MCA2550E 2.1 sad new design

[stephed]

The idea of the 2.1 amp is an awesome idea but PE IMO keeps getting the design wrong. When I heard they were redisgning the amp I was pumped, only to get dissapointed. I was thinking about switching the amp in a klispch 10" sub I have to a 2.1 style amp and run it to the TV with the volume controlled through the TV.
P.E. cant seem to get the design right.

1.The sky high HF crossover point 240hz should 125-150 max or adjustable from 90-200 for the HF
2. Separate volumes are not linked, should have a fader style between sub & HF then a master volume
3. The 12db sub crossover that will just make a sloppy sounding sub. X-over should be at min. 18db best would be 24db.
4. A little more power on the sub would be nice.

5. The problem with almost all sub amps is the lack of 12volt triggers.


Does anyone else see these as problems with this product.

[johnnyrichards]

1. If the high pass is a simple cap, then 240 Hz really isn't that bad. If it was 2nd order electrical or higher, than it can definitely be a problem.

2. Agree, but for desktop applications (which is what this is targeted to) it is unnecessary, since it is presumed the user will set the volumes on the amp and then control master volume with the PC software.

3. That is arguable from my viewpoint, and given what we know about the high pass this can actually help everything integrate a little easier.

4. In a PC audio world 12v triggers are, again, unnecessary.

I will agree that if you are looking for an amp module to fit your needs, PE has missed the mark. For the average PC used, who may be running 3" full range on his desktop and a single 6-8" subwoofer tucked underneath somewhere, this product is perfect.

[J_Shea]

The specs sheet says:
"12.) Satellite:
The two pair (left “L” and right “R”) of binding post located on
the front panel, each color coded red “+” and black “-”, contain
an active 12dB/octave high pass filter @ 150Hz for satellite
speaker connection. Load on each output must have a nominal
impedance of 8 ohm or higher."

That sounds pretty good to me for a compact 2.1 system. The problem is the price is a bit high for a computer setup. An SA70 and one of the Lepai units would be 30 dollars less for similar features and power.

[djg]

The specs I read say the xover point is variable from 40 to 240HZ. I built a couple of 2.1 systems using this amp, or the older version. They turned out quite nice. Plenty of power for a desktop or bedroom system.

The volume control setup is OK with me. A steeper slope xover would be nice. It has an auto on function to turn on when a signal is present. I don't see a real problem with this amp, except the price, I got mine on sale for a bit less. The amp is out of stock until May.

Madisound has a Keiga 2.1 amp if you don't like this one.

[lunchmoney]

Isn't "auto on" on must sub amps the same as a 12-volt trigger?

[Jonathan Anspach]

Isn't "auto on" on must sub amps the same as a 12-volt trigger?

No. Auto-on detects a music signal at the inputs. A 12 volt trigger is a steady-state signal sent separately from a pre/pro. It's more reliable than auto-on.