[larsss]

Looking for suitable power amplifiers to be used in a two way system, open baffle AE Dipole 15 and an Altec 511 horn on top. Crossover at 500hz.


Looking for balanced alternatives and Behringer A500 come to my ,as a cheap alternative. Anyone, how does it sound ?

Well, any recommendations appreciated.

[JohnR]

I can't say about the horn, often people like SETs there.

On my Dipole 15s I am using a QSC PLX1602, which is in theory wa-ay too much power (500W) for the driver which is a bit of a risk but I've not had any issues yet. The 70W amp I was using before is definitely not enough. I do have an A500 but have not actually used it on those woofers (currently driving subs in the HT).

[zmyrna]

I would use a digital amp for the bass section.
It is cheaper, has better control, and runs cool.
I have been eyeing Behringer Inukes (dsp optional).

[Ruben1]

VTL Compact 80.
80 watts of pure pleasure. You can see it on the lower right side of the speaker.

[matevana]

I'd like to put in a pitch for some of the 2-channel integrated amps on the market, for your mid/high option. I've had great luck in OB applications with NAD, Cambridge and Marantz. The sound is typically more high res than what pro audio offers, and doesn't present heat or fan issues. Unlike SET's they offer a bunch of features that can be quite useful, such as sub outs and monitor loops for embedding sound processors such as MiniDSP, etc. and sharing them across your inputs. Best of all, they are often available on the cheap on the used market.

I recently purchased a Cambridge Azur 640a integrated amp (eBay) for $250. It's 100 watts per channel conservatively rated, nice input selection, large toroid, good damping factor, direct mode, plenty of clean power with no heat or noise issues. These amps often mimic tube warmth and a lot of the 2nd order harmonic characteristics associated with SET's.  It also has a full function remote which is a plus, especially when you are using it to select inputs and drive your LF amp(s).   

[Poultrygeist]

I use two of these with my H-frame Alphas.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-812&FTR=dayton%20apa150

[Poultrygeist]

An inexpensive option is using an older AV receiver in two channel mode. I picked up a non-HDMI Denon for $35 at a garage sale. It has plenty of power to drive two Alphas plus I can use it's DAC for the CDP's digital output. Having a remote is another bonus.

[Architect7]

I have two Rotel RB-980BX amps for woofer duty, each bridged to 360 watts for each of my AE IB15's.  I am planning another OB pair and will probably use a Crown XS700 on four OB15's for 375 watts per woofer (much less expensive than buying a Rotel amp for each woofer ).