Topic: Sony 7100es "bi-amp" setup?

[Craig T]

Finally got my 7100es and I'm trying to set it up to "bi-amp" my speakers. The manual doesn't offer any guidance for this type of setup, but I was under the impression you could assign the surround channels to output front L/R. I'm not sure how this is done. If I set up the speakers for 2.0 Channel, I don't think I can get any output from the surround channels. I'm assuming I have to set it up for 4.0 Channel, but then how do I assign the surround channels to output front L/R?

[scervin]

It would be a first if you could tell the surrounds to output FR and FL (in a receiver I've seen anyway).  One way you could probably do it is by connecting to both A & B outputs and make sure A & B are selected.  Not sure if both have the same power output.

[Craig T]

It would be a first if you could tell the surrounds to output FR and FL (in a receiver I've seen anyway).  One way you could probably do it is by connecting to both A & B outputs and make sure A & B are selected.  Not sure if both have the same power output.

The A & B outputs run parallel from the same front L/R amps - not quite what I want to do.  I want to run 2 separate amps per channel.  I'm going on the conversation I had with Doug Oade prior to purchasing it, so I'm confident it can be done.

[scervin]

Well, since Doug is the one who mentioned it can be done I would call and ask him.  I'm curious to see ho this is done as well.

[Craig T]

Well, since Doug is the one who mentioned it can be done I would call and ask him.  I'm curious to see ho this is done as well.

obviously 

his phone's been busy all day.  keep trying...

update:  Doug said to use the "multi-channel stereo" surround setting.  sends front L/R to the surround channels with 0 delay.

sweet, now I'll finally get some music out of this ugly silver box.

[scervin]

Interesting.  My first thought was to put it in a 7 channel stereo mode, but then I thought about it for a minute.  If you wanted to run 2 channel direct this would not work as the 7 channel mode must pass through the DSP.  I figured the DSP algorithm did a matrix for each rear channel (so the FL and SL are not EXACTLY the same).  This may not be the case for this receiver, which would be really neat.

Glad you got it figured out.  I find it funny the solution was my first thought, but felt dumb saying it.  Figured I'd get flamed   

[Craig T]

It supposedly doesn't do any add'l dsp to the rear "fronts" in the multi-channel stereo mode, just passes the same front L/R info to all surround channels.  Not sure how I'd verify this, unless its audible.

[L Ron Hoover]

Any updates on this? This should be one helluva box.

[Craig T]

Any updates on this? This should be one helluva box.

Its working and currently burning in...   

[L Ron Hoover]

While the 3000 sounds great to me, I can only imagine how much better the 7100 would sound with all that power.

[Craig T]

5yr warranty.  sounds good so far...  detailed review after I have some extended listening time in, probably next week.