Behringer A500

[thatguy]

Got one of these delivered today (Amazon -> Borderlinx -> Bangaore). It was one of those late night impulsive purchases after hours of browsing. Both AudioCritic and MatrixHifi have given the amp a thumbs up. In fact, it is hard to find any negative comments about this amp.

Matrix HiFi --> Blind testing high end full equipments
http://theaudiocritic.com/plog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=22&blogId=1

I have connected it to the pre outs of my Arcam A28. After about 6 hours of continuous listening I have decided to keep it in the chain for some time. There is a hint of brightness but that could be the interconnects.

There is a slight hiss when I turn the volume control all the way, and I suspect it is the step-down transformer. I will mod it for 230 volts but that would take a few months. Don't have the tools right now.

If anyone in Bangalore (with some experience in audio) is willing to spend time reviewing the equipment, I will be happy to lend it. You can drop by for a listen, but my setup is a mixed bag and may not be suited for a critical audition.

 

[marsilians]

Congrats on the buy. Heard good things about this too. Also note that its a bridgeable, so biamping is definitely worth it if you want to drive inefficient speakers.

 

[thatguy]

Thanks marsilians. Bridged mode operation was one of the reasons I bought this amp. The thinking being that if I liked what it did, I would buy another one and dedicate one for each speaker (till I can save enough money to buy a krell or bryston ).

So far, I find it an overall upgrade from the Arcam's power stage. But since I can't easily switch between the two, it could be my imagination.

 

[cyber_cat]

wow, thatguy, your really the guy, :clapping:

first of all congrats on your purchase

i owned an alesis RA100, and was simply amazed by its sound,

i am looking for a similar proamp, but am clueless, but ur post is godsent hyeah:,

right now in middle of amps hyeah:

please can you share the damages

also would like to have listen to this amplifier please

cheers

 

[thatguy]

Thanks cyber_cat. The price on Amazon for the 120 volts version is $200. Borderlinx played Shylock and I ended up paying a total of about 16k (I had a few other things shipped so the exact cost will be difficult to calculate).

However, I just noticed that amazon.co.uk/shopyourworld.com will be a good option too (You pay some more but get the 230 volts version).

Behringer Black 600 W Ultra-linear Reference Amplifier A500. Boxed: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments

You can drop by anytime for a listen. Tomorrow works too. I will send you my contact number in PM.

 

[cyber_cat]

thanks man, i will catch up with you soon

 

[Fantastic]

This reply is over a year late !
The Behringer A500 has an extra wire coming out of the transformer which is dummied. This is a 240 V tap. So all one has to do is cut and dummy the blue 120 V tap and connect the red 240 V cable. This is not speculation but has been implemented on two amps bought from Amazon ( both 120 V ).

BEFORE anyone attempts this please get a competent engineer to test the dummied cable to ensure it is similar to the one we have. Most likely it will be the same but it is ALWAYS better to double check and be safe than sorry !

We have also done this with the Behringer CX3400 crossover. Can't do this with units that use a SMPS power supply . The Behringer DCX2496 however can accept a very wide range of input voltages unlike the classD power amps !

For those who want a stock 230/240 V unit , buy from Bajaao.com or Amazon.de .
Note that to ensure no customs hassles you should check Amazon.de 's web page to see if the unit is " supplied and sold " by Amazon.de . They handle the duty etc when purchasing including avoiding VAT as it is for export. Third party suppliers may not do this and you "could" have a lot of problems ! You need to communicate with Third Party sellers BEFORE buying about all these issues including their mode of shipping. Many use Deutsche Parcel Post which is handled by India Post (Speedpost) after it arrives in India. God help you if that happens. After it arrives in India ( as seen on the tracking info) it disappears for weeks ! It really becomes untraceable even if you call all the Speedpost offices ! Been through that more than once ! Most often it arrives several weeks late in a battered up box !
Be careful !

 

[kapvin]

Got one of these delivered today (Amazon -> Borderlinx -> Bangaore). It was one of those late night impulsive purchases after hours of browsing. Both AudioCritic and MatrixHifi have given the amp a thumbs up. In fact, it is hard to find any negative comments about this amp.

Matrix HiFi --> Blind testing high end full equipments
http://theaudiocritic.com/plog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=22&blogId=1

I have connected it to the pre outs of my Arcam A28. After about 6 hours of continuous listening I have decided to keep it in the chain for some time. There is a hint of brightness but that could be the interconnects.

There is a slight hiss when I turn the volume control all the way, and I suspect it is the step-down transformer. I will mod it for 230 volts but that would take a few months. Don't have the tools right now.

If anyone in Bangalore (with some experience in audio) is willing to spend time reviewing the equipment, I will be happy to lend it. You can drop by for a listen, but my setup is a mixed bag and may not be suited for a critical audition.

do you still have this?

what has been your experience over an extended period. SQ, reliability?

were you driving an 8ohm load or a 4 ohm load?

kapvin

 

[hemantwaghe]

do you still have this?

what has been your experience over an extended period. SQ, reliability?

were you driving an 8ohm load or a 4 ohm load?

kapvin

Bajaoo Price Rs 17400
Buy Online | Lowest Price | Free Shipping| Behringer A500 Reference Amplifier - Buy online at the guaranteed lowest price in India - BAJAAO - Buy online and Review Musical Instruments, Pro Audio, Studio, P.A. Audio Equipment in India

Good deal for Us price of USD 230 in US ( Rs 13800 appx.)that to I think for 110 V model

 

[kapvin]

Bajaoo Price Rs 17400
Buy Online | Lowest Price | Free Shipping| Behringer A500 Reference Amplifier - Buy online at the guaranteed lowest price in India - BAJAAO - Buy online and Review Musical Instruments, Pro Audio, Studio, P.A. Audio Equipment in India

Good deal for Us price of USD 230 in US ( Rs 13800 appx.)that to I think for 110 V model

I know hemant. but there are reliability issues with behr, sometimes, so I just wanted an opinion of a user in indian conditions (heat, humidity and poor power)

also I mailed bajaao last night, I still have not got a reply. this is the second time it is happening, and I am not very encouraged about their customer focus.