XPA 5 Power distribution across all channels

[Shapps]

Hi,

I have got the XPA 5 Gen2 amp and I really like it. At present, I am only using its 3 channels (for Left, Right and Center Speakers). I am thinking of bi-amping the Left and Right speakers and wondering how the power will be distributed across all channels? I understand that XPA 5 can outputs 200W (approx) each channel when all 5 channels are driven, but what about when only 3 channels are driven?

So I guess the question is, by using 2 channels each for the Left and Right Speakers, and leaving only 1 channel for the Center Speaker, would I be giving less power to the center speaker than its getting at present. (3 channels vs 5 channels driven).

Thanks.

[hemster]

If you're bi-amping, you are using 2 amps per channel for the front right & left. That makes a total of 4 amps, leaving 1 for the center. So, technically yes, you would be feeding 'less' into the center channel.

However the key question is: will this be noticeable? I don't think so. There's adequate power still available to the center for dialog and I bet you won't be left wanting.

[novisnick]

Shapps,
The manual states the increased power to the three channels if that is all that are in use, let's take a look.
BRB
Peace,
Nick

[Jim]

There was a spec published years ago, with 3 channels driven:
web.archive.org/web/20090227173257/http://emotiva.com/xpa5.shtm

8 ohm: 3 channels - 8 ohm = 250 watts per channel
4 ohm: 3 channels - 4 ohm = 400 watts per channel

You will get higher wattage when driving 3 of the 5, instead of all 5... but don't abuse it and rely on the extra power you're getting.

[novisnick]

Jim beat me to it, good job Jim
Nick

[Shapps]

Thanks a lot for the responses. I guess I will give it a go (bi-amp Left and Right Speakers) and see if I like it. 200W for the center seems plenty !