Amp to run 36" T48s loaded with 3015lf

[mattsk8]

I'm considering a Crown Xti 2000 but that's only based on reading through some of the previous threads here; I'm not amp savy at all! Would this be overkill for these subs? I would like something that would allow the potential to add another sub if we need it.

[Bruce Weldy]

I'm considering a Crown Xti 2000 but that's only based on reading through some of the previous threads here; I'm not amp savy at all! Would this be overkill for these subs? I would like something that would allow the potential to add another sub if we need it.

Overkill? No. It's just barely enough. I tried a 2000 with my 3012lfs and didn't feel like it had enough headroom. It will work, but it certainly isn't overkill.

It puts out 475 at 8 ohms.... 60 volts is 450. I'm assuming that the 3015 is capable of taking 60 volts in a T48.

[sine143]

Own a 2k for 4 t48s (24 and 18" width though), want a 4k. That being said, I've blown 1 3015lf on an xti 2k (limiter set at -3). I'd opt for the xti2 series, seems like their give you more flexible limiting options.

Xti 2k will sound awesome for 2 subs (1 per channel). get that number up to 3 per channel and you're pushing the amp hard. 3 T48s on a single channel of my xti will have the temp indicator at "yellow) in the System architect within 10 minutes. I've always turned down a bit (down below -6 on that channel nominal output), and the indicator returns to normal.

more than 2, might be worth saving for a xti 4002 .

[mattsk8]

OK, now I have some thinking to do! Thanks for the replies. Maybe leaning towards the 4002 just because of Bruce's reply about using it w/ the 12's. Only have to spend it once if I get the right one and I'd hate to be disappointed!!

[Gregory East]

If you are going to be expanding you could be better off with a central processor and simple power amp for each stack of subs.

[el_ingeniero]

If you are going to be expanding you could be better off with a central processor and simple power amp for each stack of subs.

+1. 98% of the time all your subs will want the same signal.

[mattsk8]

If you are going to be expanding you could be better off with a central processor and simple power amp for each stack of subs.

Just spent some time googling a central processor (have no idea what that is ) and I get a bunch of computer stuff. Tried to get creative googling and I finally got some pro audio pages but it's still way over my head!

I can picture what the central processor might do in my head but having a hard time finding what you're referring to.

I've done a lot w/ car and home audio. For instance, I would consider (on a home audio system) the main receiver the central processor and all the amps hook to that. In this case the central processor (the receiver) basically controls and delivers the signals to the different amps. Is it a similar scenario in this situation? And would the TLAH Pros also run through the central processor?

Just trying to figure out what all I would need to make that work. Sounds like I would need 2 amps for the subs, and the central processor. But would I then also need 2 more amps to run the pair of TLAH Pros? My main reason for asking is because it sounds really expensive compaired to the 4002.

As far as expanding goes, I don't really plan on expanding- that would only be if I fealt it needed more low end and wanted to add a sub. I'm hoping the 2- 15" subs will do the trick, but I'm not sure and won't be till I get it all hooked up. I'm good w/ getting the 4002; actually decided on it until I read the post about the central processor. Was hoping the 4002 would give me room to add a sub (or 2) if I needed it. My gut says we'll be good w/ the 2 subs when comparing the system I'm building to what we have now (the one we have now is pretty pathetic).

Based on that, what do you guys think? What can I figure we'd spend if I did go the central processor/separate amps route?

[Bruce Weldy]

Speaker Management System......

dbx Driverack PA (or PA+)

or

Behringer 2496

[Gregory East]

Yeah, sorry, I assumed you would have picked up on processors already.

One amp with two channels gets you subs and tops in a mono mix.

Older amps are very cheap with everyone upgrading to lightweight ones.

[mattsk8]

So, I've decided to go the Processor route. After reading about them it's kind of a no brainer!! As far as which processor, I think I'll go w/ your recommendation for the DBX PA+. Thanks for the suggestions btw!!

As far as the amp is concerned, I'm considering a Crown XLS 5000, specifically this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crown-XLS-5000- ... 19d1b5b306

I realize that's way overkill, but I can set the limitter thru the processor so I won't have worry about over driving them, correct? Another guy here locally told me that too much power is way better than not enough. Just wanted to confirm his statement.

[Bruce Weldy]

So, I've decided to go the Processor route. After reading about them it's kind of a no brainer!! As far as which processor, I think I'll go w/ your recommendation for the DBX PA+. Thanks for the suggestions btw!!

As far as the amp is concerned, I'm considering a Crown XLS 5000, specifically this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crown-XLS-5000- ... 19d1b5b306

I realize that's way overkill, but I can set the limitter thru the processor so I won't have worry about over driving them, correct? Another guy here locally told me that too much power is way better than not enough. Just wanted to confirm his statement.

Driverack is a good choice.

The amp is a 65 pound monster.....it certainly has more power than you need. you may want to continue looking for something lighter and closer to your power needs......

Crown XTI 4000s are going for $550 to $600 used on ebay and come it at 17 pounds. Personally, I'd take that over the xls5000.

[DJPhatman]

Only have to spend it once if I get the right one and I'd hate to be disappointed!!
As far as which processor, I think I'll go w/ your recommendation for the DBX PA+

Spend the extra $$ and get the light-years better dBx Driverack 260 instead. Or, go with the Behringer DCX-2496 & DEQ-2496 combo. Either of these two options give you much more flexibility in your processing. I, personally, have the Behringer combo.

[Gregory East]

XLS5000 serves no useful purpose unless you were running a heap of multi driver loaded cabs. You need a direct line to God to power it, can't plug it into a standard wall socket and expect it to suck 2.5kW per channel.

It really is a nuisance having such an excess of power because you have to either tamper proof the attenuator control down or else live with no fader control as your limiter will be kicking in at 1/4 power on the desk.

[BrentEvans]

Another guy here locally told me that too much power is way better than not enough. Just wanted to confirm his statement.

This bit of "common knowledge" only applies so much. While it is true that having an amp slightly more powerful than your speakers can reasonably handle keeps the amp from running full tilt, and you can prevent over-voltage with a limiter, the effects of clipping an amp and driving a signal heavily into the limiters is similar... you get more RMS power, and risk heat damage.

The is no need to have amps that are four times as powerful as your subs will handle. If your sub can take 60v, you want an amp that can comfortably generate 5-10% more than that at most, so that it runs nice and cool, and perhaps can handle low supply voltage conditions a bit better.

I know guys that use amps that are four times as powerful as their subs can handle... for the "headroom" they think they're getting. Those same guys replace drivers pretty frequently, because one trip into that "headroom" typically results in blown drivers.

[netwerks]

may want to look at peavey ipr3000...they get good reviews here.