Pro audio amp vs. residential amp

Well, all that matters is if it pleases YOU.
I have no idea what the Crown sounds like.
But to the folks who claim all amps sound the same it is no problem.
For myself I would have to listen to it to decide.

From the general way folks talk about some products.. I know plenty of folks disparage my ( $5,000. ) amplifier because it is a 'Bryston'.
They never listened to it.
Enough folks like Crown amps that it may be what will work for you.
So if you hear it and like it. No problem.

Over at Audio Asylum classifieds in the solid state amps are a pair of Marantz MA-500 for $275. which would be better perhaps.
Here on Audiogon a B&K ST140 for $200
Aragon 2004 for $250
Adcom GFA535II $225
So plenty of used nice aamps around in your price range.

? Are you worried about a used piece breaking down?

Bryston amps have been raved about among home audio reviewers for years, and might be among the few brands that have successfully hurdled the "pro" vs. "home use" barrier. In recording studio use anyway...not so much in PA systems for various reasons (cost per watt, lack of internal heat dissipation fans, etc.). So, once again, Elizabeth is mistaken, and has given me another opportunity to question her sanity (I kid Lizzy...heh heh).

I know exactly what many Crown amps sound like as I've been using those and other pro amps for decades. All pro amps sound a little different, but I did recently notice when mixing a show using a cheap model of Crowns in a club (with main speakers and a mixer I was familiar with) that this particular version was less refined than other amps I'd used (QSC, older Mackie, etc.). Not much help maybe, but I own some well regarded PA amps that of course will work in a hifi, but have noisy (for home use) little fans and input level pots and stuff you may not want or need in your hifi (the Crown you mentioned is class D so is likely not running hot). Most PA amps lack the subtle tonal refinement evident in well designed home audio gear so you'll have to let your ears decide that one, but note that you could damage your audio geek credibility if you go with the Crown for hifi, so try not to mention it in forums...you've been warned!

Crown XLS series are very successfull models even for home audio. Fans will hardly ever engage for home volume levels and the noise floor is suprisingly low. Also you will have a great power drive, control, but with sacrifice to detail and transperency. It also offers balanced inputs you can use from your SIM preamp recommended.