QSC vs Carvin?

[::::BASSIST::::]

QSC versus Carvin Power Amps?
I'm trying to decide between acquiring a QSC PLX 2402 and a Carvin DCM1540L.

I want a power amp that will give me 1000w + bridged at 8 ohms. Alot of the QSC PLX1602 (or 2402) amps I am seeing are older and I can get a brand new Carvin DCM1540L for virtually the same price as a used QSC PLX 2402.

I have a strong suspicion that the QSC line will be more reliable and more "robust" (for lack of a better word) then the Carvin stuff. But then again the Carvins are 7LBS lighter and much shallower in depth.

I would be using this power amp for loud gigs with my fEARful 15/6 bass cab and it will also see use as a PA amp.

Given the above, which way would you go?

 

[svtb15]

I cant speak for the newer line of carvin amps.. But i had a DCM 1500 for a few years.. and it was 100% reliable and sounded huge and tight... I had the older 3 space with traditional Power supply ...

 

[Jason Hollar]

Only my limited opinion - but I've had a Crown K1 for a long time and it's been fantastic. I've also seen a Carvin amp go up in smoke - so I'd say go with the QSC or something like it.

 

[Big_Daws]

i would go with the QSC....we use them in our tour racks...tons of power and great sounding. and i could guarantee that i could drop the QSC and not have to worry if its working or not....

 

[Big_Daws]

or, take a look at the crown XLS series of amps...they are awesome...and super light, and have some built in DSP settings...

 

[mike phillips]

cant go wrong with qsc.

 

[the Arsonaut]

All I will say about Carvin v QSC is efficiency. Carvins tend to draw more power, at the same output rating as other amps.
Meaning, in some instances, you could be popping breakers if the circumstances are right.

Not an opinion, just a fact.
In our house mains, we were able to get more headroom by upgrading from carvin.
In our monitor system, we resolved our constant breaker popping issue by removing them...and those were 1540s.

They were good amps, just where I could put two of them, I could put 3 of another brand's amp of the same output*kaff*crown*.

 

[Keithwah]

I have installed thousands of QSC over the past 25 years. I have never seen one fail. They are the most dependable amp we've ever used. From the newer GX to the old series 35's just great build and design. They are one of the few that can have a quality product made in China, and their US made gear is second to none. I do use Crown from time to time, and have had some luck with them too, but a QSC has never caused me grief.

The Carvin amps don't have the tight bottom that a QSC does. They are not a bad amp, but they are not on the same level across the board. And since the GX amps are easily equal to Carvins finest, I'd go QSC.

 

[DuraMorte]

I have installed thousands of QSC over the past 25 years. I have never seen one fail. They are the most dependable amp we've ever used. From the newer GX to the old series 35's just great build and design. They are one of the few that can have a quality product made in China, and their US made gear is second to none. I do use Crown from time to time, and have had some luck with them too, but a QSC has never caused me grief.

The Carvin amps don't have the tight bottom that a QSC does. They are not a bad amp, but they are not on the same level across the board. And since the GX amps are easily equal to Carvins finest, I'd go QSC.

I really like the GX series. I use three of them in a club rig, and they always make it happen.

 

[Big_Daws]

ive had customers tell me they has sparks flying outta the GX series brand new out of the box when they plugged it in....im yet to experience this myself...lol

 

[Marko 1]

Many sound companies use QSC amps, but right or wrong, I doubt there are many, if any, who would even consider Carvin.

That said, I’ve used QSC amps for bass rig and PA use with flawless results.

 

[Phalex]

I've used Carvin stuff for twenty years. They make a nice bass, but they make a badass amplifier!

For the money, I dont think you can top Carvin.

 

[Floyd Eye]

QSC.

 

[otherclef]

CREST

 

[Bassometer]

Is it me or does bridged mode sound, well less than optimal?, I always thought that it sounds better through the individual channels. My thoughts, get a QSC and run two cabs, one through each channel.

 

[Keithwah]

Is it me or does bridged mode sound, well less than optimal?, I always thought that it sounds better through the individual channels. My thoughts, get a QSC and run two cabs, one through each channel.

I think it's just you. A bridged power amp has no sonic value other than sending that much more clean headroom and butt loads more level.

 

[Jason Hollar]

To reply to the OP -- FWIW -- I run my Crown bridged into an SWR 4x10 and it sounds amazing. Recently I've been adding my SWR 2x10 on bigger shows and I run the amp stereo because the cabs are different impedances.
Ive also used the same power amp with various pa speakers - and its nice to have options.

 

[Big_Daws]

CREST

if you wanna use a boat anchor

Crests are awesome but super heavy.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

I went for the QSC guys.

Noteworthy is that in all 3 places I asked for opinions on this topic the majority said QSC, even on the Carvin Pro Audio Forum.