General Asylum: REVIEW: QSC PLX 3402 Amplifier (SS) by The Defiler

Model:	PLX 3402
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2098.00
Description:	3400 Watt Power Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	QSC
Model Picture:	View

Review by The Defiler on November 01, 2001 at 23:59:29
IP Address: 24.52.216.229

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for the PLX 3402

I had a chance to listen to this amplifier today and aside from a bit of solid state glare, not quite as bad as the type found in the QSC RMX 1450 it was absolutely incredible. With the ability to put 3400 watts into a 4 Ohm bridged load this amplifier has incredible dynamic power. I have a Rotel RB 1090 as my reference piece at home, a unit that has been compared to the Mark Levinson 336 there no slouch by any standards, yet the QSC seemed even more impressive in terms of dynamic power and details. Little speakers hooked up to this monster sound like big ones. The dynamic power output of this amplifier is unreal,when you listen to a CD on a speaker powered by this system who needs SACD?!?!? Like the RMX 1450 this unit can be a bit rough around the edges,although RMX 1450 is by far the cruder and less refined of the two amplifiers. Also the fan noise on the RMX 1450 can be quite discrating, the PLX 3402 by comparison has relatively little fan noise,especially if your "rocking on the house". As far as dynamic power is concerned a little AR 226 with two 6-1/2" speakers and a tweeter almost sounds as dynamic as a 12" 2 way prosound monitor with a compression tweeter driven by a hafler 9500. In the capacity of a full range amplifier the PLX 3402 eats the RMX 1450 for breakfast, details are as clear as the light of day, in fact this amplifier has more microscopic than my Rotel RB 1090 or the Hafler 9500. However for those who like the "mellow and sweet" sound they will be sorely disappointed by this amplifier there's nothing sweet about, it's all power,details, dynamics and a slight dash of hardness thrown in. Although it may not produce the "beautiful music" that the more expensive high end units can the PLX 3402 will bring life and detail to your music. Weighing in at a lithe 21 lbs this thing is quite portable and easy to move, in addition the use of forced air cooling by the PLX means that things can be stacked on top of it of it without fear of overheating. Even though it's not the perfect amplifier the PLX is well worth a try. Note that it can be had for as little as $1,200 at some places.

Product Weakness: It may be to "solid state" for some paletes.
Product Strengths: Awesome power and microscopic resolution that brings your speakers to life.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Amplifier
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Sony XA 20 ES CD player
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony XA 20 ES CD player
Speakers:	AR 226
Cables/Interconnects:	Zip Cord
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz and pop
Type of Audition/Review:	Dealer Demo

Product Weakness:	It may be to "solid state" for some paletes.
Product Strengths:	Awesome power and microscopic resolution that brings your speakers to life.