Can one possibly use a Sherbourn 8100 as a 7 channel amp?

[jcisbig]

So here's a random question. I know the first response is going to be "why"? But just put that aside for a moment...

Would it be possible to run a processor (like the UMC-200) into the 7.1 analog inputs on a Sherbourn 8100 in order to purely use the 8100 as a 7 channel amp? I'm assuming that you would be running the 8100 in direct mode with no audio processing (or as little audio processing as possible). Basically, you'd be using a processor like the UMC-200 to feed signals into the 8100 in order to power the speakers. Or even more basically, can you use an 8100 as a 7 channel amp?

Thoughts?

[unsound]

Yes, you could as the SR8100 does have a 7.1 in. But, "why" is a very pertinent question here as the processor part of the SR 8100 is identical to the UMC-200 AFAIK.

[jcisbig]

Ha ha, I knew that would be a question right off the bat!

I guess in reality, the only reason to do it would be if someone needed 4k video or some other feature that a future processor had that the 8100 doesn't, like the upcoming MC700. So in light of that: If someone wanted that processor for it's features, could they use the 8100 as an amp, or would they have to go and buy a whole new system with a new processor (like the MC700) and a new amp, or could they "reuse" the 8100 in a different role.

[unsound]

We always want to ensure our fellow-loungers are making sound decisions - my username notwithstanding
Yes, in those cases it would certainly make sense to use a different processor. You should have no problem using the 8100 as an external amp with its 7.1 input. Per the manual "Provides one set of unbalanced 7.1 channel surround audio inputs. The signals received at these inputs bypass all digital processing and are passed directly to the volume control and the preamp outputs. Typically, the analog surround sound outputs of an SACD player or external decoder are connected to these inputs."

[AudioHTIT]

^^^ Yes. It would be a relatively clean signal path, but you would have an additional preamp and volume control that would not be present with a power amp. So it would work fine, but probably better to sell it and buy an A-700 (which would also give you a letter power supply).

[jcisbig]

Sept 1, 2016 11:34:11 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

^^^ Yes. It would be a relatively clean signal path, but you would have an additional preamp and volume control that would not be present with a power amp. So it would work fine, but probably better to sell it and buy an A-700 (which would also give you a letter power supply).

I agree, a dedicated amp would always be better. But for someone on a budget who may want to upgrade from an 8100 to another processor, being able to use the 8100 as an amp for a while until they saved up enough to get a dedicated amp would be a nice option for them to know about. That way they can space their purchases out a bit and aren't thinking they would have to buy a new processor AND a new amp at the same time in order to upgrade. They could do it slower and over time if need be.

Of course, all that is assuming that it would actually work well. It seems that the consensus is that it would work fine, but we can all agree that it's not ideal!

[unsound]

Sept 1, 2016 11:34:11 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

^^^ Yes. It would be a relatively clean signal path, but you would have an additional preamp and volume control that would not be present with a power amp. So it would work fine, but probably better to sell it and buy an A-700 (which would also give you a letter power supply).

Actually, based on the manual, it goes straight to the "volume control and preamp output". So, the only difference should be the volume control. That could just be maxed out and it would not at all be easy to tell the difference between both these setups. Assuming, of course, that the A700 and the amp section of the SR 8100 are identical.