Crown DriveCore XLS 1002 PA Amplifier

Bought to carry out my own review of a PA type, class D amp for home use and to see if the youtube exerts were right about this amp fitting into a home HiFi system.
I’m torn over this power amp. I loved the detail and clarity, I loved the way it delivers and controls bass. Oddly enough, I think its probably a great match for more vintage speakers that can sound a bit boomy.
On the flip side, its lacks the 3D, holographic sound that a class A or AB amp has which makes the overall performance sound less convincing as ‘real life’ music.
I think if you’re a vinyl lover then you might struggle to get to grips with the Crown. I suspect its short comings are more to do with the Class D topography than component matching so maybe not something that’s easily solved? However, I do think that its well suited to using a valve pre amplifier.
The main questions are whether this PA type, Class D amp is worth the money, does it embarrass itself in a domestic Hi Fi setting and is it a giant killer?
As for whether it’s worth the money I think that almost impossible to answer. It all depends on what you want it for and what kit your matching it with. More importantly, would you be able to enjoy the sound if you had years of listening to amps that produce a bigger sound stage and more depth? At around £230 its certainly a cost effective way to get into class D and a mono block set up if that’s what you’re looking for.
It definitely doesn’t embarrass itself and would compare well against many integrated amps in the price range and put many to shame. If CD’s and streaming is your thing then it’s a pretty compelling buy.
For it to be a giant killer it would need perform far better with vinyl and produce a more expansive and open sound around vocals. Its narrow sound stage is also something that is probably going to put some listeners off. All in all though, its a well made, well designed class D amplifier which represents great value for money!

I bought three of these to replace the old Crimson amplifiers in my home tri-amped hi-fi system - for bass, mid and treble, left and right channels. They are superb; they might be sold as PA amplifiers, but the performance is exemplary with my Richter speakers (Kef B139s with a lagged labyrinth/transmission line, Kef B110s in a sealed/lagged cavity, and Decca London Horns). The cooling fans are mostly off, but sometimes cut in briefly and almost inaudibly - with no music playing I have to put my ear close to hear a faint whisper.

P.S. if anyone reading this knows where to get replacement Decca/London ribbons please leave details in a review here.

Following a recommendation by Andrew Robinson on YouTube, https://youtu.be/HZUIeoqlzdU I bought a Crown XLS 1002 to use as the power amp in my home hi-fi system.

For listening to records, a phono pre-amp is also needed. Because the Crown amp has individual channel level controls, I put a Nobsound volume controller in line with a Pro-Ject phono Box E and it all works just fine, and means I can leave the Crown levels alone. Also, the Crown is well earthed and attaching the earth strap from the turntable to one of the screws on the back completely eliminates any and all hum. I'm loving the sound from the Crown - it sounds much warmer than I feared, and the resolution, especially of percussion, is amazing. The only person who needs to like your hi-fi is yourself, and I am really happy with the Crown XLS1002. Only 4 stars because it is a rather industrial looking unit, not really intended for a home listening room, but once it is set up (easy to do) there is no need to touch it really, so could be hidden away out of sight. Although it has an internal fan, It does not kick in normal use. Oh, and it doesn't have a headphone socket, so a headphone amp is also needed (some pre-amps include one).

Bottom line - the Crown XLS1002 sounds really great!