Stereo amplifiers into AV systems

jmjones

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Mar 8, 2009
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I've noticed a few threads recently with regards to people putting stereo amplifiers (integrated or power amps) into multi-channel systems to handle the stereo duties. Mostly, I have not seen any comments that this makes sense. To me, additional components just seems a recipe for more complication and expense.

I'd be tempted to separate the systems or upgrade the multichannel amps. But then again, I've never tried such a "mixed" system.

It has piqued my interest. What are your experiences of this - good and bad?

Regards, Mark
 

Vaprak001

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Jan 11, 2015
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In my case adding amps to my AV set-up was more a consequence of developments in my main system but I am happy with how its ended up.

Originally, I had an Onkyo 1010/ BD809/Mission EX800 set for AV and Onkyo P3000/M5000/C7000/ Kef LS50 for the main stereo. I was pleased with both but when I had a great opportunity on another M5000 the chance to run both in the main rig was too much to resist. Anyway, long story short my main rig has now gone in an entirely new direction and the only original component left in it is the C7000 CD. That has left the rest of the Onkyo kit spare.

I first experimented with the 1010 plus two M5000's with RCA splitters. This was dissapointing. I don't think the output was up to the job as the sound was kinda weak (although some later Onkyo models have dedicated XLR front outs). Next came Benchmark RCA to XLR conversion cables to properly bridge the M5000's. Results were better, but when I added the P3000 pre into the mix performance was vastly better. Stereo plays as well as I expected but AV is much improved as the 1010 seems to give a lot more juice than it did to the centre and rears - digging out much more detail from soundtracks.

So overall very happy, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend anyone go the same route intentionally. In hindsight, for the same money I could probably have gone the Anthem, Bryston, Primare av route plus had upgraded speakers. Then again I would have missed out on two sets of VU meters staring back at me from the AV rack!
 

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