Do I need 3 channel AMP?

[bluemeanies]

I was recently at a friends house who had the same speakers as I do for the mains and center. The surrounds were the next level up from the DS7's. We have the B&W 804S speakers and the HTMS3 center channel.
My friend has a 200 watt per channel amp feeding his center and surrounds while having the XPR2 at 600 watts per channel driving his mains....804S speakers. I was impressed with this combo b/c of how the 804s performed however I really did not get a lengthy audition and cannot said if there would be any negative feedback that I would have b/c the XPR2 is only two channel and not a three channel amp. I myself have been looking for a 3channel amp in a moderate price range and have been disappointed. Listening to this setup had me interested in the XPR2 but is this the right way two get around buying a 3channel amp since a lot of manufacturers do not make them especially at 300 watts or more.
Is it important to have the THREE main channels driven by the same amp in regards to watts.

Any thoughts or suggestions,
Thanks

[KeithL]

You do not need to match the "three main channels" in terms of power. The center channel is used more for dialog than anything else. While it is important to have enough power for it to "get the job done", it doesn't have to match the main L & R. You most certainly want all of your front amplifiers to sound the same, so I probably wouldn't match, say, an XPR and a pair of UPA's, but matching the power is not at all an issue.

It sounds like your friend shares the philosophy I (and many other people) do: The front L & R are the most important, since you use them for stereo music, and so they should have the best speakers and the most amplifier power. The next most important is the center, which is important for dialog in surround, but that doesn't need as much power.

Sept 30, 2013 8:20:07 GMT -5 bluemeanies said:

I was recently at a friends house who had the same speakers as I do for the mains and center. The surrounds were the next level up from the DS7's. We have the B&W 804S speakers and the HTMS3 center channel.
My friend has a 200 watt per channel amp feeding his center and surrounds while having the XPR2 at 600 watts per channel driving his mains....804S speakers. I was impressed with this combo b/c of how the 804s performed however I really did not get a lengthy audition and cannot said if there would be any negative feedback that I would have b/c the XPR2 is only two channel and not a three channel amp. I myself have been looking for a 3channel amp in a moderate price range and have been disappointed. Listening to this setup had me interested in the XPR2 but is this the right way two get around buying a 3channel amp since a lot of manufacturers do not make them especially at 300 watts or more.
Is it important to have the THREE main channels driven by the same amp in regards to watts.

Any thoughts or suggestions,
Thanks

[novisnick]

I do agree with KeithL, or we think alike. I have XPR -1s for L/R and surrounds and center running on an XPA-5. This seems to be a great setup . I rematches Tron last night and Oh what a difference it made. A match made in heaven. I upped the L/R for 2 channel and for HT They never broke a sweat.My thoughts and observations.
Peace,
Nick

[bluemeanies]

Hey guys thanks for your opinions. Your responses have me excited as I have wanted to have the maximum soundstage and dynamics with my 804s. I felt my friend attained this from stepping up to 600 watts per Chanel as opposed to what I have (200watts per). I definitely heard the difference but as I said I was unable to listen to a lengthy demo for both music and video.
Although I will have to wait awhile I am fueled to embrace the XPR 2 into my system.
One last question.
Will the my Outlaw 990 processor be adequate for the XPR2 amplifier?

Thanks

[bluemeanies]

PS
KEITH...love the hat man...it's you!

[KeithL]

Thanks, much

Sept 30, 2013 15:14:28 GMT -5 bluemeanies said:

PS
KEITH...love the hat man...it's you!

[lowepat]

What about like me to use a XPR-5 for all your front speakers including the Right, the Left and the Center which will give you equal power. That is my current setting ( 7.1 channels ) while the remaining four channels, I used XPA-5. So far, all my channels are full of power and work seamlessly.

[bluemeanies]

Another good idea. I am thinking of pumping the most power I can afford into my B&W 804S speakers (600watts per). My friend uses the XPR2 and I was very impressed with the sound I was hearing from his 804's.
I have time to make a decision on this since I might have to drain the piggy bank.....again and get some financial assistance from my better half.
I won't rule out your suggestion.

Thanks much.

[AudioHTIT]

The holiday sale was just announced (Oct 15), so you're preparing at the right time. A couple good options, the XPR-2 and the 804's sounds like a nice match.

[bluemeanies]

Thanks
I have a lot of sweet talkin to do.