That Crown XLS 1002 is 215w/per channel compared to what
@gibbsy said the 6010 would be at 60 w/per channel.
That’s a massive difference, is the Crowns capable of blowing the speakers?
Other than no home theatre bypass, what’s the draw back of the crowns over something like a Marantz pm6006?
Gibbsy already answer saying essentially the same thing but -
It is never Over-Powered or Under-Powered Amps that blow speakers; it is always the guy running the volume control. Don't be that guy.
I provided a video review of the
Crown 1502, but later, that same person added some bigger Crown amps to his Home Theater system -
Z Review - My New 2,400wpc Living Room Amps -
He added
TWO Crown XLS 2502 Amps (£589) running in bridge mode as Mono-Amp, each with a total power of 1550 watts to 8 ohms in Bridge-Mono mode; 2400 watts each to 4 ohms. Notice, while he has a nice setup, he really doesn't have a huge room.
Crown XLS 2502 Drivecore Power Amp
He used the
Crown 1502 in Bridge-Mono mode, 1050w, to drive his Subwoofer. The
Crown XLS Series have Electronic Crossover Control built in to the amps, so that made use with a Subwoofer very easy.
Now if you have that much power, you have to use it wisely, but Z-Reviews tests all kinds of speakers using those massive power amps, and hasn't had any problems.
Though I think most of us on the forum would agree that 1550w/ch is a bit of an overkill.
As to Drawbacks, it is really down to money. If I had your speaker system, or your speakers system as it will be when finished, which I estimate as likely more than £3000, I would be looking at an amp in the £1500 range which would take you to or near the top of the consumer brands.
But... we all do the best we can with what we have. I would look at amps with at least 100w/ch or very close to it. Look for AV Receiver with Pre-Amp outputs. In your case, with 5.2.4, you will need 9 channels, but that is going to raise the price.
Don't buy slim-line or compact AV Receiver, they tend to be very low in power. Consider, as mentioned before, buying new, but buying last year's model. You can get huge discounts, and end up with much more amp than you paid for.
For example, the
Denon X4500 is a £1500 amp for £1000. If you can swing that, that's a pretty good deal. 9.2 Channel with 11.2 with additional amps, 125w/ch to 8 ohms.
The
Yamaha RX-S1080 is a £1300 amp for £940 (110w/ch, 7.2).
The
Denon X6400 is a £2300 amp for £1300 (11.2 Pre-Amp, 140w/ch).
Marantz SR6013 £1250/£959 (9.1 channel with 5.1.4 capability. Though the Single Sub channel can be split to feed two Subs, so that's not a problem, 110w/ch)
Keep in mind many amps capable of 11 channel, don't have 11 amps in them; so do, some don't. They rely on external amps to fill out the full compliment of channels.
Now if you choose wisely, and look carefully at the specs, you might find something in your price range in a used Receiver, that is another way of getting high value for your money. But you have to weigh the risk. Most people are not selling an AVR that is 1 year old. Most used sales, with a few exceptions, are models that are not up to current standards.
But if your budget is locked at about £600, then there are still some bargains to be had. On another website, I found the £900
Denon 3500 for £500, that's a very nice discount rivaling used.
Denon AVR-X3500H Black 7.2 Channel AV Receiver - AV Receivers / Amplifiers - AV Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists
But it is a 7.2 amp Capable of 5.2.2 with 105w/ch.
If is really about working out your priorities. With a used budget, and a limited budget, you will only get just so much for your money. Keeping in mind that ATMOS is a relatively new thing, if you look at older amps, make sure they have this capability. Though do check out used equipment, you might find exactly what you are looking for.
Steve/bluewizard