Multiple Amplifiers - Mixing Brands?

msg
msg Posts: 10,450
edited January 2014 in Electronics
quick question about amplifiers.
If using multiple amplifiers, can one use units by different manufacturers, or is it best to match them?
I disabled signatures.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,065
    edited January 2014
    You can, but depending on the application. Different amps have different sound signatures, just like speakers do. So say for the front 2 or 3 speakers, you would want the same amp. Surrounds can be different, wouldn't matter much but the front stage try and use the same brand.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,450
    edited January 2014
    I'm considering adding a Parasound to join the B&K.

    I supposed I would have to have at least a 3ch amplifier so that the front 3 would be the same...
    I disabled signatures.
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  • drummer86
    drummer86 Posts: 441
    edited January 2014
    I have a Rotel driving my L+R and a Marantz driving my Center. To my ears I never notice a difference. The center is only used for movies and tv though.
    Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
    Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV

    HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,450
    edited January 2014
    interesting. is the Rotel also considered a warm amp?
    How does that Marantz work out for you? looks like a solid 125w?
    do you use this system for Music at all? or is that the HK setup?

    where do you even buy Totems?
    I disabled signatures.
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  • drummer86
    drummer86 Posts: 441
    edited January 2014
    msg wrote: »
    interesting. is the Rotel also considered a warm amp?
    Honest answer? I dunno. There's positively nothing harsh about it at any volume if that helps. It's fairly neutral in my opinion. Definitely not bright.
    msg wrote: »
    How does that Marantz work out for you? looks like a solid 125w?
    The Mite-T Center is 4-ohm, so I guess it's about 160watts. Works great. I actually really enjoyed when I had a pair of them on the main L+R. Worked well with a set of PSB Image B6s. Loads of bass but a tad harsh on the top end. PSBs were probably more to blame for that though. Lots of broken ones on Ebay that are cheap and super easy to fix. Bought a pair for $90, replaced the caps in both and sold one off for $130. Win/Win.
    msg wrote: »
    do you use this system for Music at all? or is that the HK setup?
    HK setup is in my music studio. Totem/HSU system is HT and Music. Bought the Totems for their music performance but they're no slouch for movies in my smallish living room. When I do any critical listening it's only in 2-channel so the difference in amp never shows up. Only picked up the Totem center to have matching front 3 for movies. Fortunately, it kicks a**
    msg wrote: »
    where do you even buy Totems?
    There's a local dealer here that sell them. Sound Advice Audio. Jeff is a fantastic guy. Never had a conversation shorter than 2 or 3 hours with the guy haha. Cut me an awesome deal on the Totems too. Offered me an amazing deal on some Focal 1008 Be's too but they were still way out of my range.
    Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
    Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV

    HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player
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  • drummer86
    drummer86 Posts: 441
    edited January 2014
    Just noticed you're not all that far from me. VA Beach is about 2.5 hours South of here. Ready for summer yet?
    Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
    Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV

    HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,981
    edited January 2014
    drummer86 wrote: »
    Just noticed you're not all that far from me. VA Beach is about 2.5 hours South of here. Ready for summer yet?

    I'm nowhere near you but I'm seriously ready for summer....
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,235
    edited January 2014
    I don't think it's a big concern. My mains & center are powered by completely different amps...as long as you level match I think Superman would have a tough time with differences in sound. I know I sure can't. And when you're in two channel mode it's a moot point.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • aboroth00
    aboroth00 Posts: 1,106
    edited January 2014
    I wouldn't worry about mixing amps as others have stated. As for whether Rotel's being especially warm, not particularly IMO. They're in the middle of the road, not too sterile, not overly warm.
    2Ch Tube Audio Convert
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