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Mixing stereo amps

Discussion in 'Technology' started by Scotty, Nov 18, 2011.

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  1. Scotty

    Scotty F1 World Champ
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    Oct 31, 2003
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    Oregon
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    Scotty Ferrari
    #1 Scotty, Nov 18, 2011
    This may be a better question for an audiophile forum, but I am trying to get practical as opposed to esoteric answers. I am updating my home stereo/home theater system, and I need a couple of additional channels worth of amps. My current amp is a 7 channel Krell Showcase, and I am toying around with getting a two channel amp for stereo listening, and letting the Krell take care of the center, surrounds, other zones and subwoofer.

    My question is this--what are the potential issues (for multi-channel listening, which is mostly movies but might include some DVD audio or SACD's) of having one amp for the L/R channels, and a different amp for the center channel? The new processor is a Marantz AV7005, which has the ability to tweak everything manually, or I can use Audyssey to balance things out.

    I'm thinking it shouldn't be an issue, but just checking for opinions. 2 channel music fidelity matters more to me.

    Thanks.
     
  2. glenv6

    glenv6 Formula 3

    Jul 4, 2011
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    New York
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    Glen
    #2 glenv6, Dec 2, 2011
    I run a mixture of different amps on my home theater with good results - no issues. I use a Sumo Polaris for my mains, so the Sumo is put to use for stereo listening as well. My center, sub, and surrounds are all powered by two Dynaco Stereo 120s. The Dynaco's don't sound as smooth as the Sumo, but as a system they integrate well in the listening room. I use all amps and speakers in 5 channel stereo mode as well and the sound is excellent. I'm using an Outlaw Audio 970 Processor for surround, and a NAD 1600 (I bought new in the '80s) for "serious" stereo listening when the mood strikes. I don't really like the Outlaw, so that unit will be replaced at some point...


     

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