[DougSmith]

I am looking for a 3-channel amp (or maybe two 2-channels) to use with the subs I am building. Two of the subs will use high efficiency drivers and will only need a max of 200W at 8 ohms to reach very high volumes the third one (AV15-H most likely) would be OK with ~300 W at 4 ohms, but it wouldn't hurt to have more. I will be using a DCX2496 for level, phase and filters.


I recall seeing a thread with a list of options here, but couldn't find it again. I am concerned about using the typical Berhringer and QSC options because of the fan noise (if I went that route I would probably put the amps in the basement, but I'm not crazy about that idea either). I was actually thinking of using an Emotiva XPA-3, but I'm not sure if it can handle the AV15-H.


Any suggestions?


-Doug

 

[penngray]

The XPA-3 will not handle the AV15, do not limit yourself with that sort of decision


QSC and Behringer amps are perfect for DIY subs so you have to get over whatever subjective feelings you have against them

You can mod the fans for about $10!!!


Im building two AV15X subs and I will drive them with my QSC 1850 amp.

 

[findbuddha]

If you're not averse to DIYing your amps, check out http://www.redrocksaudio.es/e_main.html -> impulse link on left. Use whatever fan you want

Or maybe none at all!



They sell modules and SMPS power supply to match, so it's essentially plug and play. They're not selling the D600 anymore, but they tell me they'll have a 2x200W (bridgeable - 450W into 4ohm) and a 2x300W module for sale around September.


They're also finishing up a 2KW-4ohm amp module and 4KW SMPS

 

[DougSmith]

Thanks guys,


Penngray, I suspect you are right about the XPA-3. There are definite attactions to the pro amps, mainly lots of clean power and relatively low cost... So, does the fan mod just ential swapping in a quieter one?


Those Red Rock amps look cool. Do you need a separate switching supply for each module? Class D would be nice if it were more affordable.


-Doug

 

[A9X-308]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DougSmith /forum/post/16901084


So, does the fan mod just ential swapping in a quieter one?

Pretty much. Google 'Behringer fan mod' and you'll come up with some pictorial step throughs. Most other pro amps would be the same in principle, but differ slightly in the details of the implementation.


I would also suggest pro amps of some sort or another. Buy as much power as you can afford as it's better to have too much than too little, and more power is usually cheaper in $/W in the end. A pair of EP2500 would suffice for your needs, with a spare channel or one bridged into the AV driver.

 

[stgdz]

You really won't find a better price/performance ratio then the EP2500.

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by findbuddha /forum/post/16900784


If you're not averse to DIYing your amps, check out http://www.redrocksaudio.es/e_main.html -> impulse link on left. Use whatever fan you want

Or maybe none at all!



They sell modules and SMPS power supply to match, so it's essentially plug and play. They're not selling the D600 anymore, but they tell me they'll have a 2x200W (bridgeable - 450W into 4ohm) and a 2x300W module for sale around September.


They're also finishing up a 2KW-4ohm amp module and 4KW SMPS

I have always wanted to build an amp or two but the costs seem to be higher then just buying one of the popular DIY pro amps.


That site didnt have any online ordering links? I couldnt find any, I wanted to know the price tag.

 

[gooki]

penngray - check your PM - have sent you price list.

 

[DougSmith]

Can you PM me too, please?


- Doug

 

[Erich H]

The perfect amp for you would have been the NHT B-20 subwoofer amp. The guy that was selling them new on Ebay for $190 shipped doesn't have anymore. BUT, quite often I have seen another NHT 2 channel full range amp selling on Ebay. It's listed as new, but they sell it with some NHT monitor speakers.


I sent the guy an e-mail last month asking if they would sell the amp separate and he said yes, around $220 I think. I believe they have more than one.

 

[LTD02]



Quote:
Originally Posted by penngray /forum/post/16900702


The XPA-3 will not handle the AV15, do not limit yourself with that sort of decision


QSC and Behringer amps are perfect for DIY subs so you have to get over whatever subjective feelings you have against them

You can mod the fans for about $10!!!


Im building two AV15X subs and I will drive them with my QSC 1850 amp.

john j. posted on av15h's and an ep2500. seems like it wasn't the best combo because of the av15h's low impedance.


i'd look up the link for you, but i'm too tired right now.

 

[findbuddha]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DougSmith /forum/post/16901084


Those Red Rock amps look cool. Do you need a separate switching supply for each module? Class D would be nice if it were more affordable.

The Red Rock's gear would appear to be the best value modules available to the DIYer - Hypex is probably a bit better quality, but it's certainly more expensive. I'm surprised that very few people in the DIY scene are using them, though there are some good reports of their SMPS floating around diyaudio.com.


The SMPS currently available is 1000W continuous, 2000W peak - I'm planning to use 3 x (2x300W) modules with the single SMPS.



Their customer service is great too, they'll set up the SMPS with the voltages you need. Sales are via email and paypal.

 

[DougSmith]



Quote:
Originally Posted by LTD02 /forum/post/16904262


john j. posted on av15h's and an ep2500. seems like it wasn't the best combo because of the av15h's low impedance.

I saw that too. I thought the issue had to do with using them in bridged mode (where they have a 4 ohm minimum... clipped operation blew out some drivers as I recall). For my needs, I think single channel operation will suffice, where they should be happy down to 2 ohms. For that matter, even the ep1500 probably has sufficient power (400 W per channel or more at 4 ohms or less).


I'm still kind of interested in the Red Rocks, but those may also have problems with low impedance drivers.


Thanks, guys, for the other suggestions.


-Doug

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by LTD02 /forum/post/16904262


john j. posted on av15h's and an ep2500. seems like it wasn't the best combo because of the av15h's low impedance.


i'd look up the link for you, but i'm too tired right now.

I did read it so I know about the discussion. John's experience is in the Pro audio arena. I do not think he likes the EP2500 much at all because of his pro audio experience.


I did run my EP2500 down to 2 ohms / ch easily for over a year with my IB setup (I wired 2 drivers to create just 2 ohms). Chuck's measurements shows the Ep2500 does do okay down into 2 ohms also.


Definitely would not run bridged mode down into 2 ohms though!

 

[noah katz]

"The Red Rock's gear would appear to be the best value modules available to the DIYer"


I don't see any prices on their site

 

[zora]



Quote:
Originally Posted by noah katz /forum/post/16907892


"The Red Rock's gear would appear to be the best value modules available to the DIYer"


I don't see any prices on their site

The D600 modules are $127 and the SMPS is $169. I was told that the D600 modules are out of stock until September.


JP

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by noah katz /forum/post/16907892


"The Red Rock's gear would appear to be the best value modules available to the DIYer"


I don't see any prices on their site

Red Rocks Audio Price list is as follows.


D-200 Class D amplifier module, 200W RMS – 8Ω - $59


D-600 Class D amplifier module, 600W RMS – 4Ω - $127


SMPS6060PFC Switching Power Supply (to power one D-1000 + one or two D-200 + one miniPROC II) - $169


MiniPROC II USB Loudspeaker controller - 2 way (including Software for Windows XP) - $106


SMPS1212 Switching Power Supply (to power miniPROC II USB as stand-alone) $52




I do not see why we dont just post all the prices here

That minproc is interesting...two of them and two power supplies is just over $300 + shipping. It comes with sofware and its controlled through USB...Im interested!


but I would need connection parts and a box...where do I find those??

 

[DougSmith]

Yes, that would be an interesting solution for 3 channels (two 200W and one 600W) if one doesn't mind the DIY aspect. I still wonder about compatibility with the AE driver. The control module looks like it can do just about everything I wanted the DCX for, except maybe the shelving filter to emulate a linkwitz transform.


-Doug

 

[kgveteran]

I run (4) QSC 1450's with fan mods. You will be happy with the mods and the power derived from pro power.


It's taken a while to bring pro gear into the home, but its here to stay !!!



KG

 

[DougSmith]

The QSC amps look nice. They are a bit more expensive than the equivalently spec'd Behringers, but perhaps they are built better. I searched out that comment by John Janowitz... it is here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post16040121 . He commented later on in that thread, however, that the problem most likely just applies to running the Berhringers in bridged mode.


-Doug