Quote Originally Posted by eisforelectronic
My opinion is that if there is a substantial drop in volume when switching from 2 chnl to 5.1 chnl, then it is possible the receiver is using a single amplifier and splitting power off to each chnl. Most of the manufacturers of higher quality receivers typically provide separate (discreet) amplification for each channel.
Nick,

The receiver definately has discreet amplification. It also has a pretty large torroidal transformer feeding the power supply for a receiver at this level. The unit weighs 27kg which compares to similar recievers in this class like the Denon 3805, Marantz SR-7400, Pioneer VSX-55TXi, Harmon Kardon AVR-630 and the Yamaha RXV 2400 which all weigh some 5 to 10kg less than the Sherwood Receiver. So if the weight is not in the power supply they have made the chasis out of very thick steel.

Regards
John