2. amps-preamps
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Setting up 2 power amplifiers to setup at once help?

Hey guys I’m using a pair of Polk rti a7s with a Denon Poa 2800 amplifier and Denon receiver 2801. I just bought another power yamha PC2002M power amplifier which has a little more kick then the denon 2800. But I will be giving the denon 2800 to my dad when he gets back from his trip. I just want to know is it possible to hook up the 2 power amps to my setup at once ? And is it worth will I see a big difference in sound quality and performance ? I’m just curious and want to do a bit of experimenting only if it’s possible? Don’t want to risk blowing anything up. Thanks guys

Tony
daoki
erik_squires
16,049 posts
 
You may use a receiver as a pre if it has line level outputs.
Under no circumstances should you hook up two amplifiers to the same speaker at the same time except in the rare case of bridging, which you are not doing.

Each amp has an "opinion" of what the voltage should be and will fight for it. That fight can blow up lots and lots of parts at once.

Best,
E
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,768 posts
 
If the Polks have 2 sets of input terminals, you could try bi-amping them.
You'll need additional interconnects. Not sure it’s worth doing but if you want to play...

roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Bi-amping (really bi-wiring without an active crossover) will only work with two identical stereo amps (with equal gain). I don't think it will have any significant advantage over, say, using a pair of mono amps. In your case, with two different amps (with different gain), don't do it! I am unfamiliar with the output connectors on the RTi A7's. Even if they had the requisite two pairs with jumpers, you still cannot connect two dissimilar amps (with different gain) to them!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I have bi-amped two pairs of speakers successfully using an active crossover. Splitting the signal into bass and mid-high frequencies. One pair of speakers for bass, one pair for mids and highs.The active x-over allowed for gain adjustments for the amps used. And selectible turnover points for the low and high frequencies. Your Denon receiver does not have this capability!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I doubt that you will be able to hear any qualitative difference between the sound of the Denon vs. the Yamaha. All modern electronics have been pretty much sonically equivalent for the past 20+ years or so! Regardless of what the "golden ear" crowd claims! 
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