Tri-Bank Amplifiers

[minkybut]

Besides the big Yamaha M series amps, are there any 150 wpc or better amps or integrated amps that can have 3 banks of speakers?

 

[BinaryMike]

McIntosh made a number of models with output autoformers offering very low impedance output taps for jobs like that.

 

[minkybut]

Thanks Mike. I'm surprised not more companies made amps that have speaker outputs for three pairs of speakers.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Most SS amplifiers could not handle 3 pairs of speakers without issues either. In many cases, a 2 ohm load. McIntosh with autoformers could handle this all day long without nasty issues like overheating and blowing output transistors.

 

[Kahoona]

My Yama MX1000 had 3 taps but the b and c speakers ran at 1/2 power when all 3 were on so it really was more like 2+.

 

[wizargoz]

I have found synergy with a single pair of speakers, and even 2 sets of speakers- but never with 3 sets of speakers. Maybe if they were all the same model...:scratch2:

 

[minkybut]

I was just interested in integrated or power amps that handle 3 sets of speakers so I could have 3 sets of speakers ready to play. I have no want to play all three at the same time. I just think it is cool to be able to switch speakers every now and then.

 

[BinaryMike]

That's a lot simpler problem to solve. Just make or buy a simple speaker selector switch box. The commercial ones (and the built-in ones) usually insert resistance if you select more than one pair of speakers to play simultaneously, so your amplifier is protected from overload. That feature often impairs sonic results, but you're not under any compulsion to use it.

 

[minkybut]

Banks

Mike, do you mean a speaker selector switch impairs sonic results when used with more than one pair of speakers or impairs anyway? I have one, but my amp tech talks so much trash about them he has convinced me they are a no no. I can't hear anything being added to the music when I was using it but then I figure he knows more about it than me. The switch I have allows more than one amp to be hooked to it which I like so I can switch amps to different speakers. Its fun to be able to try different combinations but I don't want to blow anything up.

 

[BinaryMike]

The impairment comes about because of the resistance that's added when you activate multiple speaker pairs. It defeats the amplifier's damping capabilities and allows the speakers' varying impedance to corrupt frequency response. When you listen to just one pair, the extra resistance is generally switched out (in the better-designed switching units, anyway). Some folks like to dis anything with switches in it, and it's certainly true that switch contacts are a frequent trouble spot in audio gear, but most of us choose to cohabit with 'em.

 

[minkybut]

Thanks Mike, I have a 4 pair selector that is suppose to be good. I'm told I can't use it with my internally bridged Sansui though.