...why would someone go with the 2 channel version vs. the 8 if price is not an issue? It seems they are nearly identical other than the number of outputs. So when you want to listen to stereo fir music.....according to what I've read, you theoretically get the same power output on either the A1400-8 and A1400-2. The plus side in my opinion is, when you watch a movie in 5.1 or 7.1, you have the ability to crank it up without the having to push your receiver amp.

Am I looking at this wrong or would most just want the main speakers to be powered by the added available power of an amp and given a good receiver (I've got the Onkyo flagship from last year, the 905), leave the HT to the receiver.

The reason I ask is, I was going to go with the A1400-8 on my order but was waiting to see its 2 channel cousin....now I'm a bit confused as which way to go.

I'd stick with the -8, myself, had I had the change.

If the money isn't an issue the 8 would give you more setup options.

I missed an announcement, and the date is April second, not the first?

When did you see something about a A1400-2?

b/c the two channel amp has 700 wpc.

Edit: I suppose with the a-1400 if you are only driving two channels it would have the same effect.... but then when watching movies you get the amp for all channels so nevermind

Mark, the Jan 2009 Axiom Owners Club Newsletter announced the A1400-2
Mel N.

Thanks, Mel. I don't remember that.

Was there pricing?

I see it's not in the store. I would have assumed the same chassis, power supply, etc., enabling it to come to market pretty soon?

Just today, in meeting with two electricians for estimates, I told them that one of the things needing doing was a dedicated 20 amp circuit for my HT.

That was just in case an opportunity for an amp comes along! Well, that and when the system cranks in the summer with an A/C on in another room (but same circuit), the lights dim to the beat....

From the homepage, place cursor over "Products" and scroll down the drop down menu. Stop on "View all amplifiers." Both the A1400-8 and the A1400-2 will be listed.

Interesting that it shows up there, yet not on the products page otherwise...

The incremental difference of $1230 buys you six additional channels of amplification while keeping the flexibility to use all available power on two channels. I think the extra cost is worthwhile provided one is not already strained by the outlay for A1400-2.

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.

Because not all people have surround speaker systems.

Well? Why the hell not? What's WRONG with these people?

Its the latter from what I understand.

Also there is another significant difference between the 2 amps besides the number of channels and price . The A-1400-2 amp has the benefit of those huge 140,000mf capacitors for just 2 channels as compared to spreading them over 8 channels. That's a heck of alot of power on reserve which is why my amp keeps playing for up to a minute after I shut the power switch.