Can a stereo power amp run 2 different loads

[troy mcclure]

I am asking because it seems I could save some rack space and weight if I were to buy a higher powered amp (Crown or QSC) and drive my mains as a 4 ohm load and the subs as a 2 ohm load.

I am looking to run between 600 - 1000 through the mains and double that through the subs. I play in a bar/club band that plays from dives to 400 people.

Any recommendations would be helpful.

 

[slyjoe]

You can run different loads - each power amp is separate.

That said, with wanting 3000 watts you will have a bigger problem finding a suitable outlet.

 

[walterw]

you could use one amp, but you'd be way better off with one "subs amp" running 4Ω per side than half an amp running 2Ω.

 

[troy mcclure]

Thanks

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Sure, you've got two separate channels.

If they can do different signals they can certainly do different load impedances.

 

[tripp2k]

I run two different preamps into the power amp I use (Crown XLS1000), one for each channel. Guitar preamp channel is 8 Ohm load and bass preamp channel is 4 Ohm load. Works great.

 

[walterw]

each side of a power amp will indeed do anything you want independent of the other side.

my only point is that an amp running 4Ω per side will run cooler and (at a similar price point) give you more power than half an amp pushing 2Ω.

 

[Bassamatic]

Having 2 stereo amps also gives you a backup if one fails.