5.1 Theater using 7.1 Receiver

[WWBLEVINS]

Maybe I'm geezing, but I've wondered what happens to the unused power amps that are not utilized when a 7-channel A/V Receiver is used in a 5-channel home-theater system. I have the Marantz SR7001, which claims impressive capacity with all seven channels driven. Do these two amplifiers sit idle? Can they contribute capacity to the five "used" channels? This is never mentioned in an operating manual. I did inhale when I was younger.

 

[croseiv]

I think they (amplifiers) are un-used, but the transformer is free to offer more current to the other amps.

 

[Seth=L]

Each channel on the receiver can output large amounts of power alone, receivers typically run out of power when the power supply runs out of power, so each channel is being utilized quite well and in a way can use more power given that the receiver is powering less channels, but in real world applications you rarely use more than 10 watts per channel RMS even at high levels of output.

 

[Thunder18]

Those two channels can more than likely be used to bi-amp a pair of speakers if you have speakers capable of being bi-amped. Also, a lot of 7.1 receivers can utilize the surround back channels as a powered zone 2 when the main configuration is only utilizing 5.1 channels. Maybe you need some music in another room/patio/kitchen? That's a good use for unused channels.

 

[WWBLEVINS]

Thanks guys, that all makes sense. Merry Christmas!

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks guys, that all makes sense. Merry Christmas!

One is glad to be of service.