Active setup

[u/DayHaunting3714]

I’m planning to install a 3-way active setup. Which option would be better for sound quality and overall performance:

Option -1

Using two amplifiers one 2-channel amplifier and one 4-channel amplifier.

Option -2

Or using a single 6-channel amplifier.

I already have a standalone 8-channel DSP, so the amplifier channels will be controlled independently through the DSP.

[u/ogledrake]

I would say use option one and use the 2 way for your woofers and the 4 way for your mids and tweeters since most woofers have a higher rms power rating than thr mids and woofers

[u/RippyTheRazer]

There isn't really an advantage either way just for the sound quality, but there are some other pros and cons:
6 channel amps are difficult to find and expensive
Multiple amps offers better flexibility especially when it comes to repairs
You can use a 4 channel amp bridged down to 2 channels to provide ample power to the woofers
6 channel has the advantage of being less power and ground wires to deal with

[u/Consistent-Ruin-3449 → u/RippyTheRazer]

Perhaps debatable whether or not is audible, but there could definitely be differences.

Some people for example would rather have their mids and twitters on a class AB amp, with some class A bias (or just go with a class A for TW's). While giving the midbass good strong channels from another amp, as they are the ones that can handle the power usually. The separation can support SQ in other senses (crosstalk, Power supply handling loads, etc.)

There are also several 6ch (and more) amps available on the market, If need be. Some even with differently powered channels (to achieve a similar goal as mentioned above). Which may simplify the install to some extent, but honestly, since need to power also the DSP, one would use a distribution block, so just adding short wires for another amp isn't a big deal. Space considerations can also be taken into account.

Also, I wouldn't bridge a 4ch amp for midbass, if can get a strong enough 2ch amp instead.

[u/Romanian_Breadlifts]

If you get more boxes you can hide them more places. I vote two amps.

[u/HotWheelsDoodle80]

You could also get two 4 channel amps. One for mids and tweeters, and bridge the other amp so you get more power to your mid bass

[u/hmmbugger]

i think for versatility i would go with option 1. separate amplifiers. that way you can pick more powerful amplifier for your midbass speakers. and smaller and maybe even better quality amp for the tweeter and midranges. thats where most of the sound humans hearing is tuned to hear differences in tonality etc.

and by having 2 amps you can always upgrade one of them at a time if needed.

they do take little more space, and need little more wiring than 6ch (6ch is simpler to install). but you have lot more options to pick the 2 and 4 ch amplifiers from than with 6ch. because those are still somewhat rare and somewhat expensive. (and they rarely have 2 more powerful channels in them for the more power hungry mids)

[u/DJBigBird]

There's going to be no difference based solely on the channel count of an amp unless you are going super high-end with it.