QSC--PLX 3602 vs PL380

[jefffluker]

Howdy folks,

My seven year old PLX 3602 died mid-show last Saturday night, so I'm amp shopping.

A new PLX 3602 would work well, but the PL 380 seems to offer more power and features.

The 380 is twice the price. Is it twice the amplifier?

Jeff
[email protected]

[Paul O]

Re: QSC--PLX 3602 vs PL380

The 380 is twice the price. Is it twice the amplifier?

The PL380 is a Touring grade class D amp while the PLX is an MI grade class H amp.

[jefffluker]

Re: QSC--PLX 3602 vs PL380

Paul,

Thank you for your post. I'm not familiar with the amp classes. Could you explain the difference?

Jeff

[Paul O]

Re: QSC--PLX 3602 vs PL380

Paul,

Thank you for your post. I'm not familiar with the amp classes. Could you explain the difference?

Jeff

A class D amplifier is digital.. that refers to the way the amplifier section operates. The power transistors or mosfets switch on and off at a very high frequency and produce a digital approximation of the input signal with a higher voltage swing and then passive filters smooth it out. The big advantages of this type of amplifier is electrical efficiency as it produces very little waste heat and weight savings as there are no large components.

Class H is a more traditional amplifier in that it is all analog, but instead of having the output voltage rails fixed one high level this design will switch them to 2 or 3 different levels depending upon the how hard the amp is being driven. This again targets greater electrical efficiency, at low drive levels the output rails are set to the lowest step to minimize waste heat, but if input levels rise the amp will automatically step the rails up higher to allow the amp to deliver big power.

In both cases these particular amplifiers also have digital switching power supplies which eliminates the large toridal or iron core transformer that contributed the majority of the weight to older designs. This is a separate components of the amplifier and isn't part of what determines the class of the amplifier.

And a touring grade amplifier will be built to a higher standard than a MI grade, it will likely deliver more power, operate safely into lower impedances, and have more protection circuitry.

[jefffluker]

Re: QSC--PLX 3602 vs PL380

Paul,

In your opinion, how do the QSC amps compare to the Lab Gruppen? Or the Crest?

Jeff

[Paul O]

Re: QSC--PLX 3602 vs PL380

Paul,

In your opinion, how do the QSC amps compare to the Lab Gruppen? Or the Crest?

Jeff

QSC is first and foremost an amplifier company and they are very well regarded in the touring industry, you will not see anyone turn their noses up at a PL series amp. Have you investigated getting your PLX repaired yet?

[jefffluker]

Re: QSC--PLX 3602 vs PL380

It's out of warranty, and bench check and repair at the recommended shop is pricey. It's time for a new amp.

Thank you for the information, Paul.

Jeff
[email protected]

[jefffluker]

Re: QSC--PLX 3602 vs PL380

Paul,

I spoke with a tech at QSC. Their bench check is only $45! I'm gonna send it in for repair.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Jeff
[email protected]