Starting out: 2 Channel or 3 Channel

[Slec]

Like many others on this site I am thinking about moving into separates. My gut tells me to start off with a 2 channel amp (for music) and let the AVR take care of the rest. I know Audyssey and MCACC will try to correct for the difference in power output but here's my question..

If I will ultimately get amps to power a 5.1 (or maybe 7.1) system, should I get a 3 channel amp now and have solid panning during movies, or 2 channel now and add the others later? Will the L/R and C sound different if powered by different sources?

For 3 channel, I'm looking at the Emo XPA-3. For 2 Channel Rotel RB-1080. I'm still looking around in general, but this ought to give an idea on budget.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Seeing as I am first and foremost into 2-channel, a 2-channel amp would make the most sense for me. I view my HT as a compliment to my primary love for music, which is mostly 2-channel based (excepting surround SACD and Blu-ray concerts). If you were more into movies I'd say to go with a 3-channel amp to drive your L/C/R and add addional amps for your surrounds and rear-surrounds.

The Centre Channel (first) and Fronts (second) are critical to HT and I would not segragrate their amplification as such, although I really honestly don't know if that would make a huge difference. It would depend on the equipment I guess.

There are plenty of variations on my opinions and I'm sure they'll follow momentarily.

John

[naturephoto1]

Hi Chris,

Others may argue with me, but I personally prefer to use a 2 channel amp for stereo and to then add a 3 channel amp for a 5.1 surround system, unless you added a 5 channel amp for a 7.1 surround system. I did not quite follow this originally since I had an Acurus A-250 amp originally for my stereo, but I purchased a Krell KAV-250a/3 power amp that would give me a 5.1 surround system, but since the Krell was better, I used it for the 3 front channels. When I purchased my first set of upgraded Aragon Palladium 1K monoblock amps though, I did as I recommend; I retired the Acurus amp (at least for now) and use the 3 channel Krell for the other 3 channels.

By the way, the same recommendation that I am making to you is what I received from the head of Krell service- use the 2 channel amp for the front and a 3 channel amp for the rest of the 5.1 system.

One other thing to consider is that you may purchase a better amp for 2 channel performance (just as the best speakers) which is where you want the best performance for a 2 music and even a multichannel system.

If you get matching 2 and 3 channel amps then the sound would/should be consistent. Another advantage of the 2 and 3 channel amp option is that you only use the amp (s) that are needed for the application.

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

I think that is pretty much what I said with a slight distinction. If I were more into HT I'd get a 3-channel amp for my L/C/R soundstage and other amps later for 5.1 or 7.1 set-ups.

If you're primarily into 2-channel....the 2-channel amp for L/R, a 3-channel or 5-channel amp for Centre and surrounds/rear-surrounds.

John

[red_5ive]

I agree, go with a 2 channel amp if you have any concern for music, then add a 3 or 5 channel to power the rest for HT. If you do go the Emo route - and no, before I get flamed I'm not trying to push this amp, the op simply mentioned he's interested in the XPA-3 - I just want to indicate that the XPA-2 does have a different design from the other XPA amps in that it has a "compartmentalized design for greater isolation from noise. The transformer is mounted in it's own substructure. The amplfiier channels are all fully shielded." (I'm quoting the xpa-2 page). In that respect I'd go with the XPA-2 and then add the XPA-3 or 5 later for the remaining channels. I have otherwise heard amps with more finesse & clarity for music (at a much higher price tag), but the XPA-2 is more than a capable performer. You should at the very least audition different amps within your budget.

[crazyBLUE]

Well Slec ~ I think I vary much agree with what has been posted already !

[Slec]

in the wider scope of things, is it important to stay with the same 'family' of amps as I slowly make the move to separates. to put another way, would it be wide to have an all rotel, all emotive, all anthem etc... instead of mixing the amps.