Multichannel receiver for stereo?
March 28, 2008
I have a multichannel home-theater receiver that I plan to
use for a stereo system I am setting up. I am wondering if the power from the other
channels will go into the main speakers since I am not using them. If not, is there any
way to do this with the wiring?
Pat
The answer is yes, no, and maybe. Yes: Receivers
generally have a single large power supply that regulates the individual output stages for
each channel. When there are only two channels drawing from the single power supply, as
opposed to five, there can be a bit more power available to the channels being used. No:
As for wiring for more power, you can’t combine the power from multiple channels to
form one “super channel” but there is a way to utilize additional channels if
your speakers allow for it. Maybe: If your speakers are biwire/biamp capable -- meaning
they can accept separate inputs for the highs and the lows -- you can sometimes use your
receiver’s zone-2 channels to accomplish this. Check your owner’s manual for
details, but essentially you would be using four channels of the receiver’s amplifier
section to power two stereo speakers. In effect, this allows you to get more stereo power
from a multichannel receiver.
Preamp with subwoofer output?
March 24, 2008
I am setting up a stereo system (no 5.1 home theater) and
having difficulty finding a reliable, inexpensive preamp that has a subwoofer output. Do
you have any advice? I am going to use a pair of small bookshelf speakers with an in-wall
subwoofer.
Ron
I know of two options for you, and we’ve reviewed
both of them. The first would be the Outlaw Audio
RR2150 receiver. It is one of the few two-channel receivers available and does have a
dedicated subwoofer output. Of course with this unit you would not need to buy a separate
power amplifier because it has amplification built in. A standalone preamplifier-tuner
that fits the bill is the Anthem TLP 1.
The Anthem even has high- and low-pass outputs which will give you more flexibility in
setting up your subwoofer. With this unit you would need to add a stereo power amplifier.
Garage-sale find
March 18, 2008
I recently bought some equipment from a garage sale, and
not being an electronics man, I’m asking for your help if possible. This is what I
bought. I just want to use the best pieces that will get this system playing so we can
enjoy it.
Denon DRA-335r receiver
Adcom GTP-500 II receiver
Adcom GFA-545 power amp
Adcom GFS-6 speaker protector
Carver TFM-6CB power amp
Sony CDP CX 235 200-CD player
Sony SSMF 515 tower speakers (2)
Bose 100 speakers (2)
Kenwood VR505-A/V 5.1 surround receiver with five speakers and subwoofer
Fosgate DSM-3606 360-degree space matrix
Samsung DVD-Video player
I was lucky to buy this for $150, and I don't want to fry
any piece or all by not knowing what to do. I have a Comcast cable box (DCH 3416), HD
dual-tuner DVR, and an Olevia 42" LCD TV. What pieces would you use?
R. Martinez
You hit the jackpot! That equipment is probably worth
over $1500 if bought on eBay. If I were you I’d set up both a stereo system and a
home-theater system. For the stereo I’d use the Adcom amp and preamp, the Sony tower
speakers, and the Sony CD player. For the home theater I’d use your current gear with
the Denon receiver, Samsung DVD player, and the speakers that came with the Kenwood. You
could also use the Carver amplifier with the preamp outputs on the Denon to give you a bit
more power. I’d ditch the Fosgate, the Kenwood receiver, and the Bose speakers (they
are worth some money, so you could sell them on eBay or give them to a friend or family
member). Your best bet is to have someone that knows electronics come over and help with
the setup. Congratulations on a great find!
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