More Power!

cubdog

OK I have a question for all. I currently use a Yamaha RX-V995 5.1 receiver. I would like to add a seperate amplifier in the near future using the Yamaha as the processer. Until then, would it make sense to or be possible to use a spare 2 channel receiver to power my main speakers? Of course I would only do this if there would be a noticable improvement in sound quality. What do you think?

Thanks cubdog

polksda

Using another receiver via pre-outs from the main receiver? Unless the 2-channel is heaps and bounds more powerful than your HT receiver, I don't know that you'll hear any benefit at all...

If your HT receiver is 100WPC and you run pre-outs to another 100WPC 2-channel receiver, you're not gaining any power. The only possible benefit I can think of is that you might be taking some strain off the HT receiver when watching movies, but I would think that you risk lowering the sound quality by running the signal through yet another receiver.

Or am I all wet?

outlander

cubdog,
I would think that almost any decent 2 channel amp is going to be an improvement over the Yamaha receiver. And should be especially noticeable when listening to stereo music. I have a Yamaha HTR-5250 (100W X 5) and did exactly what your talking about as experiment. I used the line out’s to run my mains off a Adcom 200W stereo amp. I know you can’t compare a 200W Adcom to a 100W Yamaha receiver but I’m sure if it was a good 60W amp the improvement would have been just as noticeable. The problem with the Yamaha receiver (and a lot of other receivers) is they can play load but there’s just no energy storage to give you the variations in sound level that translates to great sound. Next step for me is using the Yamaha as a pre amp and then pick up a good 5 channel amp.
O

McLoki

Originally posted by cubdog
OK I have a question for all. I currently use a Yamaha RX-V995 5.1 receiver. I would like to add a seperate amplifier in the near future using the Yamaha as the processer. Until then, would it make sense to or be possible to use a spare 2 channel receiver to power my main speakers? Of course I would only do this if there would be a noticable improvement in sound quality. What do you think?

Thanks cubdog

If your spare reciever has pre-outs and in's you could do it. I do think it would be worth while for 5 channel. You would not get much out of it for 2 channel listening though.

Many AVR's run higher wattage (and current) when running 2 channels rather than 5 channels. I think offloading your front left and right speakers will help the sound of your entire system providing more wattage and current to all your speakers. If you have to plug your pre-outs into an input on your second avr (like cd-in) you start degrading your sound so you may lose some of your benefits.

The best bet would be a 2 or 3 channel amp to offload your entire front stage from your AVR (this is what I have done) and that does seem to make a big difference. Then again - my rear speakers are a joke and don't provide much of a load for anything.

Without looking to see what speakers you are running, it may also help to just set all speakers to small (if they are not already) so your amp does not have to provide the current to run the bass.

If you have them anyway - it is worth the test.

Michael

Polkersince85

I'm thinking of trying the same thing...two receivers @ 5.1. My setup will be an HK AVR85 feeding the fronts-center-sub out with the rear outs of the AVR85 feeding into the front input of an Onkyo TX-SV727. These wil be feeding two pairs of Monitor 10B's at the front and rear. The AVR85 at 90w per and the Onkyo at 100w per. Separate sub/plate amp. May blow the house up.

Whadyasay

I still think money's better spent ona separate power amp.

McLoki

Originally posted by Whadyasay
I still think money's better spent ona separate power amp.

I would have to agree. But this is a case of using what you have. If I am mistaken in this, take the advice of purchasing an amp......

Michael

Polkersince85

I agree with the note on using a separate amp and also the comment on using what you have. In my case, I have 40 bucks invested in both receivers ( great buys at the local Goodwill store) so I am just playing with what I have at this time. If I were to be purchasing a newer system, I would definitely look at a good used separate amp to provide the horsepower using the HT as a preout.

outlander

Polkersince85,
10B's front and rear, Damn that has to sound good!
O

Polkersince85

Like I said in my previous post, "If you got it, use it."

"I use heavy strings, tune low, play hard and floor it. Floor it. That's technical talk."............Stevie Ray Vaughan