Bi-Amping using AVR + External?

[JDM3030]

The nominal output of your pre-outs isn't much to go on. How did you determine your gain settings on the amps? I have older Crowns without the adjustable sensitivity (1.4V) and depending on pre-amp, my gains tend to be in the 60-90% range (shouldn't be any problem with even full gain). As long as you're not getting any bothersome noise I'd just leave it at the 1.4V level which yields the best snr spec for the amp. I'd also say the bi-wiring or passive bi-amping not to be worth the time/effort.

Thanks. I determined the amp gain by running a test tone on the left channel using the receiver amp and then gradually turned up the gain on the Crown amp for the right channel until it was close to the same decibel level at a similar close distance. I then connected the left channel to the Crown amp and matched the same gain level as the right. I then ran my room calibration and the gain for the receiver channels was within a reasonable variation from the front channels (about 3-4 db max). Sound like a good technique?

I am not picking up any noticeable harsh tones with either sensitivity setting. I tried the 1.4v because of what you mentioned with the S/N ratio. I just had to turn the Crown amp gain up to near max when on the 1.4v setting.

 

[JDM3030]

You're over-thinking this .

Good lol! Better than missing something.

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks. I determined the amp gain by running a test tone on the left channel using the receiver amp and then gradually turned up the gain on the Crown amp for the right channel until it was close to the same decibel level at a similar close distance. I then connected the left channel to the Crown amp and matched the same gain level as the right. I then ran my room calibration and the gain for the receiver channels was within a reasonable variation from the front channels (about 3-4 db max). Sound like a good technique?

I am not picking up any noticeable harsh tones with either sensitivity setting. I tried the 1.4v because of what you mentioned with the S/N ratio. I just had to turn the Crown amp gain up to near max when on the 1.4v setting.

Would it help to think of the gain the other way around, that you only need a bit of attenuation on the Crown amp?

I've not used your method, as it doesn't matter what the avr amp level is, it's a different amp section and your room correction routine should balance the signal between avr amps/external amps. I just make sure I can get the Crown up to clipping with the loudest content (I use reference level).