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[Justin Quinn]

I am looking to power 2 passive SRX828 subs (passive works better for our rig, long story short).  The specs are 4800W Peak, 2400W Program, 1200W rms @ 4 ohms.  I was initially considering running 1 cab per side on a PL380 (2,500 @ 4ohms x 2).  However I noticed the PLD4.5 offers 1,200 watts @ 8 ohms x 4 meaning I could power one driver per channel.  Also I could pick up a new PLD4.5 at about the cost I could pick up a used PL380 (eh, in the ballpark atleast).  I am defiantly looking for a class D solution as where I am often using these I am limited to 120V 20A outlets and they're at a premium.  DSP not a requirement.

Anyone have any experience with the PLD4.5 on subs or in general?  I suppose given the feature set, cost difference, and tendency to slouch off in 2 ohm performance (even though I don't plan on using them in 2 ohms) I am getting the feeling the PLDs aren't a hefty as the PL380s, making the question how much less hefty.  I may also look into a PLD amp for light duty stuff (monitors/fills/etc.)

Thank you in advance.

[scottstephens]

Justin,

I have never used the PLD series, but if you want subbage you can't beat old school, big power supply amps. It's all about what the amp has in the tank. Don't fall for the 40, 000 watts in a 12 ib package marketing crap.

Scott

[Tim McCulloch]

My money would be spent on the PL380.  I have no experience with the PLD but it's not designed to be a touring-class power amp, it's designed mostly for fixed installation use.

[Corey Scogin]

I have no experience with the PLD but it's not designed to be a touring-class power amp, it's designed mostly for fixed installation use.

Why do they have a separate CXD installation series if the PLD wasn't meant for touring?

[Mark Wilkinson]

I use both PLD4.5s and PL380s on subs.  JTR 4 ohm orbitshifters and DIY dual 18"s with 8 ohm drivers each rated 1500W AES. So all 4 ohm loads.
I run the PLDs as 2 Channel Parallel for 2250W into 4 ohm  (2100W into 2 ohm).  The more PLD channels you parallel, the lower the impedance they can drive.  2 ohms is no problem at all once 2 or more channels are paralleled.
All that said, the PL380 is a little more powerful and probably the better sub amp.
However, I'd still choose the PLD just for its multi-use flexibility, DSP, and both peak and rms limiting.
I feel if I'm so close to the edge of using up available power from either amp, I probably need to be thinking more subs instead of more amp.

[Mark Wilkinson]

Why do they have a separate CXD installation series if the PLD wasn't meant for touring?

I agree. 
I have both PLDs and CXDQs.  Different intentions other than the actual amp parts.

[Justin Quinn]

Justin,

I have never used the PLD series, but if you want subbage you can't beat old school, big power supply amps. It's all about what the amp has in the tank. Don't fall for the 40, 000 watts in a 12 ib package marketing crap.

Scott

My skepticism is what brings me.  I would love to carry around some old Macro-techs but I don't think it's worth the back injuries.

[Justin Quinn]

My money would be spent on the PL380.  I have no experience with the PLD but it's not designed to be a touring-class power amp, it's designed mostly for fixed installation use.

Thank you for your input, I figured as such.  It looks like I'm off to find a PL380.

[Steve Litcher]

+1 for what Tim said. We had PLD4.5s and PL380s, and while I was able to run 2x Orbit Shifters and 2x 3TX on a single PLD4.5 (and it sounded awesome), I'd go with PL380 on the subs, exactly as you have planned (1 cabinet per channel). It'll kick some serious butt.

[Dave Garoutte]

I have a used one available.
PM me.

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