Vintage HiFi Audio Forum
Audio Discussion => List your system => Topic started by: GraphicFX on November 27, 2013, 11:56:00 PM
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What started as one a few years ago. has evolved in to 4 Crown PS series amps. Finally gave them a home in a proper audio rack. Big full live sound as the two 400's on the bottom are bridged mono delivering 530 watts in to my mains. The 400 above is for my surrounds wired up as a Hafler circuit. the 200 above powers my bedroom mains.
It's a fun system that can play loud all day with complete control and authority without fatigue. Not the most accurate system by far, but just plain enjoyable.
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whoever said that looks don't matter is a retarded fish. that is one pretty little setup you got there. nothing beats a good rack.
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The Pic doesn't do it justice by any means, I personally think it looks grand
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Very impressive. Definitely has the wow factor!
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Who don't like a nice rack!!!!!!!
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Why can't I see the photo? Is it because I'm viewing on an Android tablet?
I can't believe Rev hasn't posted more photos of "racks"
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What are you guys driving? The PA systems at Stage AE? I love it!
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Pbj I have a nexus tablet and it's working fine for me
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What are you guys driving? The PA systems at Stage AE? I love it!
The PS series of amps were Crown's attempt at the audiophile market. They mostly found homes in permanent installations such as movie theaters, churches and the like. 3 rivers used them as well. They sound real nice, very warm and controlled. They go on ebay for about 200 in nice condition. I bought all mine locally. At about 50lbs a piece, shipping would be impractical.
Thanx for your post
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So how many watts are you putting out with four of those bad boys?
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So how many watts are you putting out with four of those bad boys?
530 to each of the fronts (both front amps bridged mono)
160 per channel to the surrounds (stereo mode)
100 per side to the bedroom system (stereo mode) we wont add that to the total
1220 + 300 (3 velodyne F1200b servo subs)
1520 continious last time I counted These things have endless headroom so the peaks are off the chart somewhere.
To be honest, it doesn't sound that loud (at least to me) the neighbors think otherwise. U just can't hear yourself think.
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This may be a dumb question, and it's certainly one that requires a great measure of subjectivity, but how does your system sound at low volumes?
Just curious.
Oh, by the way, all those Crowns look mighty sexy stacked like that. :)
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This may be a dumb question, and it's certainly one that requires a great measure of subjectivity, but how does your system sound at low volumes?
Just curious.
Oh, by the way, all those Crowns look mighty sexy stacked like that. :)
low volumes? like a clock radio
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This may be a dumb question, and it's certainly one that requires a great measure of subjectivity, but how does your system sound at low volumes?
Just curious.
Oh, by the way, all those Crowns look mighty sexy stacked like that. :)
low volumes? like a clock radio
HAAAAAHAAAA!!!!!! I like that!!!! :laugh:
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Well, at least the Bose signature sound remains true at low volumes. :)
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I always liked the PS-400's, I think I sold one to you. I had two of them years ago running mono on a pair of Maggies. Very neutral sounding amps.
And for PBJ's benefit:
(http://i.imgur.com/FboD3rU.gif)
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Thanks rev. It gives the zoo a whole new meaning
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I have a lot of respect for Crown. They really do seem to care a great deal about quality and not just brute force. Now I don't mean to sound like a jerk but I've never heard an amp that sounds better in bridge mode. Tried a handful of various types and the bass gets loose. They just seem to loose a great deal of woofer damping. Try your amps in stereo mode and I bet the bass gets tighter and more defined. You could even "vertically" amp your system. Use one channel from each 400 for your mains and the other channel for the lower powered Hafler speakers. This frees up the power supply somewhat.
"Not the most accurate system by far, but just plain enjoyable".....that's exactly what this hobby is about. You can spend a lot of time and money chasing the dragon. I gave that up long ago. I currently have the least expensive stereo that I've owned in some time yet is my most enjoyable.
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I have a lot of respect for Crown. They really do seem to care a great deal about quality and not just brute force. Now I don't mean to sound like a jerk but I've never heard an amp that sounds better in bridge mode. Tried a handful of various types and the bass gets loose. They just seem to loose a great deal of woofer damping. Try your amps in stereo mode and I bet the bass gets tighter and more defined. You could even "vertically" amp your system. Use one channel from each 400 for your mains and the other channel for the lower powered Hafler speakers. This frees up the power supply somewhat.
"Not the most accurate system by far, but just plain enjoyable".....that's exactly what this hobby is about. You can spend a lot of time and money chasing the dragon. I gave that up long ago. I currently have the least expensive stereo that I've owned in some time yet is my most enjoyable.
I am always open to better ways of wiring up my system and since everything is self contained in a rack on wheels, making changes is simple as wheeling out the rackand turning it around. No having to be a contortionist. 1/4" jacks make easy work of this. just slide them in and out. No wiggling of pesky, tight rca jacks.
As far as loose bass is concerned, that duty is handled by 3 velodyne servo subs. (one left, one right, and one stereo. with nine 4" drivers in each cab, bass is very controlled.
I want to thank all of you for not bose bashing my system.
901's sound like shit when mated with a common reciever. I'll admit that. Put well over 500 watts into these things and it's a whole new ball game. It mesmerizes everyone who has had the chance to audition it. Even after having this configuration for years, I still am left with goosebumps. No crossovers to worry about, the amps are bullet proof. You can play this system just below clipping for days without fear of blowing anything; except something in my breaker box.
Clarity and detail is not what this system was designed for. At levels where many systems, begin to falter, this one is just coming in to itself.
I invite everyone in this forum to come and hear it for yourself. Beer and Tequila is always plentiful.
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Holy crap Rev!!! ;D We need more of that around here!!!
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Now you promised, no Bose bashing
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As far as loose bass is concerned, that duty is handled by 3 velodyne servo subs. (one left, one right, and one stereo. with nine 4" drivers in each cab, bass is very controlled.
I know the days of the 18" woofer are all but gone, but is this right? It has to be a typo, doesn't it?
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Never mind. I realized you were talking about the 901s. You didn't mention them in this post and I thought you were saying the subs had nine 4" drivers.
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Never mind. I realized you were talking about the 901s. You didn't mention them in this post and I thought you were saying the subs had nine 4" drivers.
Upon review, I realized the same. The velo's are their standard issue paper cone, 12's They do a good job at cancellling harmonics and keeping things at a fundamental level. Velodyne claims it's linear. They continue to perform as promised. Remember, this is late 80's technology. Bottom line; These things go deep at very low volumes. I buy them up pretty cheap whenever some wife somewhere tells her man, "these have to go"
Thanx for your post
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By the way as long as boredum is still keeping you up? Here is a little factoid. I have read and tried just about every mod on the famed radio shack LX5 speaker. They are the ones that had the "Linaeum" tweeter. In the right hands, these things could have been the best kept secret in audio. only problem, In stock form, they sorta suck.
So for all who have or want to modify them, don't bother. I have the perfect fix. Just run them through a bbe 362 sonic maximizer. (I would hope you already have a cheap but capable sub cuz on their own, they (remember), sorta suck) They now rival just about anything best buy could throw at you. These are the mains Powered by the PS-200 and are doing exceptional duty as my bedroom mains.
OK goodnight. and special thanks to the reverend, for selling me my first PS-400. If you see any locally, Please let me know. It is my intention to own every one in the greater Pittsburgh area.
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Who don't like a nice rack!!!!!!!
wow !!
toying with the attainment of a crown straight line two pre to take the place of the peavy mixer I currently use. The peavy gives me unlimited control of my system. with 2 outputs, I direct the left and right subs along with the mains to one output and my stereo velodyne is controlled by it's own channel, allowing me to shake things up a bit with the simple use of a slider to add voltage to that sub alone. I can't get this this from a typical pre. But im sure the sound of the "crown straight line two" will make it a wiser choice.
anyway Your system is gorgeous! You and I seem to have the same ideology as to chasing the dragon.
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Very nice set-up. I've got a DC300A at the shop right now for repairs. I'm thinking of (when I have the cash) putting together a crown system. Maybe with the IC preamp. I'm not sure what other gear crown put out as far as tape/cd/turntables, but I'm sure I can find something that matches. As far as speakers... What matches well with Crown? JBL?
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Very nice set-up. I've got a DC300A at the shop right now for repairs. I'm thinking of (when I have the cash) putting together a crown system. Maybe with the IC preamp. I'm not sure what other gear crown put out as far as tape/cd/turntables, but I'm sure I can find something that matches. As far as speakers... What matches well with Crown? JBL?
Well Dr. Amar Bose used the Crown DC300 as the bench amp to develop the 901
Crown makes everything sound good
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I don't know that Crown ever made sources. It certainly isn't what they are known for, they are a pro audio company.
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Crown made some killer RTR decks. Models 700 & 800 are good examples
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I have had my Crown(D150a's/DC300a"s) and JBL (L65s/L100s/L300's) since the 70's. Not much I have heard has made it worth me changing. My basement system with the Electrovoice EV-Six's from 1965 with 18" woofers sound damn near as good.I can't wait to hook up some tube amps to them,for now I still love my Crown/JBL combo.....
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^^^^^ That's what I'm talking about. Exactly what I want for my basement rig (scaled down). L300s would be great!
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EV 6's!
I've got to hear those. Fantastic stuff! You are a lucky guy to own those!
Since you don't have a tube amp, you should just let me take them off your hands. :)
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I have a Counterpoint tube pre,just looking for the amps. The EV's have a warm clean sound. They were a great flea market find!!!
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I always liked the EVs, Bozaks too.
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I have had my Crown(D150a's/DC300a"s) and JBL (L65s/L100s/L300's) since the 70's. Not much I have heard has made it worth me changing. My basement system with the Electrovoice EV-Six's from 1965 with 18" woofers sound damn near as good.I can't wait to hook up some tube amps to them,for now I still love my Crown/JBL combo.....
Great speakers the EV-6
http://www.fisherdoctor.com/ev.html (http://www.fisherdoctor.com/ev.html)
You may have my old pair!