4ch Amp on bi-amp Speakers? Benefit?

[Docks]

I've obtained a QSC CX404 which is a 4channel amp with pretty good THD and power specs. My speakers are paradigm S8's which can be bi-amped (passive).
So.. is it worth it to use 2 channels per speaker (4ch total)
OR
1+2 bridged for a speaker, then 3+4 bridged for the other.
OR
Plain and simple... leave the posts on with only 2 channels used total?

 

[lsiberian]

You only need one channel per speaker. Use the other two for the subs you are building.

 

[GranteedEV]

There may be some minor benefits you experience, but really it doesn't have the true advantages of bi-amping. Bi or tri amping is mostly useful in an active system where frequency separation and other crossover duties are handled before the amplification stage IE the Linkwitz Orion, Behringer 3031A or Seaton Catalyst.

 

[XEagleDriver]

Docks,

If you don't build the subs tigerboy suggests (just kidding Isiberian), then I would at least give the bridged configuration a try, to see if increasing amp head room has positive SQ benefits.

That simple experiment is free, doesn't evern require any extra wire, and allows you to use all the amps capability!

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[zumbo]

I wouldn't bridge the amp. Bridging the amp would yield a .1% THD, and I am certain it would make the fans run more often as the load on the amp would be increased. While the double THD may not be detected by the ear, double THD will be getting sent to the speakers.

In my opinion, bi-amping would be the best use of the amp in this situation. This would retain the .05% THD while using two sections of the amp to achieve double power per speaker for a maximum 500W recommended by Paradigm.

 

[XEagleDriver]

Zumbo,

Is doubling of THD when bridged specific to this amp, or applicable to most/all bridged amps?

XEagleDriver

 

[zumbo]

Zumbo,

Is doubling of THD when bridged specific to this amp, or applicable to most/all bridged amps?

XEagleDriver

When you bridge, everything doubles. While this amp is very capable, some amps can't handle the load at all. Others that are capable of bridging may not yield a doubling of power. However, all amps(that I am aware of) will double their THD. Or worse.