measurement amps

[niget2002]

What amps are ya'll using for taking measurements?

Especially those that are using LspCAD and using the built-in ability to simulate passive crossovers.

Income tax checks are coming in next month and I like to spend mine before the SO sees it

The M-audio Firewire 410 is already on the list.

Are there any smallish multi-channel amps that would work? Or do I just need to look into getting a couple of regular amps.

I guess I could always use my receivers multi-channel analog inputs and hook the analog outs to the speakers (in pure-direct mode this should bypass everything in the receiver), but I would like something for a "test" room.

[ch83575]

I purchased a used NAD 906 a while back for this purpose. It is a 6 channel amp, I think it is only rated at 30 watts (60 w/ two channels bridged), but NAD stuff always has bigger balls than the wattage would lead you to believe. I like it because it is just a power amp, so it can be brought into service for multi-way active systems if necessary (or simulating a crossover if your software supports it), but it has a small volume dial on the back for each channel which makes taking measurements easier. NAD has a current version, but it aint cheap... I got my 906 for about $200.

-Chad

[gmikol]

I'm using a battery-powered LM1875 for measurements (FR, impedance), and I'm looking at using some 41Hz.com AMP9 kits (4x50W) for playing with Active XO's. My understanding is that Class D amps are bad for electrical measurement (like impedance).

--Greg

[tpremo55]

I'm currently running a Kenwood Basic M2A for the testing that I have been doing, but not using the crossover emulation feature yet that requires multi-channel. Is there any reason why an inepensive, low-power receiver with 5-channels would not work for this? Is there typically a response deficiency in these amps that would impact the results?

[niget2002]

Ya'll gave me some good ideas... I asked around at work and found someone with an old receiver he wasn't using. Best part was the price... Free!