[John151]

In looking at my system, which doubles as a two channel and a HT system, I want killer power for my LR, but I really don't think the surrounds need anything special.  Also, while the center is a critical speaker for HT, I don't think it needs anywhere near the power that the LR need. 
 
In looking at multi-channel amps that would do justice to my mains, the amps are huge, heavy,  hot, and expensive.  This just seems like overkill.  Does anyone make a 5 or 7 channel amp where two channels are more robust than the rest?  Note:  I ask out of curiosity, and am not actually in the market.

[Big Red Machine]

First, put more wattage on your center speaker as it does the heavy lifting.  I have 3 500 watt monos across the front and the center at 4 ohms could draw up to 1000 watts from that amp if needed.

Wyred4Sounds and D Sonic have varying configs of power for each channel.  And I know for a fact that if you call Cullen Circuits they will configure a 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 channel amp pretty much anyway you like for no additional charge.

http://www.cullencircuits.com/  they make the Wyreds

http://www.wyred4sound.com/

http://www.d-sonic.net/

[ted_b]

Pete beat me to it.  I second the Wyred4Sound multichannel amp approach..and yes, don't discount the center channel needs.

[John151]

Thanks for the links.  Those are exactly what I was thinking of. 

Seems like the switching amps are well suited to the multi-channel applications.  I actually would like to get a 7 channel amp, configured for say 250 x 3 / 125 x 4, where the 3x250 is for LRC, 2 of the 4x125 are for surrounds, and the last 2  are for "Room B".  If I had a more traditional amp design, 7 channels would heat my home. 

Gives me something to ponder while it is -2F outside!   


 

[Big Red Machine]

You won't be anything but dissapointed if you plan to warm your family by sitting around those Wyreds.  They don't throw much heat.  My monos only run to about 87 F.

[warnerwh]

These amps:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-AT2505-5-Channel-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ150317374886QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item150317374886&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

as well as the Cinenova Grande(pretty certain they are made at same place as ATI) amps run cool and have lots of power. I've been using one in a high end system for some time and it must be the best deal in amplifiers, certainly that I know of.  The case doesn't even get more than room temperature. Build quality is excellent. The best part is you can get these amps for much less than anything comparable. Do a Google, you'll find reviews and actual measurements.

[ted_b]

ATI are good hefty amps (as are many others), but I don't believe they pass the criteria of the OP (heftier/more powerful in front channels than in other channels).

[sac8d4]

http://www.pathosacoustics.com/indexeng.htm  aa

[warnerwh]

ATI are good hefty amps (as are many others), but I don't believe they pass the criteria of the OP (heftier/more powerful in front channels than in other channels).

I just figured there's plenty of power for every channel.  The amp companies mentioned also have 3 channel amps available.

[face]

McIntosh multichannel amps are available in many different configurations.  I used their 6 channel amp(MC-126) bridged for the front channels and unbridged for the rear.  Since I run a phantom center, it worked out perfect for me. 

[MLS]

My solution was leaning more on the 2 channel listen mode.

I have a Musical Fidelity integrated with a Home Theater bypass which uses my integrated as a 2 channel amp for the L&R fronts for HT and I have a 5 Channel HK Signature 2.1 amp that powers my center (bi-amped with 2 channels) and the the 2 other channels powering the rears in my 5.1 set up.  I have an extra channel for 6.1 if I get a pre that does that.  I did use the 5 channel amp for a while for 2 channel listening but I was never happy with the sound.  I am quite happy with the current set up which is 2 separate systems sharing the main L&R amplification and speakers.

Scott

[cujobob]

You're not usually doing too much bass through most centers (most, not all), so I don't know if the power requirements would really match that of the other front channels.

[zybar]

These amps:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-AT2505-5-Channel-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ150317374886QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item150317374886&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

as well as the Cinenova Grande(pretty certain they are made at same place as ATI) amps run cool and have lots of power. I've been using one in a high end system for some time and it must be the best deal in amplifiers, certainly that I know of.  The case doesn't even get more than room temperature. Build quality is excellent. The best part is you can get these amps for much less than anything comparable. Do a Google, you'll find reviews and actual measurements.

I will second the ATI amps.

I have been running a 1506 six channel amp with zero issues in my HT for well over a year and love it!

With this amp you can run each channel at 150 watts each into 8 ohms or bridge two channels to get 450 watts a channel into 8 ohms.

Here is a nice review on the amp:

http://www.wwsp.com/ati/hometheatermagazine.htm

Now for the best part...you can usually find this amp used on Audiogon for around $700.   

George