Multi-Amps versus Multi-Channel Amp Q's

[evil jose]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of running a Multi-Channel Amplifier over just a Multi-Amp setup? Also would heat be any different of a problem between either?

Buddy of mine posed this question to me the other night and I wasn't sure how to answer. The only advantage I could think of would be space.

[KevinH78]

Well, it would really just depend on the situation I guess. If you are pressed for space, the multi-channel amp would prolly be the best way to go. As far as heat, I would think that having multiple amps would create more heat than just one. Although, if you are pressed for space, there might also be an issue with being able to disperse the heat generated by the amp(s).

[evil jose]

Anybody else?

[EW]

The real issue is the power supply. When an amp has to drive 1/2 bass and 1/2 mids/high, the demands of each 1/2 of the amp are very different thus giving you less performance than 2 seperate amps. Some amps (500/5) use seperate power supplys for each section of the amp making them sound better. I have not seen heat as an issue with multi channel amps vs. 1-2 channel amps.