What is the Diff b/t Crown Com-tech & Macro-tech?

soiset
soiset Posts: 724
edited February 2009 in Electronics
Beside the fact that Com-tech is meant for installation, and Macro-tech is meant for touring, that is. The performance specs and features are identical, except that the Com-tech does not list 2-ohm output. Connectivity is slightly different, as well, but what about real performance?

The Com-tech 800 seems to match the Macro-tech 1200, but for used prices, the Macros bring much, much more.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited February 2009
    The Com techs are meant for lofi multi speaker 70volt and paging systems like those found in schools,hospitals etc.The Macro's appear to be much better amplifiers meant for serious sound reinforcement ,like touring Bands,studios etc.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • soiset
    soiset Posts: 724
    edited February 2009
    Reviewing the reference manual, the only discernible difference is that the three position input sensitivity switch (common to both types) can be set for 70 volt output on the Com-tech. But the Com-tech can also be set for 4-8 ohm output. As all the published specs are otherwise identical (freq. response, intermod distortion, etc.) I cannot see where the Macro-tech is superior for sound reproduction. I know published specs don't reveal everything about an amp's performance, but Crown is certainly measuring apples to apples, and they aren't revealing any performance difference.

    That said, I know the Macro-tech series has a reputation for good sound, but that doesn't mean it is actually superior.
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  • soiset
    soiset Posts: 724
    edited February 2009
    Per a staff member on the Crown forum:
    The Macro-Techs ComTechs and Micro-Techs were all Grounded-Bridge output topology so they were all very similar but with different features.
    The Micro-Techs came first and had very little features.
    The Macro-Techs came next and were based on the Micro-Techs. They were however a little more rugged in design and had more features.
    Both the Macro and Micro Tech amps were optimized for Low Impedance 8/4/2 ohm loads.
    The Com-Techs came out next and although they were Grounded-Bridge design they were designed specifically to be a Commercial Install amplifier for both 8/4 ohm loads and 70v Distributed Speaker Systems.
    Each were designed for a specific market place but were based off of the same basic output topology.

    It sounds like he is saying the Com won't handle low impedance loads, and had different lights and buttons, but that's it.
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