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Product Description

The Crest Audio Model 4601 power amplifier is a compact,
medium-power amplifier designed to meet the demands of con-
cert touring, studio monitoring, high-quality sound reinforce-
ment, and professional installations.

Crest Audio developed this model in conjunction with the
biggest names in touring sound. These amplifiers meet the spe-
cific demand for medium-power amplifiers with full-range capa-
bilities, but optimized for mid- and high-frequency applications.
The output section operates purely in Class AB, with no dynamic
switching of supply rail voltages. The result is the cleanest, most
transparent mid-and high-frequency audio power imaginable
from amplifiers that never compromise quality.

A forced-air configuration is used to cool channel heat sinks
mounted in a back-to-back tunnel arrangement. An actively bal-
anced female XLR input connection, Octal Socket, and 5-way
output binding posts are provided for each channel.

The 4601 is fully compatible in design with other Crest Audio
Professional Series amplifiers, Octal Socket Accessories, and the
NexSys

®

computer-controlled audio system.

Design and Construction 

The 4601 is built exclusively in Crest Audio’s own USA manu-
facturing facility, with internal components selected for premium
quality and proven durability. Each modular subassembly is pre-
tested, and the assembled 4601 receives a rigorous “hot room”
burn-in before thorough final checkout on precision test equip-
ment.

Only high-grade components are used for the modular sub-
assemblies in this ultra-strong, steel single piece chassis. 

4601 Features

• Crest Audio’s legendary “overbuilt” power supply 
• Toroidal power transformer 
• Latest generation of high-speed, wide-bandwidth output

devices

• Twin tunnel cooling with back-to-front air flow
• Dual, variable speed DC fans
• High thermal mass heat sinks
• Balanced XLR inputs
• 5-way output binding post connectors
• Stereo/Parallel/Bridged Mono mode selector switch
• Rear panel ground lift jumper
• 4601 protection circuitry:

-

Clip Limiting prevents speaker damage with gentle gain
reduction at clip threshold.

-

IGM (Instantaneous Gain Modulation) monitors connected
loads to detect conditions that may overstress output
devices.

-

AutoRamp gradually increases gain to attenuator setting
level when amplifier is turned on.

-

Other protection circuitry: comprehensive thermal manage-
ment, and short circuit, DC voltage, turn-on/off transient,
current inrush and sub/ultrasonic input protection.

• Recessed, stepped attenuators
• Front panel circuit breaker/power switch
• Modular construction
• Five-year warranty 

(USA, Canada, U.K. & many other countries).

P o w e r   S p e c i f i c a t i o n s

8

S t e r e o

4

S t e r e o

8

B r i d g e d

1kHz, 0.012% THD+N

3 5 0 W

4 8 5 W

9 2 5 W

20Hz-20kHz, 0.05% THD+N

3 0 0 W

4 2 5 W

8 2 5 W

Figures are Watts per channel, both channels driven.

®

Crest Professional Series Amplifiers are
fully compatible with the NexSys
Computer-Controlled Audio system. 

4601

POWER AMPLIFIER

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