Bi-amp with multi-channel amps in H/T

Good question by the way- and a whasssuupp to Avguygeorge for always having interesting posts- Along with Albert Porter and others- you're an asset to this board! (great choice on the Aerials for HT- I have heard them- very nice)

OK- I happen to do home theater and 2-channel in same room (no choice, as in apartment). I recommend (if possible) to use the same model of amp for the front 3 channels if possible. I use the Theta Dreadnaught- runs at 400w into 4 ohms- speakers are Mani-2 x 5- yes, I actually use a single Mani-2 for center-channel! Very cool, as sonic signature is identical all around. I use 4 channels of the Theta and bi-amp it for the front left and right speakers (which suck power at only ~ 85 db efficiency), and use the 5th channel for the center speaker.

The rears IMO can be compromised if anything can. I use a Citation amp, only 'cause I got an OK deal; its a high-current design (actually had to turn rear-channel gains DOWN on processor as compared to more powerful Theta- which surprised me) plus the 12-volt trigger from matching processor turns it on and off automatically with the processor. When doing 2-channel, I use my tube preamp (with processor bypass) that runs the main fronts only. For me, its the ideal solution for an HT/2-channel integration system.

Back to your dillema. I would NOT recommend what you propose first. I tried using separate amps to bi-amp the same speaker, and its a problem, mainly because input impedances; gain; etc. between the different brands of amps all affect the perceived volume level between highs and mid/bass- not a great idea (IMO of course!). As to your second idea- YES!! That's the ticket- same amplification for front 3 channels (as I am doing) will prvide seamless sonic signature for HT (try and use same speaker wire across front 3 if possible- that also made a big diff in my system). Good luck!

Use a five channel amp to bi-amp the mains and drive the center channel. You can then pick up a similar two channel or three channel amp for the rears. If your doing HT with Maggies, i would highly suggest picking up a sub to reinforce the bottom end. That's why i suggested a three channel amp. Two for the rears and one for the sub. This gives you the same "sonic signature" throughout the entire system and you don't have to worry about gain matching different amps for the highs & lows, fronts to rears and center, etc... Keep in mind that HT is all about dynamics and impact. Since Maggies are not real punchy, efficient or "bass monsters", you will need a good amount of power to get the job done. Don't skimp here, as you'll just end up spending more money "upgrading" sometime down the road. I'm close to being in your situation, as my mains, surrounds and center are all 87 db's and sealed. Then again, i now have 6400 watts RMS feeding this system, so i don't think that i'm hurting in this area : ) Good luck and let us know what you end up doing. Sean
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I have a Magnepan home theater consisting of 3.5Rs for the L&R, MMGs for the rear, and the Maggie Center Speaker. I use three ATI amps. 2 - 1504s and a 1506. I bridge them so the 1504s have two channels each to biamp the 3.5Rs. I bridge the 1506 so it is 3 channels for the Center and Rears. All channels have the same power output throughout and match sonically. I have been using this setup for 2 years and it sounds wonderful. I agree with Sutts that to biamp with two different amps is very difficult and requires some type of attenuator to match volume gains. This is useful for pure music listening using SS on the bottom and tubes on the top, but not practical for home theater. Stick with all the same amplification if possible. Hope this helps. Happy listening.

Thanks for the suggestions,gentlemen. Since my first posting, I've added the Maggie center channel and a Paradigm PS-1000 sub to the setup, but I haven't bi-amped yet. The multi-channel amp is the Sherwood 9080, which has done a fine job driving all five Maggies so far. I still want to make use of the Denon rather than letting it "gather dust", so to speak, so I think I'll use it for the MG1's in the rear and use the Sherwood to Bi-amp the MG3's and drive the center. any opinions?