Need Zu Definition Pro Subwoofer Array Amp for $1k

Undertow,

In Full Range mode the Gallo amp is 10Hz-28Hz. In Low-Pass mode the amp is 20Hz-180Hz. How can I get it to go down to 10Hz and up to 100Hz that you recommended? I think it would be one or the other, but the specs listed at the bottom of this post seem like the amp supports from 10Hz-200Hz. I just don't know *how* to set it up so that it goes from 10Hz to 100Hz that you suggested.

Is the amps impedence ok? Is it equal to the input sensitivity of 130mV? These are technical areas that are beyond my understanding.

I found them for $675 new with free shipping, so if you think it would be better than the Velodyne or the Monarchy amps I could still get one...or two.

I would have to run the Rane EQ if I use the Monarchy amps which is fine as long as it is the best solution. I would need a pair of XLR to RCA IC's, and I think you mentioned you still have pair.

Basically, I'm open to any of the three solutions you suggested. I just want to make sure whatever solution I use will be the best. Everything else I bought in my system is the best I could afford, so getting the best amp for the woofer arrays is my goal. I know I have a budget restriction, but these are three excellent options. Which do you suggest?

I understand there isn't a lot of music under 20Hz, but I do listen to classical and there are some organ pieces that get down there. The ability for the Zu's to get down to 16Hz was one of the principle reasons for my buying them over Cains, so I want a solution that will utilize the full bandwidth of the Zu's.

BTW, the Veloydyne SC-1250 was specifically made for the Velodyne SC subwoofers, none of which dip below 22hz. I think that's the reason the SC-1250 doesn't go below 30hz without a big drop off.

The Gallo has a "low noise" fan which I can't understand unless it is a class A amp. I don't think I'd hear it even at low listening levels anyway, but it's odd that it has a fan. I hope it isn't always on though. There are no specs for the noise level of the fan which I find odd given the amp is for stereophile applications.

Here are the technical specs for the Gallo:
The frequency response of this amplifier is 20Hz - 180Hz (Low-pass) and 10Hz - 28Hz (full range). It has 240 watts (stereo) or 600 watts (bridged) output. The dimension lists 17/19″ (W) (rack ears removable) x 4″ (H) x 14″ (D). It has possessed a weight of 25lbs. The input sensitivity is 130mV. Phases acquired are dual mono and continuously variable phases.

Output Power: 2 x 160 watts RMS @ 8 ohms
20Hz - 20kHz (stereo mode)
2 x 250 watts RMS @ 4 ohms
20Hz - 20kHz (stereo mode)
450 watts RMS @ 8 ohms
20Hz - 20kHz (mono mode)
650 watts RMS @ 4 ohms
20Hz - 20kHz (mono mode)

Distortion: 0.08% stereo, 0.1% mono
(low-pass @ 100Hz, level and xover at max, EQ at 0dB)
.01% stereo, 0.17% mono
(full-range, level at max)

Input Sensitivity: 130mV stereo, 110mV mono

Signal-to-Noise: 93dB stereo, 83dB mono
(low pass @ 100Hz, level and xover at max, EQ at 0dB)
93 dB stereo, 75dB mono
(full-range full-rated power @ 1kHz)

Load Impedance: 2 ohms or greater in stereo mode /
4 ohms or greater in mono mode

Bass EQ: 1W @ 35Hz (100Hz=0dB, level and xover at max, booster at 6dB)=6.2dB
1W @ 35Hz (100Hz=0dB, level and xover at max, booster at -3dB)=-3.2dB

Frequency Response: 15-200Hz low-pass (100Hz=0dB, level and xover at max, booster at 0dB)
<10Hz - 28kHz full-range (100Hz=0dB, level and xover at max, booster at 0dB)

Crossover: 40Hz low-pass, xover setting at minimum
200Hz low-pass, xover setting at maximum

Power Handling: 250 watts @ 4 ohms
160watts @ 8 ohms (In Stereo)
650 watts @ 4 ohms
450 watts @ 8 ohms (Bridged to mono)

12 Volt Trigger: Tip = (+) Sleeve = (-)

Auto-on Sensitivity: 5mV

Current Draw: 9A stereo, 13.5A mono
(level and xover at max, booster at 0dB)

Protection Circuitry: Short circuit, open circuit, RF burnout, over temp., speaker protection relays, Turn on/off transient protection, DC protection, and limiter circuitry

Temp. Protect: 60°C +/-5

Cooling: A low noise fan is utilized to draw cool air through the chassis using front and rear vents. Do not block the vents.

Power Requirements: 100 VAC 60Hz, 850VA
100-120 VAC 50/60Hz, 850VA
220-240 VAC 50/60Hz, 850VA

Connections: RCA inputs, 5-way binding posts

I just noticed the amp is 10Hz-28Khz. So, that answers my question about the amp supporting the full range you suggested from 10Hz-100Hz.

I wish I could edit my last message!

Regards,
Mark

Undertow,

Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much.

You gave me a lot of EXCELLENT suggestions. If these were your speakers (I just bought them used and I really like them so I'm keeping them), what would you suggest in order? I can buy the Crown K2 on ebay, or the plate amps from parts express for less than buying one of the amps I listed. BTW, SHAME ON ME for dismissing the Crown. I should have been more open minded even though the Crown is a PRO amp. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

You mentioned ordering "better" plate amps from parts express. Which would you suggest?

Thanks again! This is why I love Agon and I'll pay money to sell my equipment here! The amount of experience on this forum never stops amazing me!!!!

Regards,
Mark

Undertow,

Thank you so much again. I know that reading "thank you" messages may mean little, but I am VERY thankful for the time you put into answering my questions so clearly and thoroughly. Thank you!

My preamp (Canary CA-903) only has RCA outputs, which is the main reason I am shying away from using the Rane which only accepts XLR inputs.

I think the Velodyne SC-1250 is the right solution for me. I don't have any software to "dial in" the correct bass levels. The Velodyne SC-1250 includes a microphone to help me do the set up for my room which is ideal. In addition, the SC-1250 has RCA connections so I don't need a pair of RCA to XLR IC's which will help keep the costs down. BTW, the SC-1250 comes with a remote control which is a huge plus. Vanns is selling the Velodyne SC-1250 for $999 and they're including a pair of 8" Velodyne SC-8 subwoofers and shipping is free. I need one of these in our bedroom and I'm sure I can put the other to use somewhere :-)

The only concern I have is whether or not the Velodyne SC-1250 will support the signal down to 16hz which is the floor for the Zu woofers. Will it?

If so, I'll pick up this unit because it seems like the overall best solution. I know Velodyne makes very reputable subwoofers, so I expect the amp to sound really good.

Unless of course you have any other suggestions that are better than the Velodyne SC-1250. :-)

Thanks again,
Mark

I spoke with the sales rep at Vanns and the SC-1250 only goes down to 30hz. Seems there is a 24db loss for each octave below 30hz.

The Monarchy blocks look very good. They are running a 2 for 1 special right now, so a pair would be under $1179. A pair of SM-70's is on Agon for $1k. For $200 more I'll go with the SM-100 Delux Mk2 amps.

I have a call into C.C. Poon, CEO of Monarchy, to discuss the application and determine which amps are the best fit.

I found a less than favorable review done back in 2004 by hometheaterhifi written by Jason Victor Serinus. He wasn't very impressed by the amps, though his equipment budget is 10 times as high as mine. For example, he wrote:
This review must thus be placed in perspective. The Elrod EPS-3 power cables I plugged into the amplifiers list for $1100 each. My Elrod EPS Signature powercords that I use elsewhere in the system cost $1700 each. Contrast that to the price of the amps. It is doubtful that many audiophiles who own $16,000 speakers, a $10,000 DAC/preamp, over $20,000 worth of cabling, a custom transport, and a kaboodle of tweaks are likely to set their sites on these diminutive amps. The odds are that they’ll go for the bigger stuff.

It is equally questionable whether mating C.C.’s bargain products with such revealing components does them an ultimate service. More modestly priced components rarely offer consummate resolving power, and are generally more forgiving of amps built to a price point.

He liked the Monarchy Hyprbids.

Anyway, I think the amps have been upgraded since 2004 based on Monarchy's website.

I'll keep you posted.

Regards,
Mark

Wow, thank you for the explanation about lower frequencies! I had no idea. Learning something new every day!

Here is the feedback from CC Poon at Monarchy about an email I sent him inquiring about both of his amp. I used quite a bit of the information in your posts and described my application. Here is what he wrote:
Our SE-100 is a single-ended amp. The Hot and Cold Signals from the XLR are fed into the same input. (Hence "SE" )

The only True Balanced Amp we make is our SM-70 PRO, which uses two amps for a channel: one channel for Hot signal; the other amp for Cold signal.

Other than the architecture, the two amps are similar in size and price.

Both amps should met your needs for hum free, and good damping.

So, what do you think? Velodyne, Gallo or Monarchy? If Monarchy, which pair?

I don't have room treatments, though after I get all my equipment purchased, I will focus on that next.

Undertow,

Thank you for the direction. If I didn't sense getting kicked out of the nest on this one (possibly a case of paralysis through analysis) I'd ask if Crown or QSC is better.

But, realizing that I have to DO rather than ASK I'm going to get a couple of pro amps and start getting familiar with the Rane.

Adam from Zu also suggested three pro amps to use and the K2 was one of them (Threshold and MC2 were the other two).

Unfortunately, the K2 isn't available new any more, but it is available via ebay.

Time to do. I'll report back my findings. Thanks again for your patience and guidance. Audiogon needs to make gift giving via Agon credits possible.

One last question: can you email me with the price for your XLR to RCA cables? I'm at mark.kellman at gmail

Thanks,
Mark

Thanks guys for your feedback. I've been manually working with the Rane and I simply know that I'm not capable of dialing in the sound the way it should. Although I've been able to get it close on a number of occasions, the sound is not where I want it to be.

[B]So, I have a questions regarding the dbx DriveRack PA.[/B]

The Velodyne SC-1250 has a great function to press a button and the amp calibrates itself for the room. Does the dbx DriveRack PA offer similar functionality? I read a review and it sounded like that is what the writer intended.

If the dbx DriveRack PA doesn't have an AUTO EQ function that calibrates itself, what other solution is out there? Should I have someone come into my home with software and set it up, or should I buy another piece of equipment that would work like the Velodyne? Unfortunately, the Velodyne is engineered for their SC series of subwoofers which only go down to 22Hz. The Zu Pro's go down to 16Hz, so I want a solution that will help me calibrate everything that needs to be calibrated because I don't have "Golden Ears".

BTW, I bought the Behringer EP2500 based o reviews and significant bench testing done by another forum's member. It is a FANTASTIC amp for the money. In fact, it rivals many of the amps at 2-3 times the price. I simply need to replace the fan b/c the fan used is for pro conditions and I'm using the amp for home use. There's a lot of information, pics, and detailed steps to replace the fan. I already found the fan, so it's a matter of installing it. The noise level will drop from about 45db with the existing fan to under 19db with the new fan. Owners who replaced the fan cannot hear from their listening positions and NO ONE has had a problem running the amp with the replacement fan even in HT applications. A $10 fix and about 30 minutes of time. Not bad!

Thanks again,
Mark