New to the Club with a...

[DeanP]

...used Rotel RB-956AX (6 x 40wpc). I got it off of E-Bay for $125US! I think I got a good deal!
I now have some questions about it before I actually get it in my hands.
I was wondering how I should hook it up as it can be bridged into 3 ch. only or any other combination (4,5,6).
I have a Yamaha RXV-730 with 6 pre outs but I only have 5 speakers right now.
So I was wondering if I should bridge 2 chs. and then use it for the center and then use the other chs. for the other 4 speakers...or...
Bridge all the channels for 3 outputs for the LF/C/RF and use my Yammy for the two surrounds?

Also, should I turn the volume/gain all the way up or what?

Thanks in advance, Dean

PS Now I am in trouble as I am looking ahead again to upgrade something else! :B

[aud19]

I'm generally not a big fan of bridging as it can introduce noise and plays tricks with resistance but at 40WPC I think you'll have to. What speakers are you powering them with? If they're relatively efficient you should be OK. If they're harder to drive you could have some problems with bridging.

Jason

[DeanP]

Athenas...AS-B2s and ASC-1. 8 ohm nominal.

[SpOoNmAn]

Im with Jason as far as bridging goes, but those Athenas shouldn't pose a problem at all. They have a higher sensitivity rating if I recall.

Welcome to the family :T

[DeanP]

So are you guys saying that it will be okay to bridge with these speakers or just leave them unbridged?

[Drew_W]

Bridge the amp to three channels and use it for your LCR. The Yamaha will thank you.

As for the gain controls, well, sure, turn them all the way up, then grab your SPL meter and calibrate up your system...if you have difficulty getting levels to match, then play with the gain controls...I doubt you'll need to though.

[DeanP]

Thanks! :T
Now to wait for the delivery!

[DeanP]

Well I hooked it up today! What a difference! My Athenas woke up, much clearer and more midrange! It sounds very good in stereo(and 6 ch stereo!) and I can tell in DTS/Dolby also. I bridged three channels for my r/c/l and also tried non-bridged. There wasn't that big a difference in loudness between bridged and non but still could tell anyways.
Now I'm going to look for another amp to complete the set up!(although money talks)

I have a buzz(clearly heard at higher volumes) so I am going to check out the grounds and the stuff I learnt from this forum. Hopefully I'll be able to solve it!
It only happens (of course) when the dvd/cd is playing and it isn't there when I pause the dvd/cd,am I going in the right direction?

Thumbs up to separates! :T

[aud19]

Could just be added noise that bridging introduces though if it's not there when a source is paused it could be some sort of interference to your IC's, sources etc...

Jason

[DeanP]

to your IC's

Okay,I have a dumb question, What are/is the above?

I also had a variable light switch turned on which I believe is on the same power source, so I'll have to try turning that off also.

[aud19]

Sorry, IC's = Interconnects Light dimmers etc can introduce noise in to your system, a better quality dimmer switch may correct the problem either that or you need to find a way to isolate your HT from that system.

Jason

[DeanP]

Probably would just keep the light off when I'm using the sytem as it won't hinder my lighting as I have others sources for light elsewhere.

[DeanP]

Well I haven't been able to look into the problem as I have a load of stuff to do this fall. :evil:
This winter I plan on upgrading the ICs so until I have time to do some trialing. it can stay the way I have it. I keep you posted when I get to this project...
Dean

[DeanP]

Success!

Well, I finally got it all hooked up this February. I picked up a Tripp-Lite Ht10dbs,it helped a lot but the actual culprite was a wall socket not having a good ground, so i switched to a different wall socket!
I made some ics from 50 ohm silver plated coax and cardas rcas,sure makes my Athenas sing. Now I am building an Audax centre channel speaker to get it better. I have to make something that is about 8 ohm friendly, since bridging the Rotel it only likes an 8 ohm load...
Thanks fro the suggestions/advice! :T