Can I use and external 2-ch amp with 7.1 Receiver?

[Nuke]

With a mid-level receiver, say the Pioneer Elite 74/84, Denon 380X, or Yamaha 2X00, if I have a 7.1 speaker setup, can this level of receiver send the signal for the front 2 channels to my existing 2-ch amp but continue to send a powered signal to all the other speakers? If so, is there any reason I shouldn't do this? I love my 2 channel amp.

I'm sure there's a name for what I'm trying to describe here. What is it called?

Thanks!

Nuke

 

[Nomo]

Absolutely, as long as your reciever has pre-outs to feed the amp.
Provided the amp is a decent one you're silly for not using it. If nothing else it will ease the strain on the reciever.

 

[markw]

Not knowing the details of every receiver on the market, one test you can make is to either read the spec sheets or look at the rear panel of the receivers that interset you. Many etailers offer rear views of receivers.

You should be looking for "preamp out" jacks there. If it has 'em, you're good to go. If not, then keep looking if it's a deal breaker.

Of course, this presumes that your two channel amp has main amp inputs. It does, doesn't it?

 

[tomd51]

Absolutely, Nomo summed it up pretty well. Unless you're running a $2,000 and up powerhouse receiver whose internal amps are better (which is highly unlikely), I'd suggest at least the mains be externally powered, even the center, if possible. Even if your receiver is rated for slightly more wattage (120Wx7 vs 100x2), you'd likely get a cleaner signal using the external amp and lessen the load for your remaining channels... -TD

 

[Nuke]

Not knowing the details of every receiver on the market, one test you can make is to either read the spec sheets or look at the rear panel of the receivers that interset you. Many etailers offer rear views of receivers.

You should be looking for "preamp out" jacks there. If it has 'em, you're good to go. If not, then keep looking if it's a deal breaker.

Of course, this presumes that your two channel amp has main amp inputs. It does, doesn't it?

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm familiar with using preamp outs. Somewhere I picked up the idea that with some receivers, you can either use the preamp out OR the powered (speaker) outs and that it's an all or nothing thing as far as channels go. Sound like that's not the case.

As for the external amp, it's an internal organ rattling Parasound HCA 3500 that I love, so I really want to use it in my new 7.1 setup.

Thanks again!