Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Help me understand amplifiers!!

Possibly, but it's not something I would stress about. If you've got the volume almost all the way up and you're using multi channel stereo, then it might be a concern, but if you've got the volume almost all the way up and you're playing anything, you probably need the external amp.

Ok, so if one were to buy a stereo outboard amp that is only rated at 50 watts per channel (audiosource amp100) for the front L/R is this still better than the 105W (x7) from the Marantz?? KWIM?
Mike

I would say not. Either save your money or look for something in the 200 to 300 watt class.

So something like the Behringer A500 may be a better fit?? Thanks again for listening to my ramblings!!
Mike

Sure, you could run a pro amp with good results.

Why do you think you need more power, is your receiver showing signs of distress or clipping? How loud are you listening in dB's and how big is your room.

A second question I have which is a little off topic, is how do you like your new 350v3? Did it replace another sub? I just ordered 2 350v3's to go with my ep600, but my room is massive.

Mike, you shouldn't notice any difference(mainly because there wouldn't be any)if you added another amplifier unless the maximum power capacity of your 7500 is being exceeded(unlikely). As was already pointed out, another amplifier would use the pre-out of the 7500 to drive it and the internal amplifier channels of the 7500 wouldn't even be connected to those speakers, so the power would be the responsibility of the new amplifier alone.

As to the use of all channel stereo, this is sometimes suggested for a more uniform sound all over a room in party situations, etc., but it isn't realistic to have the same sound coming from all different directions. If you like it, of course, it's your money and your call, but I use modes such as DPLII, Neo:6 or Logic 7 to put the other speakers into more realistic use with 2-channel material.

As to the power used in all channel stereo, you're correct that the surrounds get the same sound and use the same power as the mains on that side. However, you may be overlooking the fact that when two speakers play the same sound the result is 3dB louder than before. For example, if the front left speaker is playing at a fairly loud 85dB level and using about 1 watt, and you then add the left surround at the same 85dB level, yes 1 more watt is used for that speaker, but the sound level from the two combined would be 88dB. If you kept the same 85dB combined level, each speaker would use 1/2 watt to play at 82dB and produce the combined 85dB sound level, and total power usage would be the same 1 watt as when just the front speaker was used. So, don't be concerned about extra power usage in that mode.

To answer your first question. No my receiver has never shown signs of distress. I don't get my SPL meter out alot, but when kids are down with me probably low 60's. When it is just me high 70's. Movies probably louder for small instances. Room is 28 by 28 by 7, so if my math is right roughly 5500 sq.ft. The only reason I ever thought about it is everyone seems to preach that seperates are the way to go and I guess I got caught up in that and upgradeititis.
To answer your second question, I LOVE the 350, it replaced a PDR10. I think I could probably use 2 in my room downstairs, but that is another whole thread!!
Mike

High 70s? You probably don't need an amp.