[werd]

That's what it comes down to, I'm not sure what people are expecting for a couple hundred bucks? That it sounds as good as a $2k Odyssey? No Way! But I've tried them with several speakers so far and they are probably the best amp for the price on the planet. My Odyssey Stratos is far more refined and sounds much better overall but it's literally 10x+ the price.

If I were to buy amps right now on a budget, but could afford more than the Crowns, I'd probably get Hypex NC500 amps with replaceable input buffers (link below) or an Odyssey amp.

http://www.iqspeakers.co.uk/#!hypex-amps/avuyk

As far as bass control, I think the Crown XLS has too much of it on some speakers. My Pioneer S-1EX has slightly overdamped bass with the XLS but it's about perfect with the Odyssey Stratos.

Didn't you start a thread a couple years ago claiming the Crown was the best amp ever easily beating amps in the 4 and 5 digit price? Now it's meh...

[DaveC113]

Didn't you start a thread a couple years ago claiming the Crown was the best amp ever easily beating amps in the 4 and 5 digit price? Now it's meh...

Not even going to respond to troll bait. Werd, wtf man? You're better than posting crap like this...

[mresseguie]

 

[guest61169]

I would go Benchmark DAC-1 Pre or DAC-1 HDR.  I use a regular DAC-1 since I don't need analog inputs.  Balanced outs, jumpers inside to set the gain and headphone amp included.

[werd]

Not even going to respond to troll bait. Werd, wtf man? You're better than posting crap like this...

 

Why so tense? It's only Elephant Talk

http://youtu.be/GTQrlDzqUCA