Karaoke Forums

OK so I'm going forward and putting together a LITTLE more powerful system than my Yamaha EMX512.

What Amp would you choose and why

A) Peavey PV2600 - $599 - 540watts x 2 @8ohms - All the bells & whistles
B) Crown Xls802 - $599 - 500watts x 2 @8ohms - 3 yr no fault warranty
C) Behringer Ep2500 - $299 - 500watts x 2 @ 8ohms - Great Price making room for their new line of power amps.

Do you want the comfort of the Crown warranty? If so, buy the Crown amp. Note you can get an XTi 2000 for $600 (though they suck on subs IMO) or you can find the XLS802 a little cheaper than the price you posted.

If you would rather have a backup than a good warranty, note that you can get two EP2500s for only a little more than two XLS802s cost. This is why I started buying EP2500s.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

If you do not think you'll ever drop below 4 ohms per channel or need to bridge, you might consider the QSC GX5 500x2 @ 8 ohms, 700x2 @ 4 ohms. $400 plus a SIX year warranty!
But out of the 3 you mentioned, i'd opt for the Crown if those are what you are considering. Better warranty than the others & are typically workhorses as well.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

the QSC looks very nice --Is the GX line one of their budget lines?
This amp might meet all the needs quality afforability and dependability
Plus is much light than the others ..might be the one

Thank you --did not even consider the Qsc

I wouldn't call the GX5 a "budget amp" in any respect other than price. It will not do 2 ohms / channel and does not have a bridge mode, but if you compare it to the XLS802, that amp also won't do 2 ohms / channel (though it will bridge into 8 ohms.)

A dealer I use just emailed me and said his shipment of Behringer EPX3000s are on the way to him, and mine is on its way to me as soon as he gets the shipment in. $369 for basically similar specs to the EP2500, and less weight.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

Like said it is their 'budget' line in terms of price, but the quality is still there.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I can honestly say that I've never had a reliablity issue with my 3 Behringer amps (1 EP1500 and 2 EP2500), even at 2 ohms. Other than their microphones, those are the ONLY Behringer products I would EVER recommend. They are heavy, though.

And if you do have a warranty claim at any point, QSC's customer service is second to none as far as I'm concerned.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

I own a Crown XLS 602 in my main PA and it sounds great and has been very reliable.

I also own a Peavey PV1500 that is the main amp in my DJ PA, and I love it as well.

Both of those amps have been in service in my rigs for about 3 years now with no problems, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the XLS and PV series amps.

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C Mc
KJ, FL

They really aren't that heavy compared to other amps or similar design and output. I handed an RMX2450 to someone last night and was sure to caution him it was a lot heavier than it looked before I let go. 45 pounds.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

Compare that to my older Peavey CS1200 & CS1000. 70lbs/53lbs respectively. Talk about one heavey amp rack. 45lbs is still heavy though.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I have used my Crown CE2000 for quite a while and I am pretty sold on it. 400 watts per channel and a very clean sound. If I ever have to replace it, I wil not consider anything but Crown.

from what ive seen over the last 10 years or so crown has put out some amps that IMO are at or below the quality of a beringer. they do have some great amps, but they also sell some junk that they have made for them over seas that I wouldnt wish on anyone. When it comes to Peavey I can't shake the feeling that there stuff has always been tough and worked forever, but its heavy, noisy, draws a ton of power and doesn't really sound good. there stuff may be better than that these days, but i don't see it.
QSC sells nothing but good amps! as lonman said there lower end amps are anything but low end. Ive got an RMX 2450 that I love, it sounds great But it's heavy. I just picked up a PLX 1800 used for $399 at GC that im really in love with! OMG i think the 4u rack case i have it in weighs as much as the amp! and it sounds great! Im sold on QSC!

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the voices arent real, but they have some good ideas

Thanks for the info on Crown, I'll just be a little more selective and do a little more homework when the time comes.

yeah sadly what used to be a top name is now just a name. kinda like when they put the cadilac name on a chevy cavalier with a different nose piece and a nicer set of seats.

I would never buy the 4 space units with the blue or red faces. Ive heard bad things from a few djs who had them. better off with a peavey for the same cash imo.

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the voices arent real, but they have some good ideas

I vote for none of the amps you have selected.

When recommending amps I will always suggest a QCS PLX 3602. If you need any more power than 2 of these babys, hire a sound company.

If you dont think u need that kind of power.

Second pick a QSC PLX1804 I think they weigh 11 or 13 lbs $699

If you dont mind the weight a QSC GX 5 is still a nice amp.

I have heard a lot of people say how they hate PLX amps on subs. I think it's a limitation of switch-mode power supplies that try to quickly draw a ton of current when peaking, and end up clipping early when they can't pull 60A down a circuit intended for 20A nominal. My XTi amps definitely exhibit this symptom on sub-duty and I don't use them for it anymore.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

You always entertain me with your suggestions ! - What do you do look for the MOST expensive item and reccomend it ---- That PLX3602 is $1400 and 775w x 2 @8 ohms -- I don't know how many KJ's are pumping that much power.
BUT I'M SURE ITS A GREAT AMP -- I did use your suggestion awhile back and bought a Crown XLS602 ..so I know the Crowns a great amp. Most likely going to go the GX5 route soon

I will be pushing that on my 15" mids in a few weeks. Well 700 wpc via the Carvin DCM3800. Upgrading all my amps.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Even you would have to admits that's more than the average KJ is pumping thru their system ... If ever I get out NW I would love to see your show ..I bet it's a blast !!!