Tri-amping with a HT receiver with pre-outs

awm · « **on:** 22 Jun 2005, 03:05 am »

I understand this can be done (assuming the appropriate number of pre-outs) but am not sure how. How would the receiver be configured?

Thanks,
Andy

ctviggen · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Jun 2005, 12:18 pm »

What are you triamping? My Linn 5140 speakers are triampable. I had them biamped for a while. I split the signal from my preamp and sent the signal to two amplifiers (or two channels of the same amp). I used a balanced interconnect made for biamping. Triamping would be similar.

awm · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Jun 2005, 06:01 pm »

I'd be tri-amping a pair of Orions, at least temporarily. I understand this can be done with just a home theater receiver, but just wasn't sure how.

What I mean is -- first, can it be done at all, assuming enough pre-outs on the receiver? Second, what would I set the receiver mode to?

Thanks,
Andy

woodsyi · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Jun 2005, 06:26 pm »

Andy,

Preouts bypass the amplifier section of your HT receiver. So you don't want to do that. I am guessing you connect 6 channels (you have to have 6.1 or 7.1 receiver) to your drivers and run 7 channel stereo which outputs equal power to all channels. This means you are using the processor and DAC (ADC as well if you use single end RCA to connect your source) on your receiver. I don't know how good it will sound....

awm · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Jun 2005, 06:52 pm »

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to use the preouts with the external, 6-channel crossover and then feed it back to the HT receiver's amps. I'm looking for a probably temporary solution to tri-amping the Orions before I plunk down the $1700 for the proper amp.

Thanks,
Andy

woodsyi · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Jun 2005, 07:40 pm »

Andy,

This is probably your best bet.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1124638379
You should be able to sell it back for not much less than that. What amplification are they using? Don't they offer digital amp and x-over in one box?

awm · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Jun 2005, 10:31 pm »

Thanks. At that power rating, I'd actually need an 8-channel amp, with one channel for each of the four XLS woofers. The Orion has an external xover, but no integrated amp setup. Linkwitz recommends the 12 channel ATI at 60wx12cahnnels.... for about $1700 shipped... Hence, the search for alternatives.

Andy

Feisal K · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Jun 2005, 07:38 am »

Not sure how much these are, but there's a load of channels

http://www.elanhomesystems.com/product/amps/

woodsyi · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 Jun 2005, 11:43 am »

Andy,
I am not sure that ATI amp will give you the best sound on your mids and highs. With an active outboard x-over, why not put something more refined for the mids and highs and a ss powerhouse for the woofers? You can also build a UcD multi channel amp. Here is something that might interest you in the mean time.
http://www.outdoorspeakerdepot.com/pgmuam.html

JoshK · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 Jun 2005, 01:21 pm »

Davey on HTguide's DIY forum was suggesting this to someone. He mentioned that Marantz's 9500 (iirc) receiver has discrete amps, has 6 channel analog inputs and could be used to triamp with Orion's or other dipole-like speakers. The receiver is ~$600 and in said config would be all analog, you aren't using the processing, just the analog MCH in, MCH vol control and discrete amps. Pretty cheap and slick solution.

JoshK · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Jun 2005, 01:25 pm »

actually with the above receiver, which I *think* is 6 channels, you could use 4 of the internal amps for mids and highs and then get something cheap but beefier and use the analog preouts to this amp for the woofers.

woodsyi · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Jun 2005, 01:44 pm »

Josh, that's a pretty nifty receiver but it begs this question: what is the difference between receiver/descrete amplification vs. separates? How good is this particular Maranz amplification and why pay for processing (presumably not needed) if you just need amplifier?

JoshK · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Jun 2005, 01:55 pm »

The point is it is a reasonably priced solution with a 6ch volume control and 6 channels of amplification. Can you suggest any other 6 channel preamp and 6 channel amp for this price point? I can't think of any. This is why it was suggested.

woodsyi · « **Reply #13 on:** 23 Jun 2005, 02:16 pm »

Josh,

It would be a good solution if he didn't already have a receiver, but why not a 12x60watts amp for $599? I have no idea if Phoenix amp is any good but Andy did say he is just searching for a stop gap measure. My question on discrete amp section on receiver was more "philosohical."

awm · « **Reply #14 on:** 25 Jun 2005, 12:03 am »

Thanks, I'd seen the PhoenixGold amp before and it looked attractive. Turns out it's actually only 45wpc with the channels going simultaneously. i need a bit more than that -- either 6 x 100+ or 8 x 60. I saw some amps made by Speakercraft. Anyone know anything about these?

I also did look into the Marantz, and they are indeed about the only receivers that would do it. Unfortunately, the 8400 is all gone, though that'd be awfully attractive were it still available from Ubid.

Thanks,
Andy