Crown XLS 2502

Specifications

Our Crown XLS 2502 acquired in July 2017 is S/N 8501280730.

Inputs

• Takes RCA, 3-pin XLR, and 1/4" phono plugs.
• 1.4 or 0.775 volt standard (i.e. input volts for maximum output).

NB: The above input voltages appear to be inputs at which operation is guaranteed to be distortion-free. The amplifier is capable of overdriving significantly, and has been operated with input voltages up to 4 volts (in 1.4V mode), but depending on the circuit parameters of the load driven, may see significant distortion at full power. The input should never be brought to more than 4V from ground, to avoid damaging the amplifier.

Outputs

Binding post/banana.

Testing

As of July 7th, no comprehensive testing has been performed. The plan is to run the amplifier with sine waves at a range of frequencies, through different resistive impedances, to roughly chart the amplifier's power on a series of load lines, followed by an inductive load to test complex power tolerance.

As of Jan. 2019, the Crown has been used to drive a sine wave through only the 1.25Ω ballast resistor and a length of 14 gauge wire during a series of coil current monitor tests, exceeding 45A amplitude.

To fully characterize the amplifier's limitations, testing should be conducted with a range of frequencies (100Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz?) and resistances (1.25Ω, 1.67Ω, 2.5Ω, 5.0Ω?).

Inputs

The tip of the 1/4" phono port is hardwired to the center pin of the RCA port (and the XLR "+" pin), and ground of the 1/4" phono shorts to the ring of the RCA port, but the 1/4" phono center ring shorts to the XLR "-" pin but does not short to the ring of the RCA or ground of the 1/4" phono.

Outputs

The negative output is hardwired to ground.