Amp/Preamp Asylum

Bridged Crown XLS 2502 driving B&W 801 matrix S2

69.118.107.235

Leo loves music

System is up and running.
Bridged Crown XLS 2502s act as monoblocks. Output 1550 crazy watts per side.

Initial impression
Compared to my Plinius/Cary bi-amp setup, the later sounds much warmer, refined, smooth and musical. On the other hand, the Crown sounds cold, a little rough and mechanical. More power the better, 1550W doesn't help.
One of the amp is new, lets wait and see.

Edits: 11/25/24 11/25/24

Follow Ups:

RE: Bridged Crown XLS 2502 driving B&W 801 matrix S2 - Leo loves music 08:08:06 11/27/24 (7)
After a few days, I still don't like the sound. So I changed the system to bi-amp configuration. It is better now. I also put Cardas speaker cables on top to help. I would day I am getting 70% performance of my Plinius/Cary class A system.
- RE: Bridged Crown XLS 2502 driving B&W 801 matrix S2 - Leo loves music 10:22:03 11/27/24 (6)
  After bi-amp, these Crowns are listenable in my system for about 70% of class A amp performance.
  At $1200 per pair, these Crowns offer 2x440W + 2x440W bi-amp mono configuration. If this configuration is from Mcintosh, we are talking about something around $40K, i.e. MC901.
  
  Edits: 11/27/24
  - RE: Bridged Crown XLS 2502 driving B&W 801 matrix S2 - JoeKool 12:50:52 12/01/24 (5)
    Little Aiyima A07 Max sounds way better than the Crown XLS1502 I have, now relegated to sub duties in HT system.
    The Aiyima has a warmer and relaxed sound, even with the stock OpAmps.
    - Why there are so many people talking about their amp w/o - Leo loves music 12:57:17 12/01/24 (4)
      considering what speakers it will drive?
      - RE: Why there are so many people talking about their amp w/o - JoeKool 13:35:48 12/01/24 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Why there are so many people talking about their amp w/o posted by Leo loves music on December 01, 2024 at 12:57:17
        
        Default amp. NCore 400 DIY 1st Gen.
      - RE: Why there are so many people talking about their amp w/o - JoeKool 13:28:00 12/01/24 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Why there are so many people talking about their amp w/o posted by Leo loves music on December 01, 2024 at 12:57:17
        
        Alon IV speakers
        Martens Miles ...
        
        full system list... - JoeKool 13:34:07 12/01/24 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Why there are so many people talking about their amp w/o posted by JoeKool on December 01, 2024 at 13:28:00
        
        EAR Acute CD player> CAT SL1 pre> AMP > Alon IV/Marten Miles II
      - RE: Why there are so many people talking about their amp w/o - Leo loves music 13:13:06 12/01/24 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Why there are so many people talking about their amp w/o posted by Leo loves music on December 01, 2024 at 12:57:17
        
        for those never understand (Open in New Window)
RE: Bridged Crown XLS 2502 driving B&W 801 matrix S2 - Jotaro 21:40:11 11/25/24 (0)
Had the exact same amps running mono to my Dynaudio's as backups. They do respond to powercords if you care to venture down that road.

Otherwise, I wouldn't consider pro amps as taking the place of a refined Audiophile amp, so expectations should not be dampened.

J.
That was my take - E-Stat 07:32:43 11/25/24 (0)
on the sonics of the Crown XLS1500 as well. Forget any sense of air at the top.

They're now gone.

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