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Separate R/L stereo power amp for 3.1 system?

pingpongplaya

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Aug 9, 2021
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Hi all, I am currently using a 3.1 system (Q Acoustics 3030i + 3090Ci and SVS SB-1000 Pro) with a Marantz NR1711 AV Receiver.
I have been considering buying a separate power amplifier for the R / L channels as the Marantz receiver has pre-outs for these channels (but not the centre channel).

Can anyone give tips on the pros / cons of this and their views of whether its worth it? The goal is to boost the music listening experience but given that I also watch TV a fair bit, I am wondering whether having the centre channel and R / L channels powered via different components would be detrimental for the sound.

If it helps, I am primarily considering the IOTAVX PA3 or the XTZ Edge A2-300. Any tips would be much appreciated!
 

Head_Unit

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Weird nobody replied to your question.
- At your loudest volume, if things sound OK, you will gain nothing.
- To have more power than an AVR means like 300+ watts at 4 ohms. That's not cheap! Less than that won't gain more volume really, due to the logarithmic nature of hearing.
- The answer to "having the centre channel and R / L channels powered via different components would be detrimental for the sound" is NO it's fine.
- Love your username! I haven't played much in a long time :( are you near L.A.? :D
- My suggestion is move up to a 3-way center channel, bigger woofers. You can't fit a 3rd 3030i to use as a center?
 
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