General Amp Questions
IRLRaceFan
Posts: 172
I'm thinking about another amp purchase and would like some thoughts regarding general questions I have.
1) Typically, how good are multi-channel amps?
Is there a big drop in performance or reliability for 5 and 7 channel amps?
Does "cross-talk" between channels become more of an issue for each channel added (compounded or exponential)?
Taking total cost out of the question, would you prefer multiple mono or 2-ch amps over a 5 or 7-ch amp, other than the fact that more amps look cooler?
2) What is the best way to deal with more amps than available wall outlets?
Most say that power conditioners and strips are bad for amps, because it can limit the available current, but what do you do when you run out of places to plug them into???
I have an APC S15, for my HT setup (like having the UPS), but it only has two places for amps/subwoofer type components - I "assume" the other outlets shouldn't be used for amps.
3) Are there any good single information sources for explaining what all of the amp specifications mean and what is considered "good"???
Ex: how important is the Slew Rate and is it a function of or limited by the number of channels driven?
Is one of the points of THX to standardize this? (I'm thinking of the auto industry and how specs can be misleading when everyone follows a different standard or reference condition)
Answers to these will probably lead to more questions, but that's the fun of learning, eh?
Thanks for any help!
Shaun
1) Typically, how good are multi-channel amps?
Is there a big drop in performance or reliability for 5 and 7 channel amps?
Does "cross-talk" between channels become more of an issue for each channel added (compounded or exponential)?
Taking total cost out of the question, would you prefer multiple mono or 2-ch amps over a 5 or 7-ch amp, other than the fact that more amps look cooler?
2) What is the best way to deal with more amps than available wall outlets?
Most say that power conditioners and strips are bad for amps, because it can limit the available current, but what do you do when you run out of places to plug them into???
I have an APC S15, for my HT setup (like having the UPS), but it only has two places for amps/subwoofer type components - I "assume" the other outlets shouldn't be used for amps.
3) Are there any good single information sources for explaining what all of the amp specifications mean and what is considered "good"???
Ex: how important is the Slew Rate and is it a function of or limited by the number of channels driven?
Is one of the points of THX to standardize this? (I'm thinking of the auto industry and how specs can be misleading when everyone follows a different standard or reference condition)
Answers to these will probably lead to more questions, but that's the fun of learning, eh?
Thanks for any help!
Shaun
HT
Onkyo TX-NR1008 | Magnepan 1.7 | Polk LSiC | Polk VM20 | Polk DSW microPro 2000 | Parasound HCA-2205A | Oppo BDP-93
2-Ch
Cary SLP 30 Tube Preamp | Polk LSi7 | Carver M1.5t | Audio-gd Digital Interface | W4S DAC-2 | MAC Mini | Denon DP300f & Pro-Ject Debut III TT's
Onkyo TX-NR1008 | Magnepan 1.7 | Polk LSiC | Polk VM20 | Polk DSW microPro 2000 | Parasound HCA-2205A | Oppo BDP-93
2-Ch
Cary SLP 30 Tube Preamp | Polk LSi7 | Carver M1.5t | Audio-gd Digital Interface | W4S DAC-2 | MAC Mini | Denon DP300f & Pro-Ject Debut III TT's