Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Axiom 8 Channel amp or multiple 2 channel amps

Can someone help me understand the difference between running an 8 channel amplifier and multiple 2 channel amplifiers? Is one a better choice than the other? (Other than saving component space of course).

If you have multiple dedicated 15A circuits, you could get quite a few more watts with multiple 2ch. Apart from that, the A1400 has a unique design where it can move huge amount of currents to any channel at any time. If you have 4-Omh speakers and have huge peaks for the mains, they can get 700w each while the surrounds are silent and any combination like that.

Ok, Problem here is much of this is "greek" to me. I am posting like crazy trying to learn as much as i can. I will have the M60's and VP150 with 4 QS8's and an ep350. My receiver is a Denon 3806. Just want to figure out which amplifier option will give me the best sound for my dollar.

Your best sound for the dollar is probably the amp built into that receiver.

Really? Than why do so many people have amplifiers?

You said for the money. It may be that an external amp may add that little bit extra (depending on who you ask), but for what may be not even a 10% increase in sound, is nearly a 500% increase in cost?

Even if you go with a lesser amp than Axiom's, you still have to weigh what you're getting vs. what you're spending. The amps in Denon's receivers are very capable. For everyone who adds an external amp, there are 1000s who don't.

I have my own reasons for perusing external amplification, but its more a philosophy of moving to a separate pre-amp/processor plus amps. I like the flexibility it provides. I have no delusions of magical improvements, and I understand how much more it'll cost than doing it any other way. But it's just what I want. You can come to your conclusions. Listen to what others have to say in the realm of external amps. vs inbuilt.

Moving to seperate components brings up a whole other world......dollar wise. Get your system set up as is and then decide on that external amp, you may find the system is just fine.

I am still waiting to get a seperate amp and am constantly searching for reviews of cheaper/older ones available and in the used market. Unfortunately I have no idea how much better they will sound, if at all.

I do know that I really liked the way my system sounded with the A1400

I concur, the debate on weather or not an external amp provides significant sound enhancement is constantly ongoing. However, no one here would likely ever dispute that your Denon 3806 is a great receiver/amp combo and that it will sufficiently drive your M60s to louder than healthy levels with ease.

I'd suggest trying out the Denon and if you still feel the need to experiment with external amps later to see if you can go even louder, cleaner then you can always certainly do so. I myself am impressed with the power and clarity of my Denon & M60 combo on a daily basis and feel no urge to add more power, except maybe for the bling factor.

..and if you do decide to add externals, make sure you come back to give us the impressions of your changes.

Right now I am running a bit of a different system but still axiom. I have W22, W150 4 QS8's and an EP 175 all powered by the 3806. Building a new home and new room and upgrading to the speakers I mentioned above. I was never really happy (completely) with the sound I got from the system as compared to others. My fathers specifically who had the same on walls but QS8's and an EP 350 powered by a Yamaha RVX2600. My Denon took me an hour to calibtrate and still not really satisfied. His Yamaha took me 15 minutes and it sounds much better. The clarity seemed better and the surround seemed more pronounced. Base definately better but the sub is a huge upgrade from what i understand.

I suppose I can build the cabinet with enough room to house the amplifier, or several amplifiers and try again with just my Denon. I just dont have confidence in it i guess.

Murph, Which Denon? does the watts output make a difference in the clarity or just volume?