Quick amp question

cdn5003

If I were to add a two channel amp to my setup for my mains (A3's) would the receiver provide more power to the center and rear speakers?

I am thinking of picking up an adcom 535 or 545 to try out. I don't know if this is a good decision or not.

shawn474

double post; sorry

shawn474

no, avr's rate watts per channel. if you use an amp for the front two channels, it will not redistribute those watts to another channel. but, most will agree that any time you use external amplification, it is better.

reeltrouble1

In your case you would likely hear an improvement the Oinker shares its power amongst the channels, their specs are wattage for 1 channel driven if I recall so less channels driven will leave more power for the others, its important to know that if the receiver is rated lets say for 100 watts per channel it cannot really provide that power if all channels were to tried to be driven with 100 watts at once. In fact some receiver companies readily disclose a wattage difference between using two channels or four or five at the same time.

RT1

ddkane

cdn5003 wrote: »

If I were to add a two channel amp to my setup for my mains (A3's) would the receiver provide more power to the center and rear speakers?

I am thinking of picking up an adcom 535 or 545 to try out. I don't know if this is a good decision or not.

Well, yes and no. No - your avr wouldn't have any more power. But yes - what power it does have would now be available for just those 3 speakers, rather than 5. In other words, it would have an easier load to carry. It would be able to drive those 3 speakers far more efficiently, with improved headroom. A dedicated amp for the mains is, generally, a very good idea. Do it!

thsmith

Even if your AVR does not provide more power, it is still worth driving your mains with a more powerful external AMP. My Carver TFM-45 was step up over the TFM-25 which was a step over my Denon AVR.

NewHTguy

It is not a one-for-one tradeoff. However, FOR A GIVEN LEVEL OF DISTORTION, an AVR will typically be able to supply more power to fewer channels. That is why "objective" professional reviewers will test a receiver for different numbers of channels driven. And that is also why many manufacturers "cheat" by giving power ratings based on only two channels driven.