2. amps-preamps
  3. 140067-121356

Powering nine home speakers

Hi. I have a large open living room and want to increase the wattage I have running my speakers. I currently have an Onkyo 7-channel amp and took the front left and right outs and have them going to an OSD Audio ATM7 7-zone speaker selector. However the Onkyo amp is not powerful enough to drive all 9 speakers strong enough. It sounds very weak. 

The only device I want to connect is a sonos connect that I have. Currently I connect the optical out of that to the Onkyo amp. Should I introduce a second amp? How exactly would I connect them? Would I run the sonos connect into one amp and take the preamp outs to the other amp? Can you have a standard front left and right out AND a preamp out at the same time?

i only want/need stereo sound not surround. 

Thanks!
jj91709
jj91709 OP
11 posts
 
Actually it looks to me like the ost unit accommodates 2 amps 

OSD Audio ATM7 Automatic 7-Zone Speaker Selector w/ IR Remote Control IR Code https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Y8MH3M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9XJ9BbP5GNFWK

it references:
impedance protection circuitry
and
Impedance-Matching Autoformers safely distribute maximum power throughout your system.

imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,213 posts
 
I suggest you try this first:
Onkyo front left and right speaker outs --->  speaker selector with impedance matching ----> speakers 
Imo, when you parallel all speakers without impedance matching, it give a very low impedance for the Onkyo to handle! 
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,213 posts
 
it references:
impedance protection circuitry
and
Impedance-Matching Autoformers safely distribute maximum power throughout your system.
The TSM8 and TSM12 come with autoformer and impedance protection circuitry, not on the ATM7!
jj91709 OP
11 posts
 
Thanks again. Can I ask what’s the risk if the impedance doesn’t match (ie using the current speaker selector and a second amp)? Harm to the equipment or just uneven sound? 

Happy thanksgiving. 
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
jj91709,

     I think it's important you realize something that has not been stated on this thread thus far.  Listening to music through 9 ceiling mounted speakers is the least enjoyable method I, and probably most members on this forum, can think of .
     Your audio system configuration is fine if your goal is background music but falls far short of the high quality music reproduction systems that most members here use or are striving to create.
     I'm assuming you're fairly new to this site and may not be familiar with how to configure a system so that a 3 dimensional illusion is created which credibly portrays the performers as being in the room.  
     My intention is not to demean but to convey that there are much better methods to enjoy recorded music that I believe almost all music lovers would choose once they personally experienced the difference between a background music system and a properly configured stereo system.
     The members here are generally very knowledgeable and willing to assist those with less experience and knowledge (a minimal number of 'audio snobs').  
     I'm sure you'd receive good advice either way, but I think you need to decide if just louder background music or a more involving audio system is your preference.

Tim
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