dsp I would probably go with the IPR's.

[Israel]

which speakers will be using ?? how big is the building or the area perhaps??

[BrentEvans]

which speakers will be using ?? how big is the building or the area perhaps??

Various speakers and various locations. I can size the amps properly, what I suppose I'm looking for are experiences with the various lightweights.

[Doug Hart]

Brent,
The only lightweight amps that I've dealt with personally are the:
Behringer EPQ and EPX amps
and the Peavey IPR series.
I've been perfectly happy with both.

[Bryson]

I have a XLS1500 and like it pretty well, no problems here.

[Benj Ross]

I have the IPRs and I am happy. I did a lot of research and I have not found anything more than the occasional glitch to complain about with them. I did have a a powered mixer show up damaged and they sent out a new one the day I reported the problem. I have tried for some time now to get ahold of a tech at behringer about a monitor I am trying to repair and four times in a row, I got to someone who said "ok I'll transfer you to a tech" and hung up on me. The IPRs run a bit more, but I would trust the service a whole lot more.

Benj

[mikeratliff]

I have been perusing the site for some time now and on this topic of amps I see one manufacturer that is left out. Carvin...I have used everything pretty much under the sun including Crown pre and post Harmon buy out. I have found Carvin to be reliable and cost effective. Carvin's service is second to none and are well worth the look and listen.

[subharmonic]

I know you said you dont need a dsp but the prices on musicians friend for previous years xti amps makes them an option

[BrentEvans]

Pulled the trigger today on a bunch of gear, IPR amps included. Got a total of 4 3000s and 8 1600s. This will be split between 2 systems. Old Iron for sale soon (once I get comfortable enough with the new gear, y'know). Obviously not selling any of the lightning damaged gear... but Farm Bureau was very kind to us... I can replace all that failed and buy a new system for the church, completely replacing my gear which was parked there.

Also bought Focusrite pres for the SAC system and new MOTU hardware to expand to 48 channels. Look ma! No Behringer!

[James R]

Did you include power protection this time?

[BrentEvans]

Did you include power protection this time?

We're planning to have a whole-building surge arrestor installed. It's far less expensive than multiple 15A SurgeX units.

[BrentEvans]

Wrapping this up...

Talk about a busy three weeks... two weeks of work all day, then go set up, do the sound guy thing for 2-4 hours, tear down, eat, sleep (Maybe), then do it again... all the while with my house torn up from a water leak and living in a hotel....

Ran 3 1600s and 2 3000s pretty hard every night for two weeks. The DDT limiters work quite well, and sound very musical. The amps were still blowing cool air at the end of each night. The sound is pristine.. big improvement over the QSC/Peavey/Crown old iron rack I was using before. For the sake of disclosure, this upgrade also included better mic pres (M-Audio Octane up from the Behringer ADA8k pres) which may have contributed too... but it wasn't only that. The IPRs are very quiet (both fan noise and electronic noise), and I would describe the sound as "accurate." Even when the DDT limiters engage, you can't tell.

I can heartily recommend these. Full Compass has great pricing on them, which makes them a VERY attractive alternate to the lower priced products.

And... it's crazy that my new rack weighs less than my old amp rack.. and the new one has my SAC system and most of my amps in it. The OLD amp rack now houses three of the IPRs.... it's a one hand lift....

[Greg Plouvier]

Actually those look like profires - are you using firewire with SAC? Which card are you using?