3 channel amps- Configurable/affordable

Affordable 3 channel amps would be a nice upgrade option for receiver owners. Three monoblocks or 5-7 channel amps all seem to hover close to the $1000 mark. I think a $499 3 channel amp might be an attractive option for a receiver owner looking for a 2-channel/HT performance upgrade.

Making one of the three channels configurable for two channels would also make this product a viable option for surround duty. For example the amp could offer 3 x 150 watts, or 2 X 150 watts plus the third channel switched to power 2 channels at 75 watts each (the Emotiva LPA-1 6-channel amp has this type of feature).

This product would offer an affordable upgrade path for receiver owners looking to boost front channel performance, and allow an affordable future upgrade path for powering up to four surrounds with a second unit.

Finally, since many receivers lack an external trigger, I would suggest providing these amps with a signal sensing switch (like the Model 2200) for auto-on capability.

Wow. This idea seems to have gone nowhere fast, but I'd second something like it. Maybe starting production on a full-fledged amplifier isn't needed, though; I was just looking at the ARCAM A90 integrated, and it seems to have an optional module that allows you to add multichannel capabilities. Admittedly, this may not be the most cost-effective undertaking for Outlaw Audio; there's only one unit in production, the RR2150, that's stereo. It'd sure help me out, though.

One of the fastest climbing sales figure for Bryston is the 6B SST 3x300. They say because of the demand and knowledge of the general public as to the importance of center channel speakers.
Glenee

Very interesting. When one considers that Outlaw is kinda marketing its RR2150 as the "last great stereo receiver," the Bryston findings sound prophetic. It also suggests that a simple upgrade or augment (i.e., a module like ARCAM has devised) might not be such a bad idea. My sense from surfing these forums, though, is that many of the RR2150 buyers already have HT systems and will be using the Outlaw to drive alternate, music-only entities, unlike someone like myself, who's just become interested in multichannel for music exclusively.

I'm so new to this audio stuff that I just realized Outlaw already offers a simple, though somewhat pricier, solution to my particular "dilemma." Correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't one conceivably run an M 2200 (or any monoblock power amplifier, for that matter) to the RR 2150 to drive a center speaker? Not everybody at once now: "Duh!"

I would love to see a three channel amp too. Yes, it's true you can buy three M2200's, but that would set you back just onder $1K. By comparison, the 5-channel 7075 is $699. A three channel amp priced at under $500 would be perfect (esp. if it were 100wpc). This would suit the needs of many two-channel devotees who want (or already own) a finesse-oriented, 2-ch. amp for their mains.

Actually the 7075 is 7-channel not 5-channel. I think it would make sense just to add bridging capability to the 7075 so you could configure it as a 3x150w or so amp.

Looks like Emotiva will be releasing a three channel amp (XPA-3). Looks like it will be based on their 5 X 200 watt XPA-5, so I'm guessing it will be a 3 X 200 amp.