7.1 or 5.1 bi-amped?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by varmintx

Thanks for the tip Big Daddy, but I have a question...will the different power outputs of the receiver and the amp cause any problems?

The total amount of power that goes to the speaker is controlled by the receiver. However, there may be minor difference between the efficinecy of the two sources. Some amplifiers have knobs that allow you to adjust for that. Ideally, it is best to have two identical amplifiers doing the job.

If this does create a problem, you can use the amplifier to power the rear channels in a 7.1 setup and have the receiver power the front speakers in a bi-amp configuration. I personally prefer to use two identical external amplifiers to drive the front speakers and have the receiver take care of the surround speakers.