Adding Two Channel Amp to my System for 7.1

[zman1974]

I am going to be adding a 2-channel amplifier to my system in order to go 7.1.

I have everything connected with balanced connections.

Is it wise to mix an unbalanced two channel amplifier into this chain?

There are not many affordable options out there with balanced connections (the Berhinger A500 being the only exception). After that, it goes north of $500 which is a no-go for me.

So, would you guys recommend that I get the Berhinger or work in a good, used unbalanced 2-channel consumer amp?

Jim

 

[adk highlander]

You should find no difference running the unbalanced 2-channel. Just go through your setup to level match the additional speakers and you will be all set.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Do you have cable TV lines in your system anywhere?

Cable lines can cause some serious HUM noise when you have Unbalanced connectors.

 

[zman1974]

Do you have cable TV lines in your system anywhere?

Cable lines can cause some serious HUM noise when you have Unbalanced connectors.

Yes. Hum has always been a problem in my system. I have mostly eliminated it, though, and a big reason for that was going the balanced route.

This amp will be used to power the rear surrounds in a 7.1 system so I'm not so sure how much of a big deal this is, though.

I have heard that mix and matching balanced and unbalanced is not a good thing, but I would think that Audessey should adjust for the db difference. If not, I can always do it manually.

Basically, it comes down to cost:

I can't afford a consumer amp with balanced connections; so, it's either the Behringer or a good consumer amp without balanced connections.

I am eyeing a used Parasound HCA-1000 on the "gon. Can't do much better for that price, I think.

Jim

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yes. Hum has always been a problem in my system. I have mostly eliminated it, though, and a big reason for that was going the balanced route.

This amp will be used to power the rear surrounds in a 7.1 system so I'm not so sure how much of a big deal this is, though.

I have heard that mix and matching balanced and unbalanced is not a good thing, but I would think that Audessey should adjust for the db difference. If not, I can always do it manually.

Basically, it comes down to cost:

I can't afford a consumer amp with balanced connections; so, it's either the Behringer or a good consumer amp without balanced connections.

I am eyeing a used Parasound HCA-1000 on the "gon. Can't do much better for that price, I think.

Jim

Hum noise is irritating coming from any speaker.

So if hum noise is a huge factor in your system, I would not think twice about it - you must get amps with balanced connectors.

 

[zman1974]

Hum noise is irritating coming from any speaker.

So if hum noise is a huge factor in your system, I would not think twice about it - you must get amps with balanced connectors.

Guess I'll try the Behringer, then. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Jim