Crown K2 vs Power Base III

[svollmer]

Hello,

I was planning on purchasing a K2 sometime in the future to power 4 JBL subs (each channel of the amp would see a 4 ohm load). However, a friend is selling off his small PA and has offered me a Power Base III in very nice physical condition for $300.

I'd appreciate anyone's opinion on using the PBIII as a sub amp. I know the K2 has a great reputation as a sub amp and the PBIII has very decent specs as well. Unfortunately, I can't hook it up and try it because I'm finishing off my basement now and the subs are being stored without the drivers (JBL 2245H) loaded. Also, the fan noise of the PBIII won't be an issue becuase it will be in a room adjacent to the stereo room.

Any impressions/opinions are appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Steve

[subwoof]

K2 has no fan, PB does.
K2 has mosfet outputs, PB has silicon.
K2 has a switching supply, PB is linear.

With an adapter you can install the older gen pip cards in the PB amps - I used to do this a lot to make them sub amps for bands / DJ's who did not want to deal with crossovers, etc.

Both would give impressive LF performance and would work well. 300 bucks is a good price for that much crown power. Have a tech check it over and replace the filter and LUBE the fan motor bearings..:)

sub

[Eaulive]

I don't know the use you're gonna make out of the amp, but here in Carribean climate under heavy use the K2 goes into thermal shut down quite quickly.

The PB3 is a rugged amp, grounded bridge topology inherited from the Macrotech series, very good stuff in my books.

[jbl_daddy]

Do not use the PBIII on anything but subs, the K2 is a much cleaner amp. Both amps are great in the proper aplication.

[svollmer]

Thanks for all the great responses. It looks like I'll grab the PBIII while I can! :applaud:

I've known the person I'm buying this from for several years. He used it to power a small PA in his band's basement practice room. It's never seen live or road use and looks almost new.

Again, thanks very much for your expert opinions and recommendations!

Steve