Powering EV ZX3's avice

[jasonprice07]

Hi all,

 

I'm currently powering my ZX3's using a Yamaha P5000s amp rated at 500W per channel into 8ohms.

The ZX3's have a continous rating of 600WRMS. I've read that the amp should have at least 1.25 times more power than the speakers which is 750RMS.

 

So my question is which way is best to acheieve a min of 750RMS into 8ohms?

 

The amps I've seen that produce this sort of power start at £600 which is really pushing my budget.

I've thought about getting another P5000s and powering 1 speaker per amp in bridged mode, each amp will then be able to produce 1400W but I'm worried this is too much power and I'd need some form of limiter which I have no Knowledge of.

 

Thanks

 

Jason

[Trunker]

I wouldn't power your speakers in the bridged mode way. This would be too much power for the speakers if you don't know how to limit the power going to them. Some people on here will tell you to take a look at the thoman.de amps, but do you want to put a Mini engine in a low end sports car?

[johndenim]

But for just over £200, would it not be worth a try?

 

The ta 2400 has been recommended on here a few times, with the 30 day money back guarentee you don't lose if you don't like it.

 

I use a studiomaster ax2500, it's always been great as far as I am concerned, the ax3500 comes in at around £500.

 

John Denim.

[jasonprice07]

I've not heard of Studiomaster before, do they make there own kit?

 

I noticed the T.AMP D2800 which has 800W per channel, but is a class D, which I assume is why its so light <10kg

Any views on class D amps?

 

Jaosn

[johndenim]

Quote from the wiki.

 

"Class D amplifiers are much more efficient than Class AB power amplifiers. As such, Class D amplifiers do not need large transformers and heavy heatsinks, which means that they are smaller and lighter in weight than an equivalent Class AB amplifier".

 

With regards to studiomaster making their own kit, I think so yes, but I could be wrong!

 

The company is Studiomaster rsd, they went bust a few years back but have made a come back in recent years.

 

John Denim.

[thewhirlwind]

sound control had quite alot of stuff on clearance recently...maybe try there.

[jasonprice07]

Been trawling the internet this morning and found the Peavey CS 4000 seems to fit the bill.

Just over £500 delivered.

 

Any opinions?

 

We performed with the band last night and I noticed the clipping lights flashing ocassionally on the Yamaha amp which I don't like to see.

 

Jason

[johndenim]

That seems like a good price Jason.

I have a Peavey brochure in front of me, the rrp for this amp is £649.

 

Not used/heard one though, although I have had a pv 2600 for about 8 years now and has never let me down.

 

The cs 4000 seems quite heavy though, @ 19.7kg.

 

John Denim.

[jasonprice07]

Decided after much deliberation to go for the Peavey PV® 3800, 775watts @ 8ohms

The 5 year warranty helped, plus Peavey was a name I was familiar with.

I'll report my findings when it turns up.

 

Thanks for the advise.

 

Jason

[johndenim]

Great, hope all goes well Jason.

Five years warranty can't be sniffed at.

 

Also the 2 built-in 100 Hz crossovers and 40 Hz low cut filter comes in handy too.

[jasonprice07]

Used the amp last night at a pub gig my wife was performing solo at.

First thing I noted about the amp was its weight, 20kg is pretty heavy to dead lift out of the car, the Yamaha it replaced was only 14kg.

I gave it a quick run in the house yesterday and I was suprised at the sound quality, normally when running the PA in the house (quietly) the sound is pretty ordinary but with the Peavey it sounded pretty good.

At the gig the amp performed great, probably only used 50% of its power as the room was pretty small but I did feel the sound was better than with the yamaha which suprised me a bit, maybe I just wanted it to sound better

Order a graphic equalizer this morning so something new to play with.

 

Jason