[Guy 13]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
Most of you Audio Circle members are used to
and read from time to time some stupid questions on this site.
Well, here's another one.
Two channels stereo home theater receiver are almost extinct
and are more rare.
Most manufacturers have only one stereo model in their catalog.
If your home theater source is only a 2 channels,
what do you do if you have one of those 7.1 or even 9.1 receiver?
Do you have to put an 8 Ohms resistor on each of all the other channels
that you don't use ? ? ?
Well, now that I think of it,
my question is not so stupid, it's only ignorance.
Therefore, I am an ignorant.
Answer me and make me smarter.

Guy 13   

[Guy 13]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
Most of you Audio Circle members are used to
and read from time to time some stupid questions on this site.
Well, here's another one.
Two channels stereo home theater receiver are almost extinct
and are more rare.
Most manufacturers have only one stereo model in their catalog.
If your home theater source is only a 2 channels,
what do you do if you have one of those 7.1 or even 9.1 receiver?
Do you have to put an 8 Ohms resistor on each of all the other channels
that you don't use ? ? ?
Well, now that I think of it,
my question is not so stupid, it's only ignorance.
Therefore, I am an ignorant.
Answer me and make me smarter.

Guy 13

Hi (Again) all Audio Circle members.
I had in mind the Sony STR DH130, not for now,
but for next year when I'm back in Canada.
By the time I am back in Canada, hopefully,
that model will still be in Sony's catalog.

Guy 13

[WC]

You can use any number of channels less than the maximum for the receiver. If you only have 2 speakers, you just set the receiver up that way and it will only use the speakers that you have. Based on what you are listening to and the listening mode you have set  you can have the receiver mix down the 5.1 from a movie to a 2.0 or 2.1 output or you can take a 2.0 source such as a CD and make it 7.1.

[RDavidson]

Guy 13, it sounds like you are worried that the unused channels are active and could short without speakers connected, which is why you're wondering if you need an 8ohm resistor in series.

Even if you configure the amp to run in 2 channel mode, the unused channels will likely still remain active, but won't receive a signal from the processor. I'm not 100% positive, but I'm pretty sure this is how most receivers work. I don't think individual channels are ever actually deactivated.

But to answer your question more directly: No you don't need to place a resistor in series with the unused channels. This would close the loop, which is entirely unnecessary. In fact, in your case, the 2 speakers being used should receive more power as the other channels aren't utilizing any. Regardless of how you set up the receiver's mode (2.0, 2.1, 5.1 etc) any unused channels are just open loops and can't do anything. You won't damage the receiver by leaving them this way.

[Phil A]

Receivers vs. good separates (true mono amps which do not share power supplies) share power supplies for various functions.  Therefore, it won't hurt anything not to use every channel.  Merely less of a drain on the power supply.  As noted, there are set-up menus (and most modern receivers come with a microphone to use for automatic set-up).  At the end of the set-up process, you will end up with the speakers connected and adjustments for levels based on where the set-up microphone was placed.

[geowak]

I had a Marantz receiver and a Marantz 7.1 HT receiver at the same time a few years back. Never had a problem using the HT unit in stereo, and never gave it a second thought. In fact that unit played very neutral and was just great, thinking about getting that same model again (used) for the bedroom or garage..

[mcgsxr]

I use a 5.1 Pioneer receiver on my main floor for my 3.1 setup.

I use a 7.1 Pioneer receiver in the basement HT for a 5.1 setup.

Agree with the comments so far, no concern about unused channels, or issues after many years.

As a bonus, most multichannel receivers will deliver far more wpc into less than a full load.  My basement receiver is rated at 150 wpc.  With all channels driven I have seen tests that show it drops to about 55wpc.  With 5 channels driven, it makes 80wpc.  And with just stereo, it apparently really does deliver the rated 150wpc.

[Freo-1]

I had a Sony STR DA9000ES, and it provided more than sufficient power for both 2 channel or multi channel.  Later changed out to a Sony STR DA6400ES, and was able to run five channel with the front channels bi-amped.  All the setups worked without issues.
The best sound is from separates.  Modified the multichannel setup to separate components.  For two channels, use the Yamaha A-S2000 directly, which is outstanding.  For multichannel, a Classe SSP-300 feeds the Yamaha front channels in a bypass setup, and the center and rear channels use a Adcom GFA 7300. 
They all work pretty well.  Just depends how particular one wants the two channel setup to preform.   

[Guy 13]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
Thanks all of you for your comments and advice.
Please tell me if I got this right.
Leaving the unused channels not connected to anything
will not damage the amplifier section?
You can and/or must configure/program your receiver for 2 channels from the instruction manual?
Hopefully, by the time I buy the 2 channels receiver, they will still have the Sony model I have chosen. (Less than 150 USD)
Why pay for 5, 7 or even 9 channels, when you don’t us them,
It’s a waste of money and money I won’t have a lot when I retire.

Guy 13

 

[JLM]

I'm in a similar boat.  Beyond the main audio rig in the man cave, I have a modest 2nd audio system in the living room for very casual listening and a modest A/V system in the family room (life is good).  But the 12 year old $700 Rotel stereo receiver died last x-mas and I have yet to replace it (life good, but slow and not great).  I've ended up moving a $150 Sony 6.1 receiver to the living room (A/V being my lowest priority) and it sounds better than I remember the Rotel and certainly pulls in FM stations better.  I'm in process of ripping my CD collection to my iMac via iTunes and looking to buy NuForce AirDAC as I wait for work to provide an iPhone that they've been promising (I have no iDevice of my own currently to remotely control wireless signals).

Now wondering what the next move should be from these options:

1.)  Buy a cheap stereo receiver for the living room and move the Sony back to the A/V system (simplest/cheapest solution)
2.)  Buy a cheap(er) A/V receiver for the family room (that would have HDMI connections and should provide an upgraded sound)
3.)  Buy powered/active speakers for the living room (maybe with a sub if needed in that large space), save the cheap living room DVD player to replace the next one in the house to die, and move the Sony/living room black floorstanding speakers to the A/V system to beef that system up and gain higher WAF in the living room.

[Guy 13]

Hi JLM and all Audio Circle members.
Look like you have some decisions to take.
I have the same problem.
To bring or not to bring.
I mean, bring with me to Canada.
My greatest decision is my GR Research V1.
They look nice, they sound good, they cost...
Well, they are not cheap and they are very heavy.
Decision, decision, decision...

Guy 13

[RDavidson]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
Thanks all of you for your comments and advice.
Please tell me if I got this right.
Leaving the unused channels not connected to anything
will not damage the amplifier section?
You can and/or must configure/program your receiver for 2 channels from the instruction manual?
Hopefully, by the time I buy the 2 channels receiver, they will still have the Sony model I have chosen. (Less than 150 USD)
Why pay for 5, 7 or even 9 channels, when you don’t us them,
It’s a waste of money and money I won’t have a lot when I retire.

Guy 13

No. Absolutely zero damage can or will occur to the amplifier section by simply leaving the unused channels not connected to anything. This is not a problem for any solid state amplifier that I know of. Tube amps are a different story, which there is no need to get into detail here about.

[RDavidson]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
Thanks all of you for your comments and advice.
Please tell me if I got this right.
Leaving the unused channels not connected to anything
will not damage the amplifier section?
You can and/or must configure/program your receiver for 2 channels from the instruction manual?
Hopefully, by the time I buy the 2 channels receiver, they will still have the Sony model I have chosen. (Less than 150 USD)
Why pay for 5, 7 or even 9 channels, when you don’t us them,
It’s a waste of money and money I won’t have a lot when I retire.

Guy 13

A good reason to buy a HT receiver is flexibility, primarily HDMI routing (if you're using it in a room where a modern TV is hooked up). I don't know of a 2 channel receiver with HDMI switching.......though this would be a nice.

[JLM]

Although many A/V receivers (very optimistically) rate their output only into two channels, there's more selection and lots more features going that route versus (old school) stereo.  Plus you could end up kicking yourself later on when you wanted those extra channels or features and could of had them for a few more $$.  And a few A/V receivers still have phono pre-amplifiers built-in.

Seems to me that the real difference in sound quality between stereo and A/V comes in the pre/power/integrated amp arena.

[Guy 13]

Although many A/V receivers (very optimistically) rate their output only into two channels, there's more selection and lots more features going that route versus (old school) stereo.  Plus you could end up kicking yourself later on when you wanted those extra channels or features and could of had them for a few more $$.  And a few A/V receivers still have phono pre-amplifiers built-in.

Seems to me that the real difference in sound quality between stereo and A/V comes in the pre/power/integrated amp arena.

Hi JLM and all Audio Circle members.
The more I think about it, the more I wonder if I really need a HT receiver?
The Panasonic Plasma flat screen TV like many other TV of that type
all have a common problem and it's the poor quality of sound.
I have here in Vietnam a Sony 32" Bravia flat screen TV
and the sound is so bad that I refrain from use it.
Therefore, the only reason why I want an A/V HT receiver,
it's to connect the TV and my GR Research N3 to the receiver.
I will also use two Rythmik F12G subwoofer,
that set up should keep me happy.
Another reason for looking at 2 channel receiver it's the price.
The Sony cheapest one is only 149 USD.
However, I have a Sony mini system AM/FM/CD with aux. input/output)
that I could use with my N3.
With it's 15 wpc it should drive the 90db N3 speakers easily...







When I am back in Canada, I will go to the Sony store or Sears
and see if 149 USD receiver is better than what I have now.

My set up will/should be the following:
Panasonic Plasma TV (40 to 50" depending of the price) with
a Sony Blu Ray player that will be connected to the TV via HMDI for video
and the RCA audio output of the BluRay connected to an amplifier
or receiver and I also want to connect via analog RCA interconnect
an old JVC VHS player, I have more than 20 VHS cassettes with precious
souvenir on them.
I know that the Panasonic entry level TV does not have a headphone jack, therefore, I will use the amplifier's output RCA connectors to feed my soon to be purchased Bottlehead Crack with my Sennheiser HD-650.
The LP, CD and FM music ONLY will feed the Decware SET that will feed probably the N3 or the Onega 7F that I want to buy from Louis.
WOW... Not easy when you are on a limited budget.

Guy 13   

 

[Guy 13]

Hi all Audio Circle members.
For my future home theater system next year, (Not that far away)
I will buy a Panasonic Plasma TV (40 or 50”)
and a Panasonic or Sony BluRay player.
I wanted to use (To avoid breaking my piggy bank)
my Sony mini system (I’ve posted a picture in an earlier post),
however, look like if I want to avoid a spaghetti junction of wires
between the TV, BR Player and amplifier it might be better
to go with a dedicated A/V receiver.
HMDI cable makes the whole wiring process much easier and simpler.
The Sony entry level 2 channels A/V receiver does not have any
HMDI jacks.
Therefore I have to go to a 5.1 receiver which is double the price,
minds you at 299 USD it’s not a case of bank robbery.
I think I will go that way, unless an Audio Circle member can
suggest something better and cheaper.
Waiting for suggestions…

Guy 13
 

[Phil A]

Guy - you can watch a site like http://www.woot.com/   The deal changes every day.

[Guy 13]

Guy - you can watch a site like http://www.woot.com/   The deal changes every day.

Hi Phil and all Audio Circle members.
Thanks for the link.
I went on the site but did not see anything of interest for me,
I mean no a/v receivers or BluRay players.
Maybe I was looking with my eyes closed...
Any tips on where to look?

Guy 13

[Phil A]

Hi Phil and all Audio Circle members.
Thanks for the link.
I went on the site but did not see anything of interest for me,
I mean no a/v receivers or BluRay players.
Maybe I was looking with my eyes closed...
Any tips on where to look?

Guy 13

Guy, it is one day one deal.  Tomorrow the deal with be different.  It changes every day.

[Phil A]

If you can find someone on the other side of the border to take delivery (they only ship to the US), there is this site:  http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR1312/DENON-AVR-1312-5.1-Channel-A/V-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html