Re: Behringer EP4000 - Naked Pics - Fan Mod - ETC
you say pro-amps are a good value,and im not doubting you.what do you,and others anyone who wants to answer.think about using one for the mains?not just to drive subs.
I'm not currently, however I've used an EP4000 for mains usage, ...
without issue. Both hi rez SACD, and BluRay playback were fine. With that much power available, the big high energy, high crest factor transients associated with gunshots, drum whacks, etc, were handled in a manner noticeably better.
There's an extraordinary demand placed on amplification to accurately track such high peak-to-average level signals. I'm convinced that signal clipping of this peak energy can occur in many scenarios, and at lower average playback levels, than many enthusiasts think. Possessing an extra 3dB-6dB in capability with amps of double and quadruple the power of one's existing amplifier, certainly helps
Having a huge amount of extra power isn't only beneficial for subwoofers, and yes, many of these high value pro amps are suitable for mains usage. A caveat however; with significant power comes significant responsibility. I know, how cliché, but true nonetheless. Powering LCR loudspeakers with amplifiers of 200%, 300%, up to 400%, is perfectly fine as long as prudence is exercised. A speaker can absorb huge amounts of power for brief periods of time,... certainly the short periods that encompass the momentary peaks that accompany the above mentioned peak energy.
By actively listening for the onset of driver non-linearity and distress, one can discover and learn to easily avoid any of the typical thermally related failures that can be encountered with a over-powering scenario. At the
audible onset of thermal compression, clear signs of a less life-like, less clear, with subtle changes spectrally ... whereby the range handled by one driver in a speaker compresses first, thus diminishing the output within that driver's range. Perhaps a "thickening", or less "snap" could be detected. These terms are subjective, for sure, but they do describe my perception of what I've experienced with regard to the active listening for compression onset.
My experimentation was prompted by both my own interest, and from some posts by Tom Danley on the subject. I experimented with it, and subsequently I'm a big fan of what many would consider overkill headoom. I prefer a system approach, with enormous amounts of power, pro drivers, distributed-multiple subs. The acoustic load is spread over a lot of drivers, each backed by a lot of power, operated
well within their linear envelope. When the big snare hits, or the shotgun blasts and explosions occur, the peak headroom is there to accurately track the complex transient peak energy, ....
as needed.
I've found that the added realism and clarity is wonderfully enjoyable, .... adding a degree of lifelike naturalness that's otherwise unattainable with realistic playback levels. No harshness, no cringe factor, regardless of level. Currently, my primary system, the family room HT, consists of 16.8kw
plus
, in a quite modest room.:hsd:
Thanks and good luck