2. amps-preamps
  3. 1148308007

Unused channels on a multi channel amp

Is it possible to run a multi channel amp without using all the channels without causing damage? For example, can a five channel amp be used to biamp a pair of stereo speakers and not use the fifth channel? Would you have to connect a speaker to the unused channel to present it with a load? Would you have to cap off the inputs in some way? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

David
dnapo
porziob
316 posts
 
You can use 1 to 5 channels. It`s not neccessary to cap the unused inputs.
entrope
482 posts
 
I have been using three of five channels on a Parasound 1205a for 2 years without problem.
markphd
667 posts
 
That's what I'm doing at the moment. I have a pair of speakers biamped with a 5 channel power amp, with the full blessing of the manufacturer. You simply don't use what you don't need. No need to cap anything.

Also, if the multichannel amp uses a single power supply, particularly if it is not especially large, the amp might actually sound better the fewer channels you use. You would have fewer channels drawing the available power from the common power supply.
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