Anything wrong with buying just a 2 channel amp for a 5.1?

Dannieboiz · November 2007

I just bought an RTi10 and an AVR-745 I've been lurking around and see that most most people recommend a seperate amp for them.

When I listen to them, I can definitely tell that the CSi5 in the middle of both is sounds louder than both RTi10, it does sound like it needs a little more umph. Instead of getting a 5 channel amp, to reduce cost can I just get a 2 channel amp?

AndyGwis · November 2007

yeah, just calibrate it after you get it set up to make sure the levels are all similar.

I used a stereo amp on my fronts, then 2 monos, now a 3-channel. As long as you set it up right and calibrate it, should sound great.

Dannieboiz · November 2007

Any suggestions as far as brand, wattage etc..? I've never used an external amp before.

dkg999 · November 2007

As noted above, make sure you run the auto-calibration (or calibrate manually) first. Some of us run our center channels slightly louder as most of the dialogue in movies comes from that channel. Adding an external amp isn't going to necessarily correct the difference in loudness. The RTi10's would probably benefit from external amplification, but more for better sound quality and dynamics than to make them louder.

Sami · November 2007

dkg999 already mentioned what I was going to say. Your sound level problem is a calibration issue. As for getting separate amp, nothing wrong with getting a 2ch amp.

dkg999 · November 2007

Any of the major brands, Adcom, Parasound, B&K, Outlaw, Sunfire, etc. You can look on Audiogon or eBay for good deals on used amplifiers. You might check out Emotiva amplifiers as they seem to be getting some good reviews and are reasonably priced. As far as wattage, anything over 100 wpc with plenty of dynamic reserve will work, unless you are trying to achieve nuclear SPL.

There will be someone along shortly to tell you that anything less than 200 wpc is not acceptable

jwhitakr · November 2007

I'm running external 2-ch amps for my center, left and right channels in a 5.1 setup and am happy with the results so far. The center channel amp is bridged, and the other 2-ch amp is powering my left and right channels.

I'd say this is a good way to try out external amps without spending a lot of money, and still allowing your AVR to power your surround channels. Beware of upgraditis, though...once you experience the benefits of external amplification, you will quickly discover that you want more power for all channels.

Sherardp · November 2007

Check out Icepower amps, www.d-sonic.net. You can find them in Rotel, PS Audio and a few more. They run very cool, and are price very reasonable. I should have my new D-Sonic Magnum 1000S this week, Monday/Tueday at latest. Heres what they look like in a real picture.

thejck · November 2007

i just put a hca-1500a 2 channel amp by parasound in my HT rig to power my fronts. the center and the 2 rear are still powered by the AVR. I like it seems a lot of strain has been lifted from the AVR.

MADGSF · November 2007

Since you are buying an amp I suggest you consider a three channel so you can amp the CSi-5 as well. I feel it helped with dialog on my system and the center is very important for HT.

cfrizz · November 2007

+1000 on that!!!:D:D:D

jwhitakr wrote: »

Beware of upgraditis, though...once you experience the benefits of external amplification, you will quickly discover that you want more power for all channels.

Anything wrong with buying just a 2 channel amp for a 5.1?

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