Receiver questions for stereo

[thermal]

Hi:

I'v been looking for a new receiver and I noticed they have 7 channels now. I think I'll just stick with 2 speakers for now!

I've looked at the new Denon and Onkyo receivers and have noticed that they have the setup option for bi-amping and bridging.

What is the difference and will I notice an improvement by doing this?

If I understand it a little, looks like this setup will use 4 channels out of the 7.

Is this a good plan or should I look at a pre/pro and then use a 2 channel amp?

Thanks!

 

[fmw]

Biamping is the technique of using two amps per speaker system. Usually one is connected to the low freqency end of the crossover network and the other to the higher frequencies. Bridging is the process of combining the output power of two amplifiers into a single output.

These techniques are usually a waste of wire and heat. The only time they could provide better sound is if the amplifier is clipping (distorting) because it is over driven. If you have a very large room, very inefficient speakers and play things very loudly, you could be clipping a small amplifier. Normally it isn't an issue.

Buying a 7 channel receiver makes sense if you plan to use it in a surround sound home theater application in the future. Otherwise you would be served just as well with a 2 channel receiver.

 

[thermal]

I thought it would be nice to have a receiver for video switching and video conversions.

So if the biamp doesn't work then I guess I should look at pre/surround pro with stereo amp. Seems like a waste to only use 2 amps out of 7.