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Need New Power Amp - Carvin?

agreatheight

agreatheight

Dec 23, 2005
4,269
33
55
Portland Area, ME
#1
Well, it appears that my Mackie power amp has given it up (low volume on one channel) so I am looking to replace. Looking for something that puts out 500 watts or there about at 8 ohms per side. I am considering the Carvin DCM2500 (at $500 it seems like a great deal) but I know nothing about Carvins reliability / sound quality when it comes to PA gear. Link below.

Link Removed

Experiences? Testimonials? Warnings? Other suggestions?

Thank you much!
 
#2
I've been using a four-channel DCM 1204 to drive my stage monitors for the past few years without any problems. I really like the shallow 10" front-to-back dimension of DCM amps (I keep mine in a shallow effects rack). The new lightweight DCML-series look promising.

That said, most of the negatives I've read had to do with failures in permanent installations when dust was allowed to accumulate inside DCM amps (I blow mine out with compressed air occasionally), and the fact that Carvin's service after the sale could be better, and can be costly; IIRC, their minimum charge to examine a piece of gear is around $300.

I've experienced no problems at all with the QSC amp I use to drive our FOH speakers - it's been completely dependable and sounds great.
 
#9
agreatheight said:
Well, it appears that my Mackie power amp has given it up (low volume on one channel) so I am looking to replace. Looking for something that puts out 500 watts or there about at 8 ohms per side. I am considering the Carvin DCM2500 (at $500 it seems like a great deal) but I know nothing about Carvins reliability / sound quality when it comes to PA gear. Link below.

Link Removed

Experiences? Testimonials? Warnings? Other suggestions?

Thank you much!
Click to expand...
ive read gearhead types say the carvin stuff is good sounding,well designed ,featured etc but will not stand up to the rigors of the road.....
 
#10
qsc, crown and crest are real power amps used by real sound companies. why bother with anything else? (unless you're made of money and want a lab gruppen).
 
#11
Not a big fan of the "new" crest amps, or the itech crowns. They sound mushy to me. Out of the newer digtals, qsc probably your best bet. Crown macros are great amps. So are the older crest. 8001, 7001, 4801, etc..
For the money though, the carvin will prolly be just fine. Not a mission critical amp. Not like a PA amp.
 

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