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The Crown XLS 1500 is up and running at my place.
I was thinking of picking up an XLS 1500 on B&H for 209. I'd like to see how this would pair with the Marantz SR5008 in my HT setup. I haven't been completely happy with the Marantz sound wise since I bought it. I feel like it's a bit warm for my taste.
Sly Fuu, I'd go with the 2000 or 2500 for not much more. IIRC they have a bit better specs and the price difference between the 1500 and 2000 is pretty small these days.XLS would be a good choice if your other amp is too warm.
The 1500, 2000, and 2500 have the same specs except for wattage output. The 1000 is the one with not quite as good specs.
Oh right. I was confusing 1000 and 1500.
Easy enough to do Roscoe I had to check myself. Are you still using a XLS with your SP Tech's?
Too curious about the First Watt amps to pass up a home demo of an M2 model. It may be the other extreme from the Crown, we shall see. But should be enough juice to drive the Tektons in our medium sized room.
Hi. New to this thread and to Audiocircle. Have been using a Crown XLS 2500 for about a year now. Upgraded power cord to Triode Wire Labs Digital HC (cost more than the amp!) and use all Triode Wire Labs cabling. Have been using Tekton M Lore until recently with TBI subwoofer; sold those to a friend and using the Lore Reference now along with the TBI sub. Oppo BDP105, also with Triode Wire Labs digital ac cable, directly into Crown amp via xlr inputs. Also using Bybee Signal Enhancers, one over the power supply of the Crown, and two under the Oppo. I feel I have tricked out the Crown to the max(!) but was wondering about adding the IFI tube buffer which you guys seem to love. BUT, my interconnects have xlr connectors and I am told that using adapters will not work as there is not enough room in the back of the buffer. I do not want to start replacing the interconnects. Anyhow, there is the Yaquin buffer on Amazon for $200, but not sure about how that would work in the system. I would rather not complicate things with a tube preamp (I have had all manner of equipment in my 40 years into this hobby...tubes (pp, se), solid state (class a, gainclone, etc.), many different speakers, cables). I would like to keep things simple, which is a nice thing about the IFI tube buffer. Any thoughts? Have wondered if it's worth trying a First Watt amp, whether that would be a significant 'upgrade'...though costly considering the price of the Crown! Some of you have had experience with the First Watt amps as well.Thanks!Stew