You do seem to like vintage gear, I haven't actually seen a Phase Linear amp since the 70's. However, they are for sale all the time on Ebay so you could think about just replacing your Phase with another working sample. Crown has shifted their focus from audio specific gear to the type of gear used by mobile "DJ's". They list the XTI1000 as a Public Address amplifier. So I don't think that the Audio press would call it "Hi Fi". As for the inputs, those are XLR inputs which are superior to the old RCA type taps in terms of noise rejection. Actually XLR balanced inputs are superior enough that the hi end Audio is now starting to offer pre-amps with this type of connection option. So it's not a bad choice for a connecter. However the pre-amps that offer this option are pricey. As for an adapter, I have no idea at all if this can be done easily. You may want to check at Radio Shack because if an adapter is possible they will have it. Of course that won't be a "hi fi" answer, you would lose the advantage of the XLR balanced connection scheme and it may cause a problem with increased noise.

I just recently went thru the amplifier selection process and it's been a bit of a revelation. BTW, my old amp was a mid 80's Yamaha integrated that had become extremely noisy. Apparently capacitors do age and when they do, your sound quality slowly degrades. It means that I'll probably be shopping for a new amp in another 10 or 15 years. Anyhow, my choice was the NAD C372 integrated amplifier and I am VERY impressed with this amplifier. It's taken about a month to "burn in" but the improvement in sound over that old Yamaha is huge. This is the quietest amplifier that I have ever owned, set the volume to the max and if the source isn't playing it's totally silent. Cost for the C372 was 900 USD, it has 170 Watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms (220 wpc peak), is rated for speakers down to 4 ohms and is a "high current" design, can be bridged or used in a biamp setup. However, it does not have an input stage for a turntable. That cost me an additional 129 USD for the NAD PP-2 phono stage which can uses either MM or MC pickups. So it's a pretty good match for that old Phase of yours. Costwise it's about double that of the Crown you mention. However, you get an integrated that can be remote controlled, is very well reviewed by the high end audio Press, and I can verify is superb sounding. It's something to think about, you may spend a bit more but remember that pre amp of yours is probably as old as your Phase that just failed.

BTW, I'll confess to being a bit lazy. By purchasing an integrated amp I avoid all the component compatibilty issues that buying seperates entails. There is a huge selection of great gear out there so I would suggest that you start "surfing". BTW, McIntosh is still in the business. If you were into Phase Linear I am sure that you lusted for the "big Mac" just as much as I did (and do, love those blue meters). The MC 402 has 400 wpc but it sells for about 6000 USD, way beyond my budget.

I've no idea how these sound, but, Cardas makes an RCA to XLR adapter.

I remember the sweet sound of the Crown DC300. I always kicked myslef for not spending the extra money for the Crown. I am going to have to get a hold of a demo unit, because I just can't believe that Crown would make a bad sounding amp. I know there built bullet proof. As I understand it from Crown, the DC300 was a touring amp. Still one of the best amps I ever heard. I remembered it had a very impressive low end.

www.sweetwater.com www.partsexpress.com XLR-RCA cables www.procosound.com www.mcminone.com Cables galore, without the fancy boxes

http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?WebPage_ID=404

Thanks for the links Dup! What do you think of Crown amps? Should I look else where?

I've seen Crown stuff everywhere, LIVE venues..the stuff is meant to be used, not babied like other stuff. They are used in pro installations everywhere, not this over hyped "audiophalke" nonsense, priced in the realm of absurdity. Crown like Hafler where around to start it all. Crown is still going strong under Harman. Great stuff. Bargain priced. Get it. One place for live events has something like 32,000 WATTS worth of CROWN power. The stuff sounds great, works and works, super reliable. Crown, QSC, pro stuff for live events, where failures ain't allowed.

There is a live music venue where I live, you know...one of those old historic small theatres that has been converted. Great place to get upclose to the artists.

They use a fairly new PA system that is Crown powered. SUCKS!

I recently saw Larry Coryell, Victor Bailey and Lenny White perform there. The PA was so bad my bud and I finally walked out.

I really think you should look elsewhere.

RG

Just found out from my neighbor that the Terminator attraction at Universal Studios here in Orlando is powered by Crown, and I don't know if you have heard it, but it will blow you away if your haven't!

It wasn't the amps, it was the settings of the control boards, and I've heard so really bad bad setups in some live events...It ain't the amps, it's the dopes setting levels of boomy bass and shrill highs. Crown is excellent, reliable stuff. They sound just fine. Best sound I have heard at live events was House of Blues, Chicago, and AC. And coincidently, later I read HOB sound design guy got awards for superb work. Don't think it was Crown though, don't recall. But they had great speakers, mounted properly, set correctly. My ears heard his work BEFORE he was written up in Pro Aduio publications. Boomy bass shrill highs, no midranges is the poor work of teh dude behind the controls, not the amps.

I agree with DUP on this one. Most of those PA guys wouldn't know good sound if it hit them in the head with a 2X4. After thinking about it I realize now why I stopped going to a lot of live events. The PA sound was usually awful. Maybe that's why I always enjoyed GD concerts even though I wasn't a big fan. Their PA sound was superb.

I've been there several times and allways went to the terminator attraction at least twice whenever i visit Orlando.True,the sound is awesome but that doesn't mean they're good in music but on the other hand,since i do not have experience with this particular amp,i am not implying it is not good !

Love your new avatar!

Quote:
I agree with DUP on this one. Most of those PA guys wouldn't know good sound if it hit them in the head with a 2X4.

Is a 2X4 like a 2A3?

Sovtek?

That was a tube reference, right?

Hiya JoeE

It's cool eh ? I bet Jeff will like it too.I had it in my computer since last Spring and forgot about it otherwise i would have add it sooner

Thanks for all your help and insights. I talked with the dealer, and if I don't like the amp I can exchange it or get a refund within 30 days. So I think I'll bring it home and just listen for a week.

Yep,that is the best thing to do.Mind you though,if the amp is brand new and not an ex-demo unit that the dealer is lending you for audioning,keep it allways on with prefferably music playing through it,for at least the first 5 days and then,do your listening the last two days.

Does conditioning the amp in such a way really make any difference? This brings up a good point. Do you leave your amp on 24/7? I know someone who does, and he claims it will extend the life of the amp.

Actually i do and anyone can hear the difference.2-3 hours pre-heating just won't do and i've discovered this by accident.I forgot the amp on for 2 days and i couldn't bellieve my ears.The a few weeks later,just by chance,i read
a review in TAS about my amp and the reviewer came to the same conclusion.Mind you,most amp need 30-60 minutes warm-up
some need more and a few need to be on 7/24 , even though i believe 7/24 brings the best in any equipment.

Exactly NOT. AVA says just the opposite about his stuff. www.avahifi.com Frank says his are STABLE, no need for such warming up, I ain't heard any difference between having them on for weeks!!! Or just on and listened. I know, here it comes, my speakers aren't revealing enough, my wires are teh weak point. i know the "audiophile" drill. And i don't "burn in" wire not either.