Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: QSC amps

This is topic QSC amps - DCA or ISA series? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Andy Frodsham (Member # 4061) on 05-19-2011, 03:31 AM:

About to replace two of our single channel amps which have recently died. Our technicians have suggested QSC ISA series two channel units. Everyone here seems to be using the DCA series.

As a smallish art house type theatre, we are presently film based (and will continue, proudly, to be so until prints are no longer available). Along with SR we also use Dolby Digital and DTS sound sources. We run the odd DVD and Blu Ray sourced film!

Which range should we go for?

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 05-19-2011, 05:18 AM:

The DCA series is smaller, lighter, cleaner sounding and generally, an all around better amp. They are also made in USA, the ISAs are not.

-Steve

Posted by Andy Frodsham (Member # 4061) on 05-19-2011, 07:34 AM:

Thanks Steve.

The DCA series seemes the way to go, then!

Regards.

Posted by Mike Frese (Member # 4361) on 05-19-2011, 10:47 PM:

The DCA is what QSC people have usually pushed for us theater folk.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 05-19-2011, 11:05 PM:

Just got three of the DCAs. They kick ass! [thumbsup]

I've got them in biamp mode pushing 1500w into the L/C/R channels at 4Ω. They run for an entire movie (2+ hrs.) without breaking a sweat. Put your hand on the back of the case and it's barely above room temperature. Put your hand in front of the air outlet and it still blows cool air.

They sound good, run great and they're not bad looking in the rack, either.

Well worth the money.

Posted by Jake Spell (Member # 5294) on 05-20-2011, 10:23 PM:

We have 14 DCA amps and the 3422's can get warm after some heavy bass but never hot and the back to front airflow is awesome. No rack fans required! Plus they are small and sounds awesome!!

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 05-21-2011, 10:08 AM:

If you use FILTERED fans to pressurize your rack, they will also stay CLEAN (as well as the insides of the rack) as well.

-Steve

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 05-22-2011, 09:29 AM:

Steve, how would you seal the rack? Wouldn't the vent panels and vents on the sides allow dirt in?

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 05-22-2011, 10:30 AM:

Pressurizing the interior space of the rack will tend to blow particles of dust OUT of the rack. Thus, some small spaces for air to escape in limited quantities might even be considered beneficial.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 05-22-2011, 11:22 AM:

Randy is correct...you are not sealing the rack, you are pressurizing the rack. Mid-Atlantic does make a vent blocker kit for their racks (cheap...as they are just magnets cut to size). they are also just for the bottom vents...thus air is forced up and out. Trust me, it works VERY well.

-Steve