RSX-1056 or RB-976 for fronts

[Tom Caines]

I'm running a RSX-1056 (75W/channel) for 5.1 and have the option to use a RB-976 6-channel (60W/channel) amplifier in bridge mode for 3-channels at 150W/channel for the fronts and redirect the RSX-1056's front amps to drive speakers in another room with Zone 2 material. Alternately, I can let the RSX_1056 do it's 5.1 think and use the RB-976 for Zone 2 and other amplification.

Question is, the RSX-1056 with Vandersteen 1C's at each corner and a VCC center is fully capable of reaching a 75db reference level in my 20'x22'x8' room. However, would there be a significant improvement in quality, soundstage etc. with the 150W/channel Left-Center-Right front setup? On the other side of the coin, would I be introducing any appreciable distortion and/or noise in the system? The RSX-1056 is a 2005 release and the RB-976 is from 1998.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

FYI: The Vandersteen 1C speaker spec. is 6.8 ohms, with an efficiency rating of 90dB. The Vandersteen VCC center is 8 ohm nominal/5 ohm minimum with an efficiency rating of 86db.

[Kevin D]

I wouldn't think so, the 976's primary purpose is for distributed audio, not music/HT. Plus when you bridge the amp, the distortion levels and ohm handling got up. IE, it will sound worse and may not fully drive your speakers bridged.

Kevin D.

[srb]

I agree with Kevin D.

FYI: The Vandersteen 1C speaker spec. is 6.8 ohms, with an efficiency rating of 90dB.

The 1C is actually 6.8 ohms +/- 2 ohms, which means it reaches a minimum impedance of 4.8 ohms. The bridged amplifier will see that as a minimum impedance of 2.4 ohms which would not be recommended for that amplifier.


Steve

[Tom Caines]

Thanks Kevin D and srb for the information.

What you both said makes good sense. I checked the C1's specs more carefully and yes you are right, "6.8 ohms +/- 2 ohms... 4.2 ohms" and that puts this issue to bed.