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Questions regarding Sunfire Cinema Grand setup

I just purchased this amp, and I noticed I have the choice of hooking up the L and R mains as Current or Voltage. It is my understanding that the Current setting, will provide a more "tube-like" sound, which intrigues me. My concern is that I don't have this option for the center channel.

Does anyone know if I use the Current settings for my mains, would it sound strange for home theater, since my center speaker would be setup as Voltage.

I am assuming that it was designed this way because in a movie setup, you won't notice the difference, whereas in two channel, you can go with whatever setting you like better.

Does anyone have any real world experience with setting this amp up either way?

Thanks
Greg
gregbe
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,604 posts
 
I used a Sunfire signature amp in my home theater setup...I tried both ways and I could never tell the difference in the home theater application.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
I owned the Sunfire Cinema Series II and ran it both ways.. for movies you can't tell the difference even with a $7k processor. So pick which one sounds best for 2 channel and don't worry about it.. the sunfire amps don't offend but they are not the last statement in resolution or detail. They are perfect amps to put into an enclosed space since they don't generate any heat and auto turn/off with signal sensing..
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
If you can figure out a way to bi-wire your speakers, that is the best solution, IMHO.
My speakers were bi-wireable and I ran the Current to the mids and up, with the Voltage to the bass. Sounded great. I agree with the previous posters - you really shouldn't hear a difference with the center channel on a different mode than the mains - my results were that Current was more involving for the mains.
gregbe OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for all of the advice. Fplanner, my mains can be bi-wired. My binding posts on the Monitor Audio GR10 don't indicate which set is for bass and which set is for mids and up. Is there a right way and a wrong way to bi-wire?

Thanks
Greg
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Usually the lower binding posts are for bass, but I would call the Monitor Audio to be sure. There is a slight chance both sets may be coupled internally, in which case they will be able to tell you how to decouple them, etc. It makes sense to get accurate info before you experiment and possible short something. Additionally, Sunfire should be able to help you with the bi-wire process with your particular amp. I would talk to them after Monitor and they should be very willing to help. If Ken is still in Sunfire tech support, he's very good.

It makes more sense to call the companies directly regarding your specific equiptment to make sure everything is done properly. I know what I did, but my gear is slightly different than yours and I'd hate to misinform you. Let me know how you make out.
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