Crown D-150A Series II Amp

[rdrowley]

I was recently given a Crown D-150A Series II Amp. They are supposed to run ~95W into 8 Ohms. I cleaned it up a bit and plugged it in to run my front speakers. It runs super clean and it seemed like the music was more dynamic. It also seemed to open up the sounds on HT work a little bit.

I'm kind of new to the stand alone amp part of audio reproduction so I really don't know what I have in this amp. I've read about it on google, and it seems like they were popular in the past, but I'm having a hard time finding anything that would compare it to any more modern amps. What I'm really wondering is if I should keep this thing or should I try to get a decent price for it and get something a little more modern? Any input would be appreciated.

[ThomasW]

Always found those amps to be a bit on the 'harsh' side, sort of like 'finger-nails on a blackboard' harsh.

That said, if you like what you hear what's not to like since it was free...

[---k---]

All depends on your budget and how good is good enough for you.

Also depends on your speakers, it is always best to spend more money on your speakers than amps.

[rdrowley]

Thanks for the input. I can appreciate your perspectives. But I still don't know where it sits in comparison to a more modern amp like an Emotiva UPA-2

I am currently running my Tritrix's with it, which don't really give it much of a workout. But I'm planning on getting something Statementish in the future.

[Johnloudb]

But I still don't know where it sits in comparison to a more modern amp like an Emotiva UPA-2

Given other peoples reports on the Emotiva gear, I think the Emotiva would be better. While I haven't heard the old Crown amp you have, I trust ThomasW's take on it.

You could just keep the amp and build the speakers you what, and see how you like it. If it does sound too harsh with the amp you could sell it.

Also, others have reported that the Emotiva amps worked well with the Statements.

John