Using a 5 channel amp to power 3 front speakers - how to split signal?

BjornB17

I am interested in getting a Rotel amp to power my front speakers - originally I wanted the RB-1590 (2x350W) for my RTi12's, and then the center CSi5 could be powered by the Yamaha A3080 receiver, but I do plan to upgrade to Legend L400 and L600's for the front soundstage and would like to have additional power for down the road.

So instead of getting the 2 channel Rotel amp, I'm thinking about the 5 channel RMB-1585 (5x200). It is the same chassis as the 2 channel amp just with more channels. I know bi-amping isn't the greatest thing ever, but in this case it might make sense. Use 2 channels for each tower and 1 channel for the center, providing 400W to each tower which sounds about right for me. One channel would power the two midranges and one tweeter, and the the other channel would power 3 woofers.

What is the best way to accomplish this? I will be using the XLR outputs from the receiver - can I just use an XLR splitter? Will that cause issues with gain or impedance?

tonyb

You don't need to do that. AMP up all 5 speakers in your HT system or just connect the front 3. The top portion of the speakers uses very little power.

If your making your decision based on those "recommended watts" on the back of the speaker....don't.

Emlyn

The best solution is to get the two channel amp and use the receiver for the other channels. A multichannel amp in the same chassis as a two channel amp is not going to perform as well for stereo as a two channel amp.

I found this out the hard way many years ago. Next best would be to get a three channel amp for the front speakers.

WLDock

Remember, the Polks are rated at 4 Ohms. Rotel does not really give output specs for 4 Ohms...they just state that the amp is 4 Ohm capable. Anyway, 200 watts should drive the Polks pretty well for music and home theater.

Instead of adding more speaker wires and making it more complicated, maybe keep it simple and go with a great 3 channel amp? Have you considered the 3 channel Parasound Halo A31?


https://www.parasound.com/a31.php
250 watts x 3 @ 8 Ohms / 400 watts x 3 @ 4 Ohms
Adjustable gain for up to +6db over THX Reference level
Unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs
Circuitry designed by legendary John Curl
High bias class A/AB operation
Direct coupled (no capacitors or inductors in signal path)
Complementary MOSFET driver stage and JFET input stage
24 beta-matched 15 amp, 60 MHz bipolar output transistors
1.5 kVA encapsulated toroid power transformer with independent
secondary windings for each channel
98,400 µF power supply filter capacitance
DC Servo and relay protection circuits
AC present, channel status, high temperature indicators
Heavy-duty 24k gold-plated 5-way speaker terminals
THX Ultra2 certified
Auto turn-on by 12v trigger or audio signal

Dealers
https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAHA31&variation=BLK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyOj6u43o5QIVg4CfCh0K9QBHEAYYAiABEgLc6_D_BwE

https://www.audiothesis.com/product-page/parasound-halo-a31-three-channel-amplifier

https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/products/parasound-halo-a31-three-channel-power-amplifier?variant=19521880752182&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyOj6u43o5QIVg4CfCh0K9QBHEAYYASABEgKTw_D_BwE

Reviews
https://hometheaterreview.com/parasound-a31-three-channel-power-amplifier/

https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/power-amplifier/parasound-halo-a-31-three-channel-power-amplifier/

https://www.stereophile.com/content/music-in-the-round-56

afterburnt

WLDock wrote: »

Remember, the Polks are rated at 4 Ohms. Rotel does not really give output specs for 4 Ohms...they just state that the amp is 4 Ohm capable. Anyway, 200 watts should drive the Polks pretty well for music and home theater.

Instead of adding more speaker wires and making it more complicated, maybe keep it simple and go with a great 3 channel amp? Have you considered the 3 channel Parasound Halo A31?


https://www.parasound.com/a31.php
250 watts x 3 @ 8 Ohms / 400 watts x 3 @ 4 Ohms
Adjustable gain for up to +6db over THX Reference level
Unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs
Circuitry designed by legendary John Curl
High bias class A/AB operation
Direct coupled (no capacitors or inductors in signal path)
Complementary MOSFET driver stage and JFET input stage
24 beta-matched 15 amp, 60 MHz bipolar output transistors
1.5 kVA encapsulated toroid power transformer with independent
secondary windings for each channel
98,400 µF power supply filter capacitance
DC Servo and relay protection circuits
AC present, channel status, high temperature indicators
Heavy-duty 24k gold-plated 5-way speaker terminals
THX Ultra2 certified
Auto turn-on by 12v trigger or audio signal

Dealers
https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAHA31&variation=BLK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyOj6u43o5QIVg4CfCh0K9QBHEAYYAiABEgLc6_D_BwE

https://www.audiothesis.com/product-page/parasound-halo-a31-three-channel-amplifier

https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/products/parasound-halo-a31-three-channel-power-amplifier?variant=19521880752182&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyOj6u43o5QIVg4CfCh0K9QBHEAYYASABEgKTw_D_BwE

Reviews
https://hometheaterreview.com/parasound-a31-three-channel-power-amplifier/

https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/power-amplifier/parasound-halo-a-31-three-channel-power-amplifier/

https://www.stereophile.com/content/music-in-the-round-56

I have an A31 and it's a dandy but Emlyn's post makes wonder about the A21 since I hardly ever use it for surround.

BjornB17

Thanks all for the input! I was looking at the A31, I wish they updated it to the A31+ like they did with the A21. Also it is it a bit long for my media cabinet. Another option is an Emotiva XPA-DR3, 3 channel and more cost effective. I do like my old UPA-7. Or a trio of PS Audio M700's?

WLDock

BjornB17 wrote: »

Thanks all for the input! I was looking at the A31, I wish they updated it to the A31+ like they did with the A21. Also it is it a bit long for my media cabinet. Another option is an Emotiva XPA-DR3, 3 channel and more cost effective. I do like my old UPA-7. Or a trio of PS Audio M700's?

Man, you're all over the place now....from value options to $2998 for a pair of 700 watts @ 4 ohm monoblocks, whats not to like...if one can afford them?

I was going to say if you are looking for value, three Outlaw Audio 2200 amps (300 watts @ 4 Ohms) or the Monolith by Monoprice 3 x 200 (300 watts @ 4 Ohms).

On the other end of the spectrum, big buck high power and class D options.... there are waay too many amps to choose from. Myself, I would love to try the ATI N-core based amps.... they make a 3 channel: AT52XNC or the dream amp would be the 7 channel NAD Master Series M27 (N-Core based). High power and fidelity but low heat in my audio cabinet. All are out of my price range. Maybe used someday.

BjornB17

WLDock wrote: »

BjornB17 wrote: »

Thanks all for the input! I was looking at the A31, I wish they updated it to the A31+ like they did with the A21. Also it is it a bit long for my media cabinet. Another option is an Emotiva XPA-DR3, 3 channel and more cost effective. I do like my old UPA-7. Or a trio of PS Audio M700's?

Man, you're all over the place now....from value options to $2998 for a pair of 700 watts @ 4 ohm monoblocks, whats not to like...if one can afford them?

I was going to say if you are looking for value, three Outlaw Audio 2200 amps (300 watts @ 4 Ohms) or the Monolith by Monoprice 3 x 200 (300 watts @ 4 Ohms).

On the other end of the spectrum, big buck high power and class D options.... there are waay too many amps to choose from. Myself, I would love to try the ATI N-core based amps.... they make a 3 channel: AT52XNC or the dream amp would be the 7 channel NAD Master Series M27 (N-Core based). High power and fidelity but low heat in my audio cabinet. All are out of my price range. Maybe used someday.

You are correct, so many speaker and amp options haha. I think I've decided to hang on to my RTi12's for a few more years, so in that case a 2 channel Rotel RB-1590 will work wonderfully for that. Also, the RX-A3080 only has two XLR outs so it will mate perfectly. And the Rotel is on the warmer side compared to Emotiva and should pair nicely.

I just ordered a new grill and a new tweeter for one of my RTi12 towers, and just gave them a good wipe down/cleaning yesterday with furniture polish and they look good as new! I basically got them brand new in box earlier this year (yes in 2019!) so I am still loving them.

BjornB17

Double post

Inspector 24

If you can make it work power the 12’s with the big two channel and the others with the 5 channel. Use the two remaining channels for another room or 7.x/Atmos upgrades.

mrloren

I'm not a big Rotel fan, doesn't mean they are not any good. Just not my flavor of amp.

I'd take a Emotiva DR3 over a Monolith. XPA and Monolith are a coin toss on which one to get. I do enjoy my XPA 3 a lot.

Parasound is a very nice amp, I've never heard one I didn't like.

If it was me I'd get an DR3 or Parasound A31.

jumpindick

May wanna consider Sunfire or B&K reference as well. Parasound would be my number 1 pick. I had A21 driving RTiA9s and it was some amp in the system.

BjornB17

Parasound seems to be a resounding favorite of people especially with the RTi12/A9's. Maybe I need to look more seriously into an A21+

Inspector 24

Some say the newest Emotiva stuff makes a good match too. I've heard A9's on the new stuff, while in a friends home and not direct a/b to the parasound I would gladly give them a shot, they seem quite improved over the old stuff. Certainly plenty of power.