TEST: Crown XLS 2500

 Easy easier easiest. When UPS recently delivered me a package that was clearly identifiable as a power amplifier based on its external appearance, I once again asked myself whether the contents of the package had not been accidentally forgotten. It still amazes me how much weight has been saved in recent years thanks to Class D technology, especially in the area of power amplifier technology.

No company can ignore this development, even traditional companies like Crown, which are part of the Harman Group's sales fleet, are almost completely saying goodbye to the beloved toroidal transformer. With the XLS series, the manufacturer offers high performance with very low weight, which are two unbeatable arguments, especially in the area of portable loudspeaker systems, as long as functionality and headroom do not suffer. I have the 2500 model for testing, which is also the most powerful test model in the XLS series.




construction

The XLS 2500 comes with standard 2U dimensions and actually weighs just 4.9 kilograms, while the competition usually weighs 3 to 4 times as much. A power amplifier rack with, for example, 4 units would be reduced from around 70 kilograms to just 16 kilograms! In terms of performance, the stereo power amplifier offers 2x 775 watts/4 ohms, 2x 440 watts/8 ohms and 2x 1200 watts/2 ohms, in bridge mode 1550 watts at 8 ohms, 2400 watts at 4 ohms. Unfortunately, it was not possible to find out where the product was manufactured, and it is relatively difficult to obtain further information about the product, such as the slew rate.

Due to the technical complexity of modern power amplifiers, the number of special circuitry solutions and their trademarks has recently increased massively. For example, the XLS 2500 has the patented DriveCore technology, which is intended to optimize the interaction with the alternating current, or the also protected PureBand Crossover System. Finally, the Peakx limiter used internally also shines in the best trademark style, all with the American TM trademark.

Visually, nothing today reminds one of the black powerhouses of the past decades, and Crown is no exception. The brushed aluminum frame used on the front, in combination with flawless workmanship, is also appealing for a product that usually lives an unnoticed existence in a power amplifier rack and only becomes a thing when it fails to operate.

Sufficiently screwed side wings and the 19 inch screw options on the back that are common with powerful power amplifiers give the product the necessary stability in the rack. However, I recommend operating the product exclusively in a rack for reasons of stability, as the general sheet metal thickness is sufficient but not excessively massive. Only the potentiometer knobs of the level controls sit a bit wobbly on their axes, a point that can, however, be ignored.

The front of the product is characterized by an opulent intake opening, which is responsible for cooling the product. The power amplifier is cooled exclusively via air circulation, which sucks in the air at the front and removes it at the back. In addition to the usual level controls and a five-digit LED display, which provides information about the signal display, -10 dB, -20 dB, clip and thermal compression functions, the XLS series has a menu display in which different components of the integrated processing functions are displayed using three push buttons set and have checked. The on/off switch is also on the front.

On the back, the product has all relevant inputs and outputs plus a few special features. In addition to the standard jack or XLR, RCA plugs (one per channel) are also available on the input side. Speakon, screw terminal connections for bare wire or banana plugs are available on the output side.

The product is delivered from the factory in stereo bypass mode. Of course, operation in bridge mode or crossover mode is also possible, with the latter being managed via the menu control. 71 crossover frequencies between 50 Hz and 3 kHz combined with a state-variable Linkwitz-Riley filter are available for the PureBand Crossover system. Alternatively, the system can also be operated in high-pass or low-pass mode.


Practice

A simple test reveals one of the big advantages of the XLS 2500 after just a short time. The ventilation system is one of the best I have ever experienced. Despite the maximum power requirement, it takes almost 10 minutes for the ventilation to move at all, and then it is so quiet that you have to explicitly check how the fan is working. Even after twice the time, the product remains almost cold, which indicates an excellent working point in terms of power output/waste heat.

With 2.27 cubic meters of air flow per minute, the air flow is actually moderate and is hardly noticeable due to the large ventilation opening, which looks quite similar to an American road cruiser. In terms of sound, the XLS 2500 proves to be neutral, just as befits a modern power amplifier. Everything is fine, no problems whatsoever.



Conclusion

The Crown XLS 2500 leaves a very good impression. In addition to a visually appealing design and ambitious performance features, the product impresses with its extremely low weight of less than 5 kilograms and very good, respectively quiet cooling, which also makes the product interesting for acoustically sensitive installations such as theaters or lectures.

Due to its low weight, the product will primarily be used in the transportable sector, with an average weight saving of almost 70% compared to similar products. In terms of processing technology, the power amplifier meets all the requirements for long-term use; only the relatively thin ventilation panel on the front suggests operation in a rack. If you look long enough, you may find a point of criticism about the design, but for me personally, “unfortunately” I only have the maximum number of points!

A very good product!

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Additional Informations:


In the realm of professional audio equipment, few names command as much respect and recognition as Crown Amplifiers. Renowned for their exceptional sound quality, reliability, and innovation, Crown has solidified its position as a leader in the industry. However, the journey to prominence was neither swift nor straightforward. This article delves into the rich and multifaceted history of Crown Amplifiers, tracing its roots, pivotal moments, and technological breakthroughs.

Early Beginnings:
The story of Crown Amplifiers traces back to 1947 when Clarence C. Moore, an engineer with a passion for audio electronics, founded the company in Elkhart, Indiana. Initially named International Radio and Electronics Corporation (IREC), the company focused on manufacturing high-fidelity audio components for both professional and consumer markets. Moore's dedication to quality and innovation laid the groundwork for what would become Crown's enduring legacy.

Pioneering Innovation:
One of Crown's early breakthroughs came in 1953 with the introduction of the DC300 amplifier. This groundbreaking device marked the industry's transition from tube-based amplification to solid-state technology. The DC300 offered unprecedented power and reliability, setting new standards for audio performance in both recording studios and live sound reinforcement applications. Its success established Crown as a trailblazer in the field of amplifier design.

Expansion and Diversification:
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Crown continued to expand its product line and cement its reputation for excellence. The company diversified its offerings to include power amplifiers, preamplifiers, mixers, and signal processors, catering to the evolving needs of audio professionals worldwide. Crown's commitment to innovation was evident in products like the Macro-Tech series, which introduced advanced features such as Power Factor Correction (PFC) and Grounded Bridge topology, further enhancing performance and reliability.

Enduring Excellence:
Despite changes in ownership and market dynamics over the years, Crown remained steadfast in its pursuit of excellence. In 2000, the company became part of the Harman International family, a move that provided access to greater resources and expertise while preserving Crown's distinctive identity and commitment to quality. Under Harman's stewardship, Crown continued to push the boundaries of audio technology with innovations like the DriveCore™ amplifier platform, which offered unprecedented power density and efficiency.

Global Impact:
Crown's influence extends far beyond its headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana, reaching every corner of the globe. The company's products have been integral to some of the world's most iconic sound reinforcement installations, from concert venues and stadiums to theaters and houses of worship. Crown amplifiers are prized for their robust construction, exceptional sound quality, and unmatched reliability, making them the preferred choice of audio professionals everywhere.

Looking Ahead:
As Crown Amplifiers enters its eighth decade of operation, the company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and providing solutions that empower audio professionals to achieve their creative vision. With a legacy built on innovation, reliability, and uncompromising quality, Crown continues to set the standard for excellence in professional audio amplification.

Innovative Engineering:
One of the defining characteristics of Crown Amplifiers is their relentless pursuit of engineering excellence. Throughout its history, the company has introduced numerous technological innovations that have redefined the capabilities of audio amplification. For example, in 1975, Crown unveiled the groundbreaking PSA-2 Power Amplifier, which featured the industry's first use of complementary symmetry output circuitry. This innovation significantly improved efficiency and reduced distortion, setting a new standard for amplifier performance.

Strategic Partnerships:
Crown's success can also be attributed to strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading industry players. In the 1980s, Crown formed a strategic alliance with JBL Professional, a renowned manufacturer of loudspeakers and sound reinforcement systems. This partnership led to the development of integrated audio solutions that seamlessly combined Crown's amplification technology with JBL's speaker systems, delivering unparalleled performance and reliability.

Market Expansion:
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Crown focused on expanding its presence in global markets. The company established a network of distributors and authorized dealers worldwide, enabling it to reach customers in diverse industries and geographic regions. Crown's commitment to customer service and support played a crucial role in its international expansion, fostering long-term relationships with audio professionals and organizations around the world.

Technological Advancements:
In the 21st century, Crown continued to innovate with the introduction of digital signal processing (DSP) technology in its amplifiers. The XTi series, launched in 2004, integrated powerful DSP capabilities into Crown's amplifier platforms, allowing users to fine-tune and optimize audio performance with unprecedented precision. This marked a significant shift in the industry towards digital audio processing, paving the way for more flexible and efficient sound reinforcement systems.

Sustainable Practices:
In addition to technological innovation, Crown has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company has implemented eco-friendly manufacturing processes, reduced energy consumption in its facilities, and adopted recyclable materials in its product packaging. Crown's efforts to minimize its environmental footprint reflect its dedication to corporate social responsibility and its recognition of the importance of sustainable business practices.

Community Engagement:
Beyond its commercial endeavors, Crown has been actively involved in supporting the audio community through educational initiatives, training programs, and industry events. The company has sponsored workshops, seminars, and trade shows aimed at sharing knowledge, fostering professional development, and promoting best practices in audio engineering and sound reinforcement. Crown's engagement with the audio community underscores its role as a trusted partner and resource for audio professionals worldwide.

Looking Forward:
As Crown Amplifiers looks to the future, it remains focused on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. The company continues to invest in research and development to pioneer new technologies and advance the state of the art in audio amplification. With a legacy built on a strong foundation of engineering excellence and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers, Crown is poised to continue shaping the future of professional audio for years to come.

In conclusion, the story of Crown Amplifiers is a testament to the transformative power of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From its humble beginnings in the mid-20th century to its status as a global leader in professional audio technology, Crown has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in sound reinforcement. As the company looks ahead to its next chapter, one thing is clear: the legacy of Crown Amplifiers will continue to resonate with audio professionals and enthusiasts alike for generations to come.