Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: QSC PLX-1202 Amplifier (SS) by thegage Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

For Sale Ads FAQ / News / Events

Model:	PLX-1202
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$850
Description:	Stereo Amplifier with Power Wave Technology
Manufacturer URL:	QSC
Model Picture:	View

Review by thegage ( A ) on July 01, 2003 at 09:30:54 IP Address: 64.208.165.27

Add Your Review for the PLX-1202

---

Although QSC amplifiers are considered a “pro sound” amp, and therefore often not considered for home use, my experience with QSC has led me to conclude that they are worthy options in home stereo applications for those who want to get some serious bang for their buck without worrying about whether or not they have the latest “in” audiophile amplifier. Here's the reason why.

My VMPS speakers are passively bi-amped, with a Counterpoint NP-100 (hybrid tube/SS) for the mids/tweets. (One of these days I’m going to have to go all tubes on top, but that’s another story.) I initially set this up using a QSC MX-1500a amp (about 500 watts/channel into 4 ohms) for the woofers (dual 8" both sides), and was extremely satisfied with the sound. But the QSC has a small fan for cooling (as do most pro sound amps) and I found myself getting more and more annoyed with the fan noise at low listening levels (a common QSC complaint in home applications). I replaced the fan with a new one, but that didn’t fully cure the problem, so I decided I needed to find a fan-less option. I sold the QSC and bought a used Parasound HCA-1000 (about 180 watts/channel into 4 ohms), my decision based partly on cost, and partly on the fact that the Parasound has adjustable input levels (essential to match with the sensitivity of my Counterpoint).

From the moment I put the Parasound into the system I was dissatisfied with the sound: the bass now lacked weight and definition; most of all the sound was not at all involving. I was listening less and less with the Parasound. I even thought about going back to the 1500, but in reading more about the QSCs I realized they might have the solution in their PLX series of amps based on their “PowerWave” power supply technology (see the website for more info), which is supposed to generate less heat and therefore in general requires a lower fan speed, equating to less noise during operation. I hadn’t gone with a PLX amp the first time because they’re more expensive and don’t often come up used in the lower power ranges. But, having decided that QSC was the amp for me, I bit the bullet and bought a new PLX-1202 (325 watts/channel into 4 ohms).

Now, here’s the point of this review. With both the MX-1500a and the PLX-1202 I have used them as my only amplifier while the NP-100 was out getting upgrades. In both cases I have been extremely impressed with the QSC’s performance. Above all, what struck me about the QSC amplifiers is their inherent musicality: they make me enjoy listening to music, and they make me want to listen to more music. In my system the QSCs don’t have the ultimate transparency of the Counterpoint, the “air”, the soundstage, or the liquidity, and while the upper ranges might be called a little hard, they are never harsh or tizzy. This might sound all like back-handed compliments, but the point is the QSCs did nothing very wrong. They give some sense of depth, with good soundstage and imaging. Tthe 1500 was well balanced across the frequency spectrum, highlighting neither the bass/mids/highs at the expense of the other. The PLX perhaps had a very slightly more prominent treble region out of the box, but that has evened out as the amp has broken in. Most importantly, what both the 1500 and the PLX do really well is portray the rhythm and pace of a performance that is essential to drawing you into the music.

Admittedly, I did not use the QSCs in my system hoping for the latest in audiophile performance. I didn’t care if it was more transparent than amp “A” or had better depth than amp “B”, and maybe that’s why I enjoyed it so much. They just give solid performance, the kind that doesn’t jump out at you but which has you looking forward to the next CD/LP to play rather than turning the system off in the middle of a song. To use a tried-and-true cliché, I could live with the PLX as my only amp. I would be giving up about 10% of my listening enjoyment--the kind where I sit down in a dedicated listening chair and marvel at the whiz-bang audiophile attributes of the sound--but for the other 90% of my listening I wouldn’t have to give up the soul of the music.

About the fan noise: The PLX was not as quiet as I had hoped. When I first turned it on my heart sank a bit. The fan itself really isn't that noisy, but it's coupled to the case in a way that makes it louder because of the resonance. I tried disconnecting the fan, hoping that with the PowerWave power supply it wouldn't get too hot. It didn’t under idling conditions, but I did start worrying about it when I got the music playing loud. After a little thinking I came up with the following solution. I left the internal fan disconnected, and went out and bought a Radio Shack AC fan, then wired it up with a rheostat. I placed the RS fan behind the amp case, firing into the fan intake grille. The RS fan operates at low speed essentially inaudibly, but keeps the amp as cool as if its own fan were operating; under high power demand conditions (i.e. LOUD listening sessions) I can turn up the RS fan for more cooling, then turn it down again afterwards. I don’t think this solution would have worked for the MX-1500a; first, it heats up a lot more, even at idle, and second, it has a much less open case to restrict airflow.

So, to sum up, while QSC amps may not be first on your list if you’re looking for an amp that has good low end grunt without sacrificing high end performance, I think it is one of the best bargains out there, and a real sleeper deal. The PLX-1202 lists for about $850, but as with most pro sound gear there are always deals to be found; after a little internet investigation I got mine for $490 delivered, a stone deal in my book.

---

Product Weakness:	Treble region could be a bit more refined; fan noise
Product Strengths:	Solid, unflashy performance; bass; excellent power:price ratio

---

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Counterpoint NP-100
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Counterpoint SA-2000 (modified)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Philips 963A SACD/CD; VPI 19 Mk-IV turntable
Speakers:	VMPS RM1 (bi-amped)
Cables/Interconnects:	Harm Tech; Mapleshade
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, classical, jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 16 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	DSP8024 used on bass amp to tame room bass modes
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PP300, UOs
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

---

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---