How to optimally use 3 XPA-DR3?

[theswede]

Looking for some input on this before I get cracking on the setup.



I have a 5.2 set up crossing over at 70Hz and currently use one DR3 for the front channels and a XPA G3 Seven for the passive subs and surround speakers. I use 6 of the seven channels with 4 of them individually driving four 13 inch passive subs.



Both the fronts and subs are low impedance or quite hungry for current which makes the Emotiva amps generally a good match.



I am planning to replace the XPA Seven with 2 additional DR3 and can't make up my mind how to best configure them.



I could keep one DR3 for the fronts and use the other 2 for left and right side surround and subs. This would give the subs the most available power however I might be slightly compromised on channel separation for the main fronts so the other option is to use one DR3 for the center and surround channels and use 2 DR3 to drive left and right side fronts inkl subs but think this will make the amps work harder which might not be a problem but in my experience you almost can’t have enough reserve when you want to crank up the volume.



Any thoughts on this?

[bolle]

Another variant:

1: FR + SR + 1 sub
2: FL + SL + 1 sub
3: C + 2 subs

This should at least also give good separation.

But if I were you I would get a PA amp or some Hypex UCD2K build for the subs and just keep your existing amps for the rest of the speakers.

[theswede]

Great input, did not consider that due to how the cabling and my rack is organized but it's indeed keeping separation and distributing the power needs a bit better. I'll have a think on if it can be rearranged.

My impression of the DR3 is in part that the control is exceptional and I was thinking it would firm up the subs quite a bit eventhough there is not much wrong with them as is.