3.1 integrated possible?

[Brit01]

Has anyone built an all tube 3.1 integrated amp so I can hook up a center speaker for movies? Can I modify a stereo amp (K-502 for example) to add 3.1 channels from the dvd player?

 

[Tweeker]

You probably wont be able to add channels to an existing commercial stereo unit even if there was room, the power iron would likely be over strained.

The .1 is a sub channel. One approach would be a second stereo amp.

 

[Fuling]

Not a 3.1 amp but a 2+2 ch tube power amp. Two HF channels with small output transformers and triode wired output tubes and
two bass channels with bigger iron and UL-connected outputs.
That amp served to drive a biamped speaker setup for a year or two before I rearranged the whole setup.

 

[Brit01]

The .1 sub is not a requirement for me. I should have excluded that one. Just 3 channels.

Haven't seen any kits for 3 channels. One option I guess could be to buy an assembled preamp ready for 3 or 5 channels and then use 3 tube monoblocks for the power stage to drive the front and center speakers?
But I'm exceeding my budget with this set.

 

[Eli Duttman]

An amp with 3 channels and 3 individual volume controls is not especially difficult. You may run afoul of "Catch 22", if your signal source can't produce, on its own, Left, Right, and Center "line" level signals.

Assuming the 3 I/P channels are available, how much power per channel are you going to need? Are you targeting the same amout of power in the center, "dialog", channel as you are targeting for the L/R channels.

BTW, think in terms of speakers that are reasonably efficient and that also exhibit a tube friendly "flat" impedance curve.