Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Now that the A1400-2 Amp is out......

So am I correct in assuming that the A1400-8 and the A1400-2 are essentially the same amps with the -2 only sharing up to peak 1400 watts across 2 channels (700 max for 2 channels) where as the -8 shares the peak 1400 watts across 8 channels. If the -8 is only utilizing 2 channel stereo (i.e. for music) 700 watts would be available per 2 channels as with the true 2 channel -2....is that correct?

That's my understanding.

That's the understanding, yes. That supreme flexibility seems to be the advantage of the design. I'd think the only reason to go with the A1400-2 over the -8 is if it's for a dedicated 2-channel setup that will never expand into more channels, or if you have an otherwise excellent amplifier and you only care about providing more power to hungry mains, thus saving you a little money.

Or you could get a -2 for each speaker. 1400 watts per

LOL.......at the low price of approx 18,000.00 for a 7 channel HT system!

$3000 x 7 = $21000.
Plus taxes of course
Plus 4 EP800's to round out the system

Let me get my checkbook.........

The 700 wpc for stereo applies to 15A circuits. A1400-8 is capable of even more power delivery when connected to a 20A circuit according to a very reliable source. Whether you would ever need to run your mains at that power for any length of time is another issue. Whether you end up getting the A1400-2 or the A1400-8, you will surely get superb customer service from Axiom.

I admit a weakness at understanding electrical stuff, but...

How does the amp know whether it's hooked up to a 15 amp or 20 amp circuit until it trips a breaker? Is there an "intelligence" in testing the circuit?

If I remember correctly, each amp module is limited to 15A by design. The protection that holds it still at 15A even if the demand is higher is what makes the amp unclippable. Beyond that, you might need different fuses to really get more from a 20A (additional 5A for the 7 remaining channels).

From the "reliable source", it was never entirely clear wheater the amp is just "capable" of handling 20A (but not shipped as such) or if its main fuses are already able to draw 20A out of the box.