Simple preconception: Or maybe post-conceptual elitism. Um this is probably on of those questions someone might not want to touch with a twenty-foot pole. But bear-in-mind (get it) that some will offer the convenience, but only in a form consisting of two pairs of speaker outputs, such as might be found on the Musical fidelity amplifiers or something like a Mark Levinson, or even like the Arcams as you mentions. However, only the Arcams which I think sound pretty swell offer such a receiver-like option as a speaker A/B switch. Oops there it is.
Why no "speaker B" connection on many SS power amp
A few months ago I asked for advice on adding a power amp to my receiver-based HT system here on Audiogon. I received some really helpful feedback. I will continue to power the surrounds with the receiver and add a 3-channel amp for the fronts. However, in my search for an amp for my needs, (solid state, high current, at least 100 "real" watts), I've found hardly any power amps that provide a connection for a second pair of speakers. I currently run a second pair of speakers in the kitchen and I don't want to give that up when I upgrade the power amp. My receiver's "speaker B" output is disabled when you add an external power amp.
The Arcam P35x3 (and Alpha 10x3) does provide "A/B" speaker connections and would be an upgrade, but none of the other really good, more powerful amps that I like provide the "speaker B" hookup:
Aragon 8008X3
McCormack HT3
Sunfire Theater Grand
Why is that? Will it degrade the amp sonically, is it for cost considerations, what do ya'll think?
The Arcam P35x3 (and Alpha 10x3) does provide "A/B" speaker connections and would be an upgrade, but none of the other really good, more powerful amps that I like provide the "speaker B" hookup:
Aragon 8008X3
McCormack HT3
Sunfire Theater Grand
Why is that? Will it degrade the amp sonically, is it for cost considerations, what do ya'll think?