Crown XLS 602 Pro Audio AMP

Crown has three models in the XLS line, the 202, 402 and 602. The new XLS line consists of two rack space units, different from their predecessors that were three rack- space units.

The 602, which I reviewed, has a power output of 840W per channel into 2 ohms, 600W into 4 ohms, and 370W into 8 ohms. The 602 can be bridged to mono with a 4 ohm rating of 1,680W. The 602 has an input sensitivity of 1.26 volts RMS, which is higher than the more traditional Crowns. Frequency response is rated at 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.75 dB at 1 watt. Signal-to-noise ratio (20 Hz to 20 kHz) A-weighted is rated at >100 dB. Crosstalk is rated for 1 kHz at -82 dB. Load impedance is rated to be safe from 2 to 8 ohms in stereo operation and 8 ohms in bridged mono configuration. Total harmonic distortion at full power is rated at <0.5 percent from 20 Hz to 1 kHz.

Inputs are on electronically balanced XLRs. Outputs are on one four-pole Speakon or binding posts for each channel that will accept banana plugs or bare wire. Voltage gain at maximum output is 31 dB. The controls for the XLS line are very simple: just a power switch on the front panel and two level controls (one for each channel). There is a circuit breaker at the AC input for overload protection. Cooling and ventilation are provided by internal heatsinks that incorporate forced air from front to back for rapid and uniform heat dissipation. There are indicator lights located at the front panel for clip (when the signal is being overdriven), power and fault (for when the amplifier has gone into protect mode). XLS Series amplifiers provide extensive protection, including output current limiting, DC protection, circuit breaker, and special thermal protection for the unit's transformers. Crown also features a three-year, full, no-fault warranty for every new amplifier.