Author Topic: Amp comparison crest Ca9 Vs Crown K2 (Read 250 times)

downlow411 · « **on:** January 02, 2010, 06:15:24 PM »

any body have any experience with these two and which sounded better, and your thoughts on the sound difference. In terms of tightness, sound coloration and response.. which Yamaha amp would you recommend,,want 500watts per side 8 ohms or more.

(Message edited by downlow411 on January 03, 2010)

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2010, 08:40:04 PM »

I can't say for sure if I've used those particular models, but I have used both Crest & Crown years ago; heavily colored - nay, distorted - sound, and worse, they both let me down mid-gig - repeatedly. For uncolored sound & absolute bulletproof performance, I say only one word to you: Yamaha. Nothing sounds better, nothing breaks less.

Peter

(Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on January 02, 2010)

(Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on January 02, 2010)

(Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on January 02, 2010)

dluxe · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2010, 10:10:43 PM »

I used a Crest CA6 with great results. Plenty of power and headroom. The only downfall was the weight. 42 pounds just for the power amp alone!

I used it with an Ashly BP41 preamp.

peoplechipper · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2010, 01:03:25 AM »

My Acoustic 370 has been working wonders for years; actually bought it for the bass player in my former band to use(I was guitar) in 2003, and it's been utterly reliable and toneful since...I will never sell this amp...Tony

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2010, 01:12:03 AM »

I have used/owned Yamaha P2200 Amps ( I own 3)for well over a decade with NO issues at all other then producing clean un -coloured power. I also own a Crest VS900 that I purchased recently with so far no issues. I believe that the Crown K2 is CONVECTION COOLED and the crest Ca9 is FAN COOLED ; these two amps are 2 different animals. I suggest that you down load the specs from the web and do some research and comparison in that regard as well. Compare DAMPING FACTOR ! higher numbers usually = less boom and more definition in the lower frequencies . look at the various distortion ratings as well as power band width. Check to see how to operate in bridged mode and POWER RATING output rating @ various impedance loads and precautions. POWER IN RMS WATTS Both channels driven @ 8 OHMS . Do your home work on both amps from various angles of research including issues that have become apparent with these models . These units both have a track record that will be revealed by a WEB search . I believe that the Crown K2 is now discontinued.

(Message edited by sonicus on January 03, 2010)

(Message edited by sonicus on January 03, 2010)

downlow411 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2010, 01:14:01 PM »

So what Yamaha amps would you recommend I want ~500 watts 8 ohms per channel have a Epiphany pre and will get some kind of tube pre amp also.

sonicus · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2010, 03:21:27 PM »

I have heard good things about the Yamaha T3n. It is QUITE expensive and may be over kill for your needs however.

Many of the BASS PLAYERS on this forum like the QSC line

I have also heard good things about CROWN K2 and the Crest Ca9.

Although the Crown K2 is discontinued , there still may be some NEW OLD STOCK units in various inventories marked down for quick sale. I was thinking of getting one as well but now I have enough Power Amps.But mine are all OLD BOAT ANCHORS! I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO RECOMMEND EITHER THE ALEMBIC F1X OR THE F2B PRE-AMPS TO YOU ! I think that you Will NOT be disappointed !

downlow411 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2010, 02:25:18 PM »

I looked at the T3N, the crown K2 has much more damping power than about anything out there. Back in the day i used my B-15 as preamp amd a Yamaha power amp into an alembic dual 1 12 and 1 15 bottom it was awwwwsome but big and heavy had gauss speakers, currently have a K1 and a crest CA9,but its very heavy and I prefer not to have a fan if its possible. I used to run thru a Demeter (sop) but while excellent its a one trick pony. I would like to find a kern but will probably go with the FX2. I ran a QSC with the Demeter and was happy with it. Ran PA with K1 and it was loud and clean, as well as quite.

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2010, 02:59:27 PM »

500w X2 @ 8? The Yamaha you want is the P5000S ($630 new at the Friend).

Peter

(Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on January 04, 2010)

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2010, 06:34:05 PM »

downlow411 ,
The DAMPING FACTOR specs for the CROWN K2 are; > 3,000 from 10 to 400 HZ _____ That's EXCELLENT!

That is why I wanted one TOO ! AND it is CONVECTION COOLED! ____no fan !

bigredbass · « **Reply #10 on:** January 05, 2010, 12:06:36 AM »

Wolf, I fondly remember the P-series Yamaha power amps. I used to say they were like listening to cold air, very clean but not stark.

And they were built ! ! I worked for a music store in the 80's and we installed a rack of them in an installation we did in a big dance hall in Texas. Naturally the place burned to the ground 8 months later. We recovered the ATA rack full of Yamahas, cleaned them up . . . they powered right up and were fine. Amazing.

We'd always thought Peavey CS800's of that era were built like tanks, but we had to add the Yamaha P's to the list.

Lot of guys here in NashVegas who used component rigs used Crown K's. Don't know why they discontinued them, but Harmann must really call the shots at Crown, seems like they replace every amp line every year any more. And Crest is a lot different under Peavey's ownership.

J o e y

2400wattman · « **Reply #11 on:** January 05, 2010, 12:11:35 AM »

I used a CA6 briefly despite being stout as hell. The down side was that the amp clipped very easily with my F1-X and there was no way to pad the input on the amp and.........it's heavy.
I've been using a K2 which I purchased on EBay and had it sent to Crown to be fixed after a channel started to distort. After the repair (4 years ago) I've never suffered any problems with it and........it's much lighter than the CA6.

sonicus · « **Reply #12 on:** January 05, 2010, 06:17:07 AM »

Joey , I have asked my self the same thing_ WHY did they discontinue the K1&K2 ?

LMiwa · « **Reply #13 on:** January 06, 2010, 09:01:28 AM »

Using a Crest LT-1000 with no problems - pretty heavy though. Have used Crown amps in the past with no problems, but not the K2 specifically.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 06, 2010, 10:15:52 AM »

Can't beat the QSC PLX and PLX2 lines for good performance and light weight. I own a Crown XLS and a Peavey CS 2000 (newer). Both perform well, but the rack containing both my QSC PLX 2402 and my Eden Traveller pre is considerably lighter than either other power amp.