Amp recommendation for stage monitors

[bqnick]

I've come into a situation in which I need to send a signal from a Mackie CR1604 mixer to three un-powered stage monitors (don't have the specs for them on-hand). What kind of amplifier should I look for to do this? I'd need both the input and the three outputs to be 1/4" plugs/jacks. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[chazman14]

Well, it depends on the monitors you use. If you get an amp with too high or low output, then you could damage the monitors. Get the specs of the monitors and then look at amp in that wattage range.

[bqnick]

The monitors are RMS stage monitors rated for 120 watts and 8 ohms.

This may betray my ignorance of the subject, but one thing that seems to be getting in my way is finding a way to connect all three monitors (without daisy-chaining). Most amplifiers I see only have two outputs. What is the best way to connect all three monitors to the same signal?

[Brad Weber]

Originally Posted by bqnick

This may betray my ignorance of the subject, but one thing that seems to be getting in my way is finding a way to connect all three monitors (without daisy-chaining). Most amplifiers I see only have two outputs. What is the best way to connect all three monitors to the same signal?

1. A four channel amp with the input signal paralleled (either via the amplifier if it provides that capability or simply wired in parallel) to three channels. That would then be 8 Ohms per channel and you'd have independent level control for each monitor
2. A two channel amp with one monitor on one channel and two monitors parallel wired on the other channel. One channel would be seeing an 8 Ohm load and the other a 4 Ohm load with two speakers on one level control.
3. Series/parallel wire all three monitors to a single channel or bridged two channel amplifier. A 5.33 Ohm load to the amp and all three speakers on one level control.

Note that options 2 and 3 are almost the same as daisy-chaining two and three speakers, respectively, just doing it at the amp rather than at the speakers.

Do the inputs need to be unbalanced TS or balanced TRS? And why do you need the inputs and outputs to be 1/4" jacks? Would adapters or adapter cables be acceptable?

[[Director] drew ryan]

One question. Why do you need to connect all 3 without daisy chaining?