I have a classe cav-500 5 channel amp. Each channel is rated at 250 watts. I use 2 channels to my right main and 2 channels to my left main. I have b and w 802 nautilus speakers. Each speaker gets 250 watts to the woofers and another 250 watts to the mid and high. The 5th channel powers my center channel.I have an old proton 6-channel amp that I have bridged into 3 channels powering the rear speakers. I obviously only use 2 of the 3 available channels here. The sound for 2-channel cd playing is awesome.A multichannel amp used in this manner can give tremendous sound. When the surround sound is booted up the dynamics are just as impressive. I feel that I am getting the best possible sound out of the equipment I own. The Classe can run hot but it handles the load well.If I get carried away with the volume the Classe protection circuit will shut the amp down.That has only happened twice when I was testing to see how much the amp could handle.I would like to get seperate amps for every channel but I have neither the room or the cash.I bought the Classe-500 amp pre-owned and got a great deal.It is truely a beast and sounds awesome in all regards.Good luck making your decision.
ss multi-ch. amps vs multi seperate amps any adv.
Bulding a ss 5 ch. Surround sys. Is there any adv.to sep. Amps vs multi-ch amps? Ie like a parasound hca 1200 for front another for rear and one bridged for center vs something like a 1200a 5 ch ss amp.will be using a b&k referance 30 processor. Assuming all power is equal what's the diff?