Behringer EP2500 or Buttkicker BKA1000-4A

**digitalbeast** · **05-24-08, 08:07 AM**

I have just purchased an SDX 15 driver, and was planning on building an LLT design sonosub. I am leaning towards a 320L, 24" dia. 14.5 htz tune.
The question is, does anybody have an experienced suggestion, as to what power amp I should use for this beast? I am looking for the best and most bang for the buck amp.
I have seen 2 interesting amps, The Behringer EP2500 and Buttkicker BKA1000-4A. Which is better? Or does anyone have a better choice for an amp at around the same price? I heard the Buttkicker has a lot of distortion, but powers and sounds good. I heard the Beringer is great for full range music, etc. but not recommended for sub use by some people.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I can't wait to start building this thing. I will try to post step by step photos as I progress with the build.

**Blaser** · **05-24-08, 08:20 AM**

The EP-2500 is better IMO. It is a very good amp.

**Mike P.** · **05-24-08, 08:25 AM**

I agree with Blaser. Lots of people use the EP-2500 and love it.

**ccdoggy** · **05-24-08, 01:06 PM**

EP2500 FTW. the buttkicker is ok at best in my opinion. too much distortion, no active cooling for those LOTR movies which tax the outta the amp, and the 2500 has more power.

**digitalbeast** · **05-24-08, 07:18 PM**

Thanks for your suggestions, I guess it is going to be the Behringer EP2500.
There is still one thing that bothers me about the EP2500.
I read on the net somewhere, that several people were disappointed with the output of the amp, claiming that they expected more from an amp with this power. I also read that it could be due to the source output voltage from the receiver was too low or high. Anybody know about this?
Also, what would I need to connect this PRO amp to my Yamaha receiver and output connection to sub?

**Blaser** · **05-24-08, 08:35 PM**

If that's true,the BK might be worse.
What receiver do you have? What sub do you have? What kind of input does it have? RCA?

**jkoll42** · **05-24-08, 09:18 PM**

Quote:

digitalbeast wrote:

Thanks for your suggestions, I guess it is going to be the Behringer EP2500.
There is still one thing that bothers me about the EP2500.
I read on the net somewhere, that several people were disappointed with the output of the amp, claiming that they expected more from an amp with this power. I also read that it could be due to the source output voltage from the receiver was too low or high. Anybody know about this?
Also, what would I need to connect this PRO amp to my Yamaha receiver and output connection to sub?

There can be issues with output level depending on the rca lineout level of your receiver. I had issues with this and it was easily solved with the ART Cleanbox. Just make sure to do the mod as outlined in this forum. This will solve any level issues due to using a consumer receiver vs prosound levels.

**digitalbeast** · **05-24-08, 09:26 PM**

I have a Yamaha HTR 5590 receiver, Same as RX-V1300 it has a RCA sub output jack. Specs indicate up to 4.0v output sensitivity, on sub output.
I presently have a sealed DIY sub, with homemade Bassis EQ. Planning on replacing with new sonosub, with sdx 15 driver.
I believe if I wanted to hook up the EP2500 I would need something like a Clean Box to convert to XLR balanced input. Is this correct?

**jkoll42** · **05-24-08, 09:47 PM**

I am running a Pioneer VSX-1015 and needed a cleanbox. Unfortunately I cannot find specs on the preout. I am running a EP1500 and a TC2000 diy and without the cleanbox it was not pretty

**dalucifer** · **05-26-08, 11:10 PM**

I ran an ep2500 with an artclean box. Worked pretty well.

**kermyb123** · **05-27-08, 07:43 PM**

Not to hi-jack.. but rather "tag along" - My AVR has about 300-400mv at med volume and 1.2-1.3v at higher volume - I would guess about .8 to 1v at normal movie volume is this enough to drive a ep2500?

Asking here since a lot of experianced owners seem to be posting in this thread.

**Blaser** · **05-27-08, 07:58 PM**

The Ep-2500 has 1.23 V input sensitivity (+4 db) so you may be fine. At worst you would need an Art cleanbox, but I would first try without.

**kermyb123** · **05-27-08, 08:03 PM**

Stop chasing me around ahmed- just kidding

**erh7771** · **05-29-08, 05:00 PM**

Got a 4400 sq ft room and NEVER have to turn my EP2500 up. The couple of time I did crank it with heavy bass music it warm to the touch.

Got it for 278 bucks from music friends I think and I made a remote turn on for it so I didn't have to keep switching it on via the receivers outlets which only allow around 200 watts.

Perfect Amp for bass heads and home theater IMHO

**kermyb123** · **05-29-08, 06:20 PM**

So you have this amp running off of a switchable output on your AVR? I'm Confused

**randyman** · **05-29-08, 06:47 PM**

ep 2500 is a excellent sub amp the people who say it isnt got the filters in the back set wrong for the money you cannot go wrong with the ep 2500 ............It also dose a damm good job on 2 channel a b test it sometime you will be surprised just my 2 cents

**Exocer** · **05-31-08, 12:04 AM**

I've used my ep1500 with two AVRs: Onkyo Tx sr 602, and HK AVR 235. It never needed a cleanbox in either situation. I'm now using an RCA to XLR cable to connect from the AVR to the amp. Not a single problem.

The buttkicker, from the tests i've seen, would suggest it really isn't anything close the ep2500 under the same identical test conditions. EP2500 FTW

**erh7771** · **06-26-08, 03:18 PM**

Quote:

kermyb123 wrote:

So you have this amp running off of a switchable output on your AVR? I'm Confused

Not directly, I made a device that turns on a relay when the AVR turns on so the EP2500 can be powered from the wall outlet.

I would NOT power the EP2500 from your AVR cause the EP2500 pulls waaaaay too many amps and would either blow a fuse or worse IMHO.

**mgboy** · **06-26-08, 10:40 PM**

Unless you like toast with your subwoofers - I'd go with the 2500. More power, less distortion, looks better, doesn't fry while watching the Matrix. Seems like an all around winner, despite the "high cost" - even though it's a steal for what it delivers.

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