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Crown XLS 1502 DriveCore™ 2 Series power amplifier — 300W x 2 at 8 ohms, 1,550W x 1 at 4 ohms bridged

Item # 859XLS1502

Crown's XLS 1502 2-channel power amplifier can put out 300 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 525 watts at 4...

Crown's XLS 1502 2-channel power amplifier can put out 300 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 525 watts at 4...

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8 questions - 16 answers

Item # 859XLS1502

In stock
$559.00

About the Crown XLS 1502

Buck Pomerantz

Give your speakers the power they deserve

Crown's XLS 1502 2-channel power amplifier can put out 300 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 525 watts at 4 ohms, 775 at 2 ohms, and up to 1550 watts when bridged — enough to cleanly power a wide variety of loudspeakers. This highly efficient Class D amp employs internal heat sinks with forced-air cooling to keep the internal temperature under control, and an automated rear fan that kicks in when you're pushing the amp hard.

Give your speakers the power they deserve

Crown's XLS 1502 2-channel power amplifier can put out 300 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 525 watts at 4 ohms, 775 at 2 ohms, and up to 1550 watts when bridged — enough to cleanly power a wide variety of loudspeakers. This highly efficient Class D amp employs internal heat sinks with forced-air cooling to keep the internal temperature under control, and an automated rear fan that kicks in when you're pushing the amp hard.

Controls you'll use

The amp's front panel offers independent gain control knobs, LED level/clip indicators, an on/off switch, LCD screen, and three menu control buttons. The LCD screen lets you configure the amp mode, set the limiter, and adjust the crossover configuration with the push of a few buttons. The rear of the XLS 1502 is a veritable treasure trove of connections — balanced XLR, 1/4", and RCA inputs, so you can get creative with your audio sources. The 1/4" line-level outputs let you add more amps to the mix. You'll find binding posts and Neutrik Speakon® outputs for the speakers, plus a built-in circuit breaker to protect against overload.

Technology under the hood

Crown's patented DriveCore technology allows their XLS amps to maintain high efficiency even when they're being powered by untrustworthy AC current. Unstable electrical loads typically introduce heavy noise into most Class D amps, but the DriveCore circuit keeps the distortion to practically zero. So even if you've got to plug in near a lighting rig or other backline gear, XLS amps wipe away interference so your signal always remains clean.

Built-in PureBand™ Crossover System

Are you working with subwoofers, multiple speakers, or floor monitors? You can maximize the XLS 1502's energy by employing its integrated PureBand Crossover System to tailor the sound to fit each of your speakers. It lets you choose the crossover point just about anywhere between 30 and 3000 Hz, and gives you steep 24 dB/octave slopes for seamless transitions between different drivers. Your choice of three different crossover modes, high-pass, low-pass, and bandpass, let you configure your system to nearly any situation or speaker setup, whether you need big-time bass or just need to hear the vocals clearly above the thrash and thunder. And the settings can all be adjusted right from the amp's front panel.

Peakx Limiters keep you out of trouble

Crown's Peakx Limiters give you the confidence to push your system hard without shutting down the entire production. You'll be able to push the volume up safely without fear of sonic distortion littering the audience's ears or wrecking your speakers. Crown put independent Peakx Limiters on every channel, and they're defeatable right from the front panel.

Crown XLS 1502

Crown XLS 1502 rear connection panel

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Product highlights:

    General Specifications:
    • 2-channel power amplifier with built-in crossover
    • power output:
      • 300 watts x 2 at 8 ohms
      • 525 watts x 2 at 4 ohms
      • 775 watts x 2 at 2 ohms
      • 1050 watts x 1 at 8 ohms in bridged mode
      • 1550 watts x 1 at 4 ohms in bridged mode
    • frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz (-1 dB)
    • signal-to-noise ratio: 103 dB
    • total harmonic distortion: 0.5% (20-20,000 Hz)
    Features:
    • DriveCore circuitry maintains Class D high efficiency with low noise
    • independent right- and left-channel gain controls
    • LCD screen with menu/prev/next buttons
    • sleep mode turns LCD screen off for less distraction
    • security mode prevents tampering
    • rear panel circuit breaker/reset switch
    • defeatable Peakx Limiters for each channel
    • PureBand Crossover System:
      • Linkwitz-Riley 24dB/octave crossover filter
      • crossover frequency range: 30-3,000 Hz, with points every 1.5 octave centers
      • selectable filter types: low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass
    • internal heat sinks with forced-air cooling
    • flow-through ventilation from front to back, plus automatic rear fan for critical temperatures
    • short circuit, thermal, and current limiting protection
    • front-panel LEDs indicate signal, -10dB and -20dB below clipping, clipping, and temperature
    • integrated rack mount ears
    Connections:
    • inputs: balanced XLR, 1/4", and RCA
    • outputs: two binding posts and two Neutrik Speakon
    • 1/4" line-level outputs can be used to send signal to another amp
    Other Information:
    • weight: 8.6 lbs.
    • 19"W x 3-1/2"H x 7-3/4"D (2 rack spaces)
    • warranty: 6 years (3 years if purchased before 1/1/20)
    • MFR # XLS1502

    What's in the box:

    • Power amplifier
    • 3' AC power cord (IEC 3-prong plug)
    • Operation Manual

    Customer reviews for Crown XLS 1502

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    More details on the Crown XLS 1502

    Russ B.

    Features & specs

    General
    Number of Channels 2
    Power Class D
    Watts per channel 8 ohms 300
    Watts per channel 4 ohms 525
    Watts per channel 2 ohms 775
    Watts bridged 1550
    Fan cooled Y
    DSP Y
    Filters HPF, LPF, BPass
    Rack spaces 2
    Height (inches) 3-1/2
    Depth (inches) 9
    Width (inches) 19
    Weight 8.6 lbs
    Inputs
    RCA 2
    1/4" 2
    XLR 2
    Outputs
    1/4" ---
    Binding post 2
    Spring post ---
    The Crown XLS 1502 replaces these items:

    Product Research

    Features

    Overview: Crown's new XLS DriveCore 2 series of power amplifiers feature an upgraded look with a larger display. Like their predecessors, the new XLS amps are equipped with Crown's patented DriveCore technology. The XLS 1502 can drive your speakers with 1550 watts (at 4Ω bridged) of clean power with very low distortion.

    DriveCore: DriveCore Technology seamlessly integrates the amplifier drive stage into the power output stage fusing everything into a chip the size of a dime. The foundational DriveCore circuitry is based on breakthroughs by Crown's own Gerald Stanley with five patents applying to the advanced feedback, modulation, and output stage technologies. DriveCore's front-end drive circuits leverage the inherent efficiency of Class D output stages while also maintaining superb sonic characteristics. The end result is an ultra-efficient one-piece audio amplifier circuit that exhibits the exemplary audio quality of a highly evolved Class AB design.

    Power Rating: The Crown XLS 1502 can power 8Ω, 4Ω, or 2Ω loads, and can be bridged for 8Ω or 4Ω mono operation. The maximum average power in watts at 0.5% THD, 1 kHz is as follows:

    Impedance Load Dual Mode (stereo) Bridged Mode (mono)
    2 ohm 775 watts N/A
    4 ohm 525 watts 1,550 watts
    8 ohm 300 watts 1,050 watts

    PureBand Crossover System: The PureBand Crossover System in the XLS DriveCore 2 Series adds an enormous amount of flexibility and performance to any system. With this system, the crossover frequency is completely variable allowing the choice of any crossover point between 30Hz and 3kHz on 1/12th octave centers. The use of 24dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley filters provides steep slopes for a seamless transition between high and low drivers. You can choose from three filter types: Low Pass, High Pass, and Band Pass.

    Peakx Limiters: Peakx Limiters provide the ultimate in performance and protection for your entire system. This advanced algorithm was specifically developed and tuned to work with this amplifier and power-supply to achieve higher SPL with less audible artifacts. This means less distortion, less shutdowns, and maximum safe power delivered to your speakers. The Peakx Limiters can be easily turned on or off by channel right from the front panel eliminating the need to be digging around in the back of the dark rack.

    Inputs: The XLS DriveCore 2 Series amplifiers provide one balanced XLR, one 1/4", and one RCA connector per channel for flexible connectivity. The 1/4" inputs can be used as a loop-thru to distribute signal to additional amplifiers.

    Outputs: The XLS DriveCore 2 Series amps feature two 4-Pole Speakon output connectors that will accept 2-pole or 4-pole Speakon connectors. The Channel 1 Speakon connector is wired for both channels so it can be used for bridged-mono wiring or for stereo wiring of two speakers to a single Speakon connector. There is also one pair of back-panel binding posts per channel that will accept banana plugs or bare wire.

    Level Controls: The amplifier's two channel outputs are equipped with independent Gain (Level) control. These front panel rotary controls let you raise or lower the gain as you view the LED indicators to provide an optimal signal to the amp.

    LED Indicators: The power amplifier features ten LEDs (five for each output channel) to indicate status of amplifier:

    • Single Presence: Two green LED's, one for each channel, illuminate when the channel input signal exceeds -40dBu.
    • -10: Green LED flashes when output signal level exceeds -10dB below clip.
    • -20: Green LED flashes when output signal level exceeds -20dB below clip.
    • Clip: Two red LED's, one for each channel, illuminate when the channel's output is being overdriven.
    • Thermal: Two red LED's, one for each channel, illuminate when thermal compression begins.

    Main Menu: The amplifier's back-lit LCD screen allow you to navigate through the main menu and make adjustments to the amplifier right from the front panel:

    • Amp Mode: Allows you to select one of three amplifier modes:
      • Stereo: Channels 1 and 2 function as independent amplifiers
      • Bridge: The output is set into a bridge configuration
      • Input-Y: Drives the two channels with the same input signal
    • Crossover: Lets you select the filter type and frequency for each amplifier output channel. In Stereo or Input-Y mode, you will first be prompted to select which amp channel to set up. Once the channel has been selected, or if you are in Bridge Mode, you can choose from the following: Low Pass, Band Pass, or High Pass
    • Input Sensitivity: Input Sensitivity enables you to set the input sensitivity for the optimal system performance. You can choose from:
      • .775V - High: For sources with inherently low output levels, select this mode to drive the amplifier to full power. Typically, sources that use the RCA connections require the High setting.
      • 1.4V - Normal: For all other audio sources, the input sensitivity should be set to normal
    • System Menu: The System Menu lets you select the following:
      • Display Sleep: Sets the display to go into sleep mode after a predetermined idle time: 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min, 5 min, or sleep mode off.
      • Lighting: Lets you toggle on or off the blue panel lights and the green signal level indicators. The thermal and clip indicators cannot be turned off.
      • Security: Allows you to lock the menu buttons so that the settings cannot be disturbed once they have been set up.
      • System Information: Lets you access additional information, such as the model number, internal temperatures and voltages, firmware version, etc.
      • Factory Reset: Lets you reset the amplifier to the factory default settings. This allows you to start your setup from the beginning, if you desire.

    Flow-Through & Forced-Air Cooling: The XLS DriveCore 2 Series amplifiers employ flow-through, front-to-back ventilation and internal heat sinks with forced-air cooling for rapid, uniform heat dissipation.

    Aux Connector: A 3-pin Aux connector on the rear panel lets you remotely trigger sleep mode through a contact closure on pins 1 and 2. An amp status signal is available on pin 3.

    Specifications: The Crown XLS 1502 DriveCore 2 series amplifier has the following specifications:

    • Sensitivity: 0.775Vrms or 1.4Vrms (selectable)
    • Frequency Response: +0dB, -1dB (at 1W, 20Hz to 20kHz)
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >103dB
    • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.5%
    • Intermodulation Distortion: <0.3% (60Hz and 7kHz at 4:1, full rated output to -30dB)
    • Damping Factor: >200 (8Ω, 10Hz-400Hz)
    • Crosstalk: >85dB (at 1kHz), >55dB (at 20kHz)
    • Dimensions:
      • Width: 19"
      • Height: 3.5"
      • Depth: 9" (including protrusions)
      • Weight: 8.6 pounds

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    Customer Q&A

    8 questions already asked

    Q
    I would like to buy the Crown XLS1502 to power the Kicker 46CWTB104 that I would like to place in my backyard. What connectors would I need to get this working with my AVR?
    jerrygo  Mar 27, 2024
    1 answer
    A
    The Crown XLS 1502 amplifier is too powerful for the Kicker 46CWTB104 subwoofer, Jerry. The Kicker subwoofer enclosure is rated for 400-watts RMS, and the Crown XLS 1502 delivers 525-watts into a 4-ohm load. I suggest using the XLS 1002 in the link below that is a better match for the Kickers specs, delivering 350-watts into a 4-ohm load. The XLS-1002 has an unbalanced RCA input, so if your AVR has a subwoofer specific RCA mono output you can connect with the Ethereal Helios subwoofer cable and AudioQuest Y-adapter in the second and third links below. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_859XLS1002/Crown-XLS-1002.html https://www.crutchfield.com/p_340HSS210/Ethereal-Helios-Subwoofer-Cable-10-feet-3-meters.html https://www.crutchfield.com/p_703F22M/AudioQuest-FLX-X-RCA-Y-Adapter.html
    bo  Mar 27, 2024 (Staff)
    Q
    I have the JBL sb2210 and would like to purchase the Crown XLS1502. Where would I be connecting the subwoofer out from my receiver into the Crown XLS1502?
    shane  May 30, 2023
    1 answer
    A
    With the Crown XLS 1502 DriveCore amp putting out 1050-watts bridged into the 8-ohm JBL SB2210 Shane, I would consider this a great match! Crown makes connecting a breeze with a pair of RCA unbalanced inputs on the rear panel of the XLS 1502. Since most receivers have a single mono RCA subwoofer output, don't forget to grab the Hosa RCA Y-Adapter in the first link below and the correct length SVS subwoofer cable in the second link to get yourself connected! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_979YRA105/Hosa-RCA-Y-Adapter.html https://www.crutchfield.com/p_946SPRCA2M/SVS-SoundPath-RCA-Audio-Interconnect-Cable-2-meters-6-5-feet.html
    bo  May 31, 2023 (Staff)
    Q
    Can you connect an input source to both the RCA and XLR connections for one channel at the same time? For example, plugging in both an input from a projector (RCA) and mixer (XLR)?
    eric  May 02, 2023
    1 answer
    A
    Greetings Eric, and thank you for your question. Both inputs are not live if you have two sources plugged in. the RCA will be shut off when something is plugged into the XLR input. Best option is plug your projector into the mixer, and the mixer into the Crown XLR input. If your mixer does not have the RCA inputs, we have adapters to convert RCA to XLR. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_979XRM105/Hosa-Unbalanced-Adapter-Cable.html
    hogan  May 02, 2023 (Staff)
    Q
    Do I need an equilizer ?
    kristian r  Feb 11, 2023
    1 answer
    A
    Depending on your setup Kristian, potentially. For PA/Pro audio usage I would use something like the dbx 1215 Dual-channel, 15-band EQ in the link below. This is essential in dialing-in your sound and avoiding potential feedback. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_8561215/dbx-1215.html
    bo  Feb 11, 2023 (Staff)
    Q
    Four subs at 8ohms each ????
    philip  Jan 18, 2019
    4 answers
    A
    Not enough power. Assuming the venue is large if your running 4 subs. I would go with a minimum of two crown amps. But I just purchased the Mackie Thimp 18s and it is filling a 90x46 foot room with 12 ft ceilings nicely.
    westview  Jan 18, 2019
    A
    Don't know if you could get 4 subs on one unit. Possibly two subs. I bought two 1502s to bi-amp my stereo speakers. Work great for that.
    robert  Jan 18, 2019
    A
    Depending on power requirements and impedance that the amp will see, sure you can. Its two channels with 300 watts into 8ohms per channel. You could wire two subs together (look online for proper configuration) to create a 4ohm load per channel and get 500 watts, 250 per sub on one channel. So instead of four separate subs have two groups of two. Or if you don't need that much power wire two groups of two (again look for proper configuration) and keep the 8ohm impedance for 150watts per sub. Be careful not to overdrive the amp and get into clipping. The Lowest high pass is 30hz. Hope this helps.
    michael  Jan 18, 2019
    A
    For dual 8ohm subs, its 300W per sub.. For 1 sub in bridged mode, it's 1050W. Hope that helps.
    john c  Jan 18, 2019
    Q
    I have two 10 inch non powered woofers that are 4 ohms each wired in parallel. I am running two sets of these. Is it better clarity wise to run this bridged or standard set up?
    gary  Jan 15, 2019
    5 answers
    A
    It"ll keep it standard because of the speakers that are 4ohms each in parallel that makes them run at 2ohms. Their gonna sound great. You cant drop to 2ohms in bridge mode with this amp because it can handle up to 4ohms. Have fun!
    jason cruz  Jan 20, 2019
    A
    Bridging should provide more power so you won't have to turn the volume up so high which should provide more clarity at high volume. IMO I have this amp hooked up to 2 15 inch cerwin Vega xls (one box) and the Vegas need more power. I was shocked it wouldn't power them..
    michael  Jan 17, 2019
    A
    Sorry to admit but I am not sure. Check the power output when you bridge the crown amp. That sends the power of both channels down one channel and may be too much. Running mine out both channels, not bridged and it could not sound better.
    frank  Jan 15, 2019
    A
    Consider running the subs in series, bridged, or giving them their own channels. Here's why 1: Speakers can drop or gain impedance under a combination of conditions, and the safety switch on the amp will get triggered. 4ohms bridged, makes 2 ohms, which the amp is not rated for bridged, but you can run it on a single channel just fine, for 775 watts of power. 2: Since you are setting yourself up for 2-ohms, at an intermediate frequency like 80 hz, the speakers may develop an 8-ohm behavior, which will allow the amp to perform its best for your particular application, and deliver the full 1550 watts of power if you bridge the amp with parallel speakers. Not recommended, but still a good real-world option. 3: Series wiring, bridged amp. The speakers will act like 8 ohms under certain situations, which the amp can power to 1000 watts anyway, superior to simply using one channel on the amp. Any impedance dynamics will give you full amp power anyway.
    michael  Jan 15, 2019
    A
    So, two cabinets, each with 2 4ohm speakers in parallel? If so, they are 2ohm cabs, so if running bridged/mono, you would have to run the two cabs in series, making the load at the amp 4ohms. That would mean the amp would put out 1550 watts. If the speakers can handle that (probably not), then that would be the way to go. But I am guessing the 775 watts per channel into 2 ohms (one box per channel) would make more sense. Again, if the speakers are rated to handle that. If the speakers are rated for lower wattage, you might be better off with each box wired series, making each box 8ohm, then just each on a channel. Or, run the them as is (2ohms), in series on one channel (not bridged). All really depends on the power handling of the speakers.
    david  Jan 15, 2019
    Q
    Will this work in a home theater setup? Does it have auto on/off? How is the sound overall on voices and music
    john  Nov 04, 2017
    3 answers
    A
    I'm using this on my home theater through the AUX output from a Marantz receiver. This is one of the better sounding amplifiers I've ever had, and will drive my Klipsch RF7-II's wonderfully. These do have background hiss with zero volume, but it's extremely faint. At listening level, it's hard to notice. For absolutely quiet operation, I bi-amp my speakers. Crown on the woofers, Marantz on the horns.
    michael  Jan 15, 2019
    A
    For details on specific use and/or compatibility in your system, you would be better served contacting a Pro Audio Advisor directly by phone (800.555.9369) or online chat. They can give you more information about whether the Crown XLS 1502 is the right choice for your setup; and if not, they can help recommend a more suitable alternative. Thanks!
    david  Nov 07, 2017 (Staff)
    A
    I use mine in home theater for a bass end amp in a biamped pair of speakers. I use a separate Marchand crossover to split the signal in each channel This would also if I wanted operate as a biamp amplifier with included crossover, but two would be required for stereo. It sounds just fine and I rarely need much of th3e unit's power so have never heard the fan. Just sits there and works. It does not have auto on or off. It seems to be a great amplifier for the price.
    william  Nov 04, 2017
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