Any advantage of integrated amp/power amp combo versus integrated only?

[admin_exported]

Hi there,

I have 2 pairs of speakers that I need to connect to an amp. There aren't too many amps that handle the A/B switching that I require. One dealer has recommended connecting an integrated amp to one set of speakers, and connecting the second set to a power amp that is in turn connected to the Pre-Out of the integrated.

All else being equal, does this configuration result in better sound quality than connecting both pairs of speakers to an integrated that can handle the A/B switching?

Thanks very much.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Assuming the two pairs of speakers are in different rooms, then I'd use a second integrated amp connected to the tape out sockets of the first one, thus giviing you independent control of volume in both 'zones'.

If the two sets of speakers are in the same room - why???

 

[JoelSim]

If you get later model Arcam integrated/power then you can connect to 2 sets of speakers and biamp them too. Best of both worlds. That's what I'm in the process of doing to set up a second pair in my kitchen

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew -- The two sets of speakers are in different rooms. For my "listening room", for the best sound, should the listening room speakers be connected to the first amp (the one with the tape out) or the second amp? I am assuming the better amp of the two should be connected to the listening room speakers.

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a good idea. What's the Arcam model #?

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="hendrixj"]I am assuming the better amp of the two should be connected to the listening room speakers.[/quote]

Correct. So which amps do you have again?

 

[Andrew Everard]

[quote user="hendrixj"]
Andrew -- The two sets of speakers are in different rooms. For my "listening room", for the best sound, should the listening room speakers be connected to the first amp (the one with the tape out) or the second amp?

[/quote]

First amp.

 

[JoelSim]

I have the A85 and P85 biamped and can run two sets of speakers off these. I believe you can with the other Arcam amps too.