Hi Fred,

Not necessarily. If you delve into the specs of some AV receivers, you may find the power output rating for the center channel is measured at a single frequency (1 kHz) rather than over the full audio bandwidth (20 Hz - 20 kHz) and the distortion spec is higher, all of which suggest that some shortcuts have been taken for the center-channel amp. With a 4-ohm center, the VP-180, the center amp might be prone to current limiting/overheating/temporary shutdown when stressed.

Cheers,
Alan

Alan Lofft,
Axiom Resident Expert (Retired)