3x100 W vs 2 x200 W (1 Viewer)

[Joseph_Mikhail]

For a 5.1 system, which setup would sound better.

Running my mains off a bridged amp with 200 W per channel and let my receiver handle the other channels. Or running my mains and center off my amp (not in bridged mode) at 100 W per channel and let my receiver handle the surround channels.

My speakers are rated at 150 W. And I usually only use my system for HT.

 

[Joseph_Mikhail]

You guys are going to make me try both setups myself, aren't you?

 

[Cees Alons]

Joseph,
That's not easy to answer, because much will depend on (the quality of) your amps and receiver.
However, as a general point, it looks as if it's better to try and have the L/R AND Center from equal sounding sources. So your second option is probably the best.
Also, if your receiver power section has lower wattage than your main amps, it's wiser to have it (the receiver) drive your surrounds.
But indeed - the proof of the pudding is in the eating .
Cees

 

[Joseph_Mikhail]

Thanks for the reply. I planned on trying both setups anyways, but I just wanted to see what you guys thought.

 

[Duke]

also depends on the speakers you are driving, full range speakers eat more power to drive the woofers, if you are running small all around then less power would be needed. So if the L&R are large and the center and surrounds are small, I'd go with the 200 for the l&R and drive the rest from the AVR