Yamaha RX-A3000: 11.2 needs external amp?

[Untsaiyi]

I'm new to all this, so forgive me for my ignorance while I learn, but the review here didn't mention anything about needing an external amp for 11.2 surround sound. Yet when I go on Yamaha's website under features they say "expandable to 11.2 channels (with front and rear presence speakers) by adding an external amp."

Now is each channel a speaker? Because that's what I've been assuming so far.

By adding an external amp, are they talking about something like the Seymour AV 1000w Ice Block Amplifier? (I was going to post a link, but it seems I'm not allowed to yet.)

The RX-A3000 gives 140w per channel (I think), for a total of 980w and 7 channels. Does that mean when buying an amp, if I want 11.2, I'll need to get one with at least 560w to support the 4 extra channels/speakers (140w x 4)?

And lastly, would I be able to use 4 subwoofers instead of just two with this receiver? Two in front, two in back. I'm assuming the .2 in 11.2 stands for two subwoofers, so I don't know if upgrading it to "11.4" would be possible... since it says 11.2 is the maximum.

Thanks in advance guys, I'm really trying to learn.

 

[ZeGhostbear]

I'm new to all this, so forgive me for my ignorance while I learn, but the review here didn't mention anything about needing an external amp for 11.2 surround sound. Yet when I go on Yamaha's website under features they say "expandable to 11.2 channels (with front and rear presence speakers) by adding an external amp."

Now is each channel a speaker? Because that's what I've been assuming so far.

That's right.

By adding an external amp, are they talking about something like the Seymour AV 1000w Ice Block Amplifier? (I was going to post a link, but it seems I'm not allowed to yet.)

In the world of separates there are a large number of amplifiers to choose from. I personally own an Emotiva amp.

The RX-A3000 gives 140w per channel (I think), for a total of 980w and 7 channels. Does that mean when buying an amp, if I want 11.2, I'll need to get one with at least 560w to support the 4 extra channels/speakers (140w x 4)?

How much amp power you need largely depends on which speakers you are hooking up. More efficient speakers require less amplification relative to some speakers. To simply rank an amp by the manufacturer listed wattage is not sufficient.

And lastly, would I be able to use 4 subwoofers instead of just two with this receiver? Two in front, two in back. I'm assuming the .2 in 11.2 stands for two subwoofers, so I don't know if upgrading it to "11.4" would be possible... since it says 11.2 is the maximum.

Hooking up two would be much more simple. For hooking up four you would probably need to buy additional gear that you then have to figure out how to use. Post in the subwoofer section for info.