Pro audio amps for home music use - Pros / Cons

[Boomzilla]

So let's just fire up the controversy engine (again). Some, including even some reviewers like Andrew Robinson, brag about the sound of pro audio amps when used in home stereo systems. His favorite (the Crown XLS series) is my LEAST favorite pro amplifier because of the sound of the sucky DSP on the amps. I find the Crown XLS series to be glassy sounding in the extreme in the midrange and lower treble. Even Andrew admits that his XLS amp loses some midrange detail when compared to better "home audio" power amps.

So just to document the differences (at least, as I see them):

Pro amps are designed with sound quality secondary to some other primary goals such as:

• Ability to provide maximum power output for extended time periods without overheating
• Ability to absorb and survive electrical abuse such as low impedances and occasional shorts
• Physical durability to survive being dropped or having power cords yanked out while operating
• Physical durability to operate in cold, rain, heat, etc.
• Ability to be rack mounted and to be light weight

Despite this, some "pro" brands such as Quest and QSC are reported to have good sound quality. And pro amps do offer some potential benefits including:

• Fan cooling that allows use in closed audio racks
• Good to great power for the dollar ratio
• Ability to drive lower impedances than most home audio power amplifiers
• Light weight (Class D units) for easy movement and portability
• Emphasis on reliability

It's also claimed that the majority of pro amplifier shortcomings can be easily overcome with equalization (analog or digital).

So what's the Lounge feeling on pro amplifiers? Good for home audio or no?

Boomzilla

[hemster]

I do agree with you on the power:$ ratio and also on how the Crowns sound.

For me personally, I have no need to operate amps outdoors or in extreme weather conditions. I value the form factor more and also practicality - I moved my Sherborn PA-750 from the driveway through the garage, around 3 corners and up stairs, finally inserting it into my cabinet - all by my self. It dang near broke me! Not doing that again.

I have started a cursory search for class-D amps to power my next HT and wish Emotiva offered something in this space. Sweet-spot for a multichannel amp might be around 100-150 wpc. If priced fairly, I would consider a 2 channel class-D at 250-300 wpc and a multichannel one at lower power output levels.

[housetech]

Hemster, did you leave any body parts on those stairs, it's a "...buster"? lol

My XPA-5 hasn't been moved since the day it was connected.

I may be one the last to go class D. What I've heard doesn't impress over A/B, but it's been a while since I listened. When I was shopping for a 2ch (bought CXA81) the salesman asked if I've listen to Class D and he got an emphatic "Not interested".
Just can't handle the sharp mid-high, highs any more.
I like the looks of what I've been building and the benefits of the pros are no longer a need, so cosmetics do matter.
But I have been known to use guitar amps at large parties, way back...