The XLS Series has a reputation of Crown's workhorse power amp line for musicians and DJs alike. The newest addition, the beefy XLS 5000 continues that tradition delivering a whopping 1800 watts per channel in four-ohm stereo mode and a gargantuan 5000 watts in four-ohm bridge-mono mode. That doubles anything else in the XLS range.

Crown's Vertical Market Manager, Andy Flint, had this to say:

“Providing more watts per dollar than any other amplifier in its class, the XLS 5000 represents a tremendous value to end users who need a big amp without a big price tag. By pairing this amplifier up with JBL’s MRX, SRX or VRX loudspeaker enclosures, our customers can now have access to a highly professional yet economical all-Harman solution.”

Residing in a 3U, all-steel chassis, the XLS 5000 includes a forced-air fan to keep it cool efficiently. Its front panel is graced by dual precision-detented rotary level controls, a power switch with LED, and six additional LEDs that indicate signal, clip, and fault for all channels. There are two electronically balanced XLR inputs and touch-proof binding post and Speakon outputs around the corner.

And like some kind of vigilante doctor, the XLS 5000 boasts extensive protection and diagnostics capabilites. It gives you output current limiting, DC protection, a circuit breaker, and special thermal protection of its transformers.

Just like all Crown's amplifiers, the XLS 5000 is backed by a Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty, likely because you'd have to have to be able to break bricks with your bare hands to dent the thing. The street price on the XLS 5000 is $1399, though we recommend that you buy it in a store for the same price. There are a lot of shady characters that'll try to sell you things on the streets.