reciever power distribution... (1 Viewer)

[Topher]

I have been doing research for a new reciever and have narrowed my choices a bit, however I am curious about something. I understand all about the power is rated (some companies do it on each channel seperatly, others with all channels driven, etc...) My question is this; if a reciever like the HK325 is rated for 50watts X 7 and I will only be using a 5.1 setup, will the wattage be a little higher for using 5 channels? Or does the reciever use 7 seperate amps that put out the same wattage no matter how many are connected? I noticed that in the specs it had the same power rating in both stereo and with all 7 channels driven, however I have noticed in many independent tests these numbers are often a little different in real world usage. Thanks in advance, I am more curious than anything, my speakers have a good sensitivity (91db) so I am not necessarily worried about this, just wondering how it works. THANKS!

 

[John S]

Any relief on the power supply will be welcome.

May not be notice-able, but will be there, maybe during extreme loud scenes.

 

[John Garcia]

Yes, your available current will be higher with fewer channels driven, however since it is rare for all channels to be driven simultaneously, your total output will not be significantly higher. You will basically have more headroom. I am using my receiver the same way since I no longer have a place for my rear center in my new setup.

 

[Topher]

I am running without a front center right now, and do not plan on adding one anytime soon (not until I can afford a good one anyways!) so I would only be pushing 4 of 6 channels. I didn't think there would be a major increase, but I did think there would be some difference. Thanks for reassuring that assumption.