My Crown Power Amp Comparisons XLS/DCi/CDi Series With POLK SRS 1.2s And Others

I also posted this in the POLK Audio Enthusiasts group on FB.

The battle of the Crowns has been underway...

Preliminary results using various combinations of amps in stereo, bridged, bi-amp etc. driving POLK SRS 1.2's, POLK RTi12's, Klipsch SPL-150 subwoofers, Martin Logan Sequel II Electrostatics, Klipsch KLF-10's and Klipsch Chorus II's. All fed by my Parasound P5 preamp.

-XLS 1502 DriveCore Class D : I have 2 of these with each bridged @1050w as the ideal config for my SRS. Pure power bang for the buck. Excels at low frequency driving for subwoofer or low frequency bi-amping, so-so for full range use in a home setting. It's decent, but not Hi-Fi at all. Mids are mild, highs are aggressive and become headache inducing over long listening periods on all speakers - especially with Klipsch. Phenomenal for subwoofer use, drives my SPL-150s WAAAY better than the factory amps. Chassis is thin and light, but it's a very inexpensive amp - compromises needed to be made. Fan is practically inaudible, clean, quiet strong amp. When the fan does come on, you need to be specifically listening for it. It's nearly inaudible. It will engage occasionally at idle, but again barely audible. Zero "hiss" with balanced connections, clear hiss with RCA unbalanced. You want to use balanced connections on this amp unless using for a subwoofer. Basic onboard DSP is great for sub use or non Hi-Fi sound, simple and easy. High end can be overcome with preamp or external DSP processing in home theater use. However for strict 2 channel unprocessed preamplification, I would look elsewhere. I'm currently running one of these amps in stereo mode on the low end only on my Martin Logan Sequel II's (A CDi 1000 is running the electrostatic panels) and it's perfect in this application. The other drives my subs, but they are out of rotation at the moment as they really aren't needed anymore after switching to Crown as my main amps.

-DCi 4/300 DriveCore Class D : This is a whole different level of Class D. This is literally one of the best sounding amplifiers I've ever heard. It's as smooth as my B&K 200.2's, with crushing power and an awesome soundstage. Smooth as glass. Bass is accurate and tight, kicks you in the gut while still remaining very musical. Mids are fantastic and smooth. Highs are clear, transparent, and not piercing at all. Zero audible "hiss". It's built like a tank, made to run 24-7 for years on end. There are a few downsides though: The bare wire inputs and outputs may deter many home audio users along with the rear gain controls (PIA for gain matching to your preamp). It also uses smaller 3.81 Phoenix input connectors, not the typical 5.08mm. The biggest turn-off though is the fan. It's audible at low speed and kicks on all the time even when idle. There are no known modifications for this, so unless you like noise, or can place the amps away from your listening area, this is the Achilles Heel of this series for home use. Other than that this is just an amazing amplifier - I highly, highly recommend this series and can understand why they are so expensive. I scored mine practically new for $100!! Good luck finding that deal haha!! Bridging the 4 channels delivers 600w into the SRS 1.2s and they absolutely sing with this amp.

-CDi 2000 Class A/B Switching Rail: THE WINNER!! I also have a CDi 1000. This amp is essentially the exact same guts as the XTi 2002, but for permanent installation applications. The only differences are the XTi series has a more robust chassis and XLR/Speakon/binding post outputs. While the CDi has a lighter chassis, it uses 5.08mm Phoenix input connections & barrier strip speaker connections, and adds in 70v output options (added transformer and circuitry). This amp is smooth and strong. There is a little bit of "hiss" out of the tweeters at idle, but only audible with your ear up to the tweeters - inaudible a foot or two away. Low end is crushing and accurate, just like the DCi. Mids are on also on par with the DCi. Highs are fantastic, clear and transparent, though the DCi seemed a bit more refined on the highs, but not nearly enough to knock it down. Leagues above the XLS 1502 on the mid and high end. Fantastic soundstage. The fan DOES NOT RUN unless needed, which it took me driving the amp hard for a long period to even get it to turn on. It is audible when running, but variable speed and starts low. It does not run at idle at all. You need to be really driving the amp for the fan to engage, and at that point in your listening room it would be a non-issue. The DSP is just AMAZING when using the HiQ Audio Architect software on your computer. I could go on for days with this, but basically for manual dialing in, it's just over the top great. An absolute game changer after learning the program (Still learning). My Crossovers on my POLK SRS 1.2's are in need of being re-capped, but this amp allows me to offset the differences between my R&L original caps with pure digital DSP adjustments. I am in love with this amplifier, I'll be getting more. Phenomenal, hi-end sound in a pro package. Definite keeper. This amp is solely running my SRS 1.2's in 2 channel stereo mode @475w and I can't see that changing anytime soon. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Feel free to fire away any questions you have, I'll do my best to answer through my own personal testing.