im lookin for a 3-channel balanced amplifier under 600$ preferably with a gain control knob
but not having it isnt a deal breaker
im currently using a set of 3 xli 800 from crown 1 for my fronts, centers, sides
but recently iv changed my layout an have found that its to much to have two centers in the new layout so im sellin 1 off to a cousin.
an now i have just 1 center running off a xli 800 on 1 channel instead of 2 an now i planin to add some rears
an i wonder if it be more efficient to buy a 3-channel balanced amplifier to run my left right an center
an shift the two xli 800 from runnin my front an centers to run my rears with 1 an 1 an a set of speakers in my computer room
so iv been tring to find an good 3-channel balanced amplifier for under 600$ but i cant find any so either they dont exist for that price or i dont know were to look.
please advice
sorry about the rant
Is space an issue? If not, you could buy two Behringer A500s (with balanced inputs and gain control) for well under $600.
Or a number of 4 ch pro amps with all desired features
What does 'balanced' mean in this case?
a] Balanced inputs
b] Completely symmetrical circuitry from input to output
Balanced (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audio) (3-wire) microphone connections are standard* and balanced inputs are common on professional amplifiers. A true balanced input needs a balanced source (usually from a preamp or mixer). You can connect a standard unbalanced (2-wire) source such as a regular CD/DVD player and it will work but you don't have a true-balanced connection.
b] Completely symmetrical circuitry from input to output
Balanced (AKA bridged) speaker outputs are sometimes an option. There are some amps with "permanent" bridge-amplifier outputs, but usually its an option where a stereo amp is converted to a bridged-mono amplifier with 2X or 4X the output power.
Completely balanced circuitry throughout the amplifier is highly unusual although you might find it as an "audiophile gimmick" in some amps.
In a bridged configuration the signal is split and inverted at the input so both phases/polarities go-through separate-identical amplifier channels, not through balanced/differential amplifiers.
* That's for stage/studio mics. Computer mics are unbalanced.
Is space an issue? If not, you could buy two Behringer A500s (with balanced inputs and gain control) for well under $600.
A800 (2x400W or 1x800W Cladd-D reference amplifier) has been released too:
https://www.behringer.com//Categories/Behringer/Power-Amplifiers/Studio-Monitoring/A800/p/P0CE8#googtrans(en|en)