receiver bi-amp front and dedicated amp center?

ZOOPDOOP22

Here is my question. My Marantz SR5003 does 90 watts a channel. I have RTi8 and CSi5. I also picked up a very inexpensive audiosource amp300 which can biamp a channel or power two channels at 150 watts (8 ohms).

Should I use my 6th and 7th channel to bi-amp the RTi8s and bi-amp the CSi5 using the Amp300 or should I power each rti8 with 150 watts and then just let the center do its thing with 90 watts.

According to Marantz:

Beginning with a meticulously engineered linear power supply based on a high capacity EI core transformer and specially chosen capacitors, the SR5003 follows Marantz tradition by mounting all audio circuits on a separate circuit board for maximum isolation from possible contamination from video and control signals.

The amplifier section, for example, features seven voltage feedback modules mounted in-line on an extended array of aluminum fins for maximum heat dissipation. Rated at 90 continuous watts per channel

So it sounds like there shouldn't be a power difference per channel if I power 3 channels, 5, or 2 on the receiver.

Right? Thoughts?

ZOOPDOOP22

I've been pondering this all day while I should be doing other things. This is my first amp and it is starting to dawn on me that I probably cant have a perfect sound stage with 2 of 3 or 1 of 3 speakers amplified. Oh well I get to confirm my fears when I get home later.

Anyone have thoughts on the above?

mrfibby

You and me both. I have a Marantz SR7500. I currently have Rti10s and a CSi5 in front with Monitor 40s for the rears. I'm biamping the RTi10s and have been debating whether running a 125 Mono Block to biamp the CSi5 is worth it. The 7500 puts out 105 per channel. My thought was to run the high end with the 105 from the 7500 and the lows with the 125 mono block. I'm just at a loss as to whether it would make a noticeable difference.

ben62670

mrfibby wrote: »

You and me both. I have a Marantz SR7500. I currently have Rti10s and a CSi5 in front with Monitor 40s for the rears. I'm biamping the RTi10s and have been debating whether running a 125 Mono Block to biamp the CSi5 is worth it. The 7500 puts out 105 per channel. My thought was to run the high end with the 105 from the 7500 and the lows with the 125 mono block. I'm just at a loss as to whether it would make a noticeable difference.

Welcome to Club Polk. Getting the mono blocks to level match may be difficult. Which mono block do you have?
Ben

mrfibby

I was looking at a Marantz MA6100.

Power output (20 Hz ~ 20 kHz)...................125 W 8-ohms
Distortion...................................................................0.02 %
Frequency response (-1 dB).......................10 Hz to 70 kHz
S/N ratio (A-weight)...................................................110 dB

ben62670

I would just get a stereo amp to drive the mains. I prefer used Adcom's. There are others, but that is what I have had to spend some time with. The bang for the buck is outstanding, and good ones can be had for $300 or less. audiogon is a very good place to look. I wouldn't buy a Marantz amp. You can do better for the same or less money. Having a solid amp for the mains frees up some current for the rest of the system. BTW numbers have next to nothing to do with SQ. That was one of the first things I learned when I started to get serious about music. Sometimes it still trips me up, but asking around here, and not just listening to the first opinion can save lots of time, and headache. The search function can be your friend. The tag search works best.
Ben