Question on using preamp outs for amplifier

Adding a dedicated amplifier is the primary purpose of the pre-amplifer outputs. All of the processing, preamplification, and effects have been done, and you have one last chance to grab the signal before it enters the amplifier circuitry and becomes speaker level. Your crossover settings, room correction, etc. etc. etc. will all still be in place.

From the manufacturers page on your AVR:



So, you're getting 120wpc no matter if your using 2 channels or 7 - according to Pioneer at least.

Of course, that 'continuous' rating is nothing like what you'll actually be using during the vast majority of music or movie listening. Most of the time it will likely be putting out one wpc or less, but that will quickly grow with dynamic peaks.

What about 200 wpc vs. 120 wpc? Assuming those numbers are taken at the same THD level (seems unlikely, that .2 Alan posted is kinda high for ratings of this sort), it equates to a maximum volume difference of less than three decibels at one meter from the speaker. It gives you a little bit more capacity to avoid distortion when the cannon goes off during 1812, or during massive explosions on a movie soundtrack.

In almost all cases, the best upgrade you can make to your system is better, flatter, more sensitive speakers, or more subwoofers.

2-channel continuous power is often called FTC power and accuracy of that number is dictated by US law which is on occasion enforced. Large fines can be levied.

Virtually every AVR and most of the power amps that are sold to purportedly upgrade AVRs fall within a +/- 3 dB power range or from 50 to 200 watts. 3 dB is somewhat audible, but no big thing. It takes 10 times the power to create the impression of "twice as loud". That means that your first upgrade power amp needs to be about 1 KW per channel or more. This is not mission impossible if you look to the professional audio world for your power amp. Pro audio power amps are generally as clean as consumer amps so that isn't a proble. More of a problem is finding speakers to handle that kind of power. Again the professional audio world has speakers that can take that kind of power, but they are costly and can be very large. It is a very unfamiliar world for audiophiles.

Loudspeakers and room acoustics are a far more profitable avenue for finding improved sound quality.