What to do?

[zumbo]

Just purchased a second Denon POA 2200.

This is a 2-channel amp.

Planning on bi-amping my Quarts in my 2-channel rig.

Should I use one amp per speaker?

Or one amp for the top posts, and one for the bottom posts?

 

[jeffsg4mac]

Just purchased a second Denon POA 2200.

This is a 2-channel amp.

Planning on bi-amping my Quarts in my 2-channel rig.

Should I use one amp per speaker?

Or one amp for the top posts, and one for the bottom posts?

Are you talking bi-amping with active x-overs or bi-wiring? Bi-wiring is a waste of time, amp channel and wire. Bi-amping is another story.

 

[markw]

Use one amp per speaker. This is "vertical" biamping. The lows will put more strain on the amp than the highs. This configuration prevents both bass amps from sucking the same power supply dry at the same time.

This does, of course, assume the use of an active crossover before the amps. Otherwise it's a moot point.

 

[zumbo]

Are you talking bi-amping with active x-overs or bi-wiring? Bi-wiring is a waste of time, amp channel and wire. Bi-amping is another story.

How is it bi-wiring when using two 2-channel amps?

 

[zumbo]

Use one amp per speaker. This is "vertical" biamping. The lows will put more strain on the amp than the highs. This configuration prevents both bass amps from sucking the same power supply dry at the same time.

This does, of course, assume the use of an active crossover before the amps. Otherwise it's a moot point.

Thanks.

Why is it a moot point?

It's two separate amps. The system is already using one 2200.

Adding another 2200 can't be a moot point.

I don't plan on removing the internal passive crossovers in the speakers.

 

[zumbo]

Also, with 300WPC(X4), I doubt anything will be getting sucked dry.

One 2200 is already more than enough.

Just trying to find the absolute best performance from these speakers. The sound of this little system is amazing.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

How is it bi-wiring when using two 2-channel amps?

Ahh you are passive bi-amping. I misunderstood. I honestly don't think you would hear a sonic benefit from it. Try it and see is the best thing to do.

I tried it once with mine and I could not tell any difference.

 

[zumbo]

Ahh you are passive bi-amping. I misunderstood. I honestly don't think you would hear a sonic benefit from it. Try it and see is the best thing to do.

I tried it once with mine and I could not tell any difference.

Doubling of power is supposed to be noticeable.

Also, these are 4ohm 87dB speakers. While one amp is enough, I couldn't resist the opportunity to buy a second one.

Even under a 4ohm load, the current 2200 doesn't even get warm.

 

[markw]

Well, you asked the question and I simply answered.

Also, with 300WPC(X4), I doubt anything will be getting sucked dry.

One 2200 is already more than enough.

Just trying to find the absolute best performance from these speakers. The sound of this little system is amazing.

I gave you the answer and, at no additional charge, the reasons for it. The amount of power used that doesn't alter the basic reasons for my answer, which I thought was what you wanted as well. Personally, I think you don't need all that power for a home environment but, hey, what do I know?

Oh, it's a moot point because without a crossover, all four channels will be amplifying te full range of frequencies, not a specific portion as determined by the crossover.

[edit] doubling the power produces about a three decible change, most noticible on peaks, if your ears don't overload first. linky...

 

[jeffsg4mac]

Doubling of power is supposed to be noticeable.

Also, these are 4ohm 87dB speakers. While one amp is enough, I couldn't resist the opportunity to buy a second one.

Even under a 4ohm load, the current 2200 doesn't even get warm.

Well your not exactly doubling your power like when you bridge an amp or get a bigger one. It's not like your going from 200 watts to 400 watts. I guess you are probably gaining a little headroom, but it's not the same as active bi-amping. I don't think you would get the 3db increase either cause your amp power is has not changed. I am not sure electrically how passive bi-amping works out like that.

 

[zumbo]

Well your not exactly doubling your power like when you bridge an amp or get a bigger one. It's not like your going from 200 watts to 400 watts. I guess you are probably gaining a little headroom, but it's not the same as active bi-amping. I don't think you would get the 3db increase either cause your amp power is has not changed. I am not sure electrically how passive bi-amping works out like that.

How is adding an identical amp not doubling power?

Adding an identical amp is better than bridging. The power is increased, while the load is reduced. Much more efficient.

Bridging increases the load, and distortion, and heat. Less efficient.

Also, not really looking for the 3dB. Just looking to further fidelity.

Oh well, placebo will probably prevail. It's gonna look cool.

One feature is the fact that I will be able to control the gain for the high-end and low-end separately with the gains on the amps. Right now, I can just control the gain for each channel.

 

[its phillip]

It's not doubling the power if you are listening at the same volume levels as before

 

[zumbo]

It's not doubling the power if you are listening at the same volume levels as before

And, I am certain I can't increase the level. The one amp is more than enough.

Looking forward to the added control/flexibility of gains for each section of the speaker.

 

[zumbo]

One thing is certain, I will be able to get my money back at any time.

I can always keep the prettiest one.

 

[GranteedEV]

Passive Bi-Amping is a waste of time and money.

 

[zumbo]

Passive Bi-Amping is a waste of time and money.

I have plenty of time. The connection will take less time than I have spent with you in any single thread. Much less time.

Money? It wasn't expensive. In fact, I will be able to get 100%+ of my money back at any time.

You're just jealous.

 

[GranteedEV]

I have plenty of time. The connection will take less time than I have spent with you in any single thread. Much less time.

But then you'll spend the next 10 hours trying to wonder if there's a difference you're hearing

 

[zumbo]

But then you'll spend the next 10 hours trying to wonder if there's a difference you're hearing

Are you gonna miss me?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

So these speakers have 2 seperate binding posts - one for the low frequency and one for the high frequency?

And right now, both posts are joined as one?

What would happen if you just amp the low frequency and not amp the high frequency at all?

Would there be no sound coming out of the tweeters?

I know the Linkwitz Orion is an active speaker.

What other speakers allow active bi-amping?

 

[GranteedEV]

I know the Linkwitz Orion is an active speaker.

What other speakers allow active bi-amping?

Active? Salk HT3 and Soundscape come with provisions for an outbound passive crossover that can be replaced with a DEQX for Bi or Tri amping. gets pricey though.

Seaton Catalysts are digital active 3 ways but they are powered by internal high power icepower plate amps. Same with Most studio monitors from JBL, Focal, ATC, Genelec, Mackie etc. Outside of hi fi where people believe amp brands are 50% of sound quality, active internal is where it's at.

Phil Bamberg designs his BESL spealers with active crossovers and then makes them passive after. Since they are custom speakers you can purchase them active. I wish his SvS speakers were available active, as that would really ignite some interest being a big brand name.

The NHT XD and Legend Acoustics Tikando both use DEQX active crossovers.

The NaO Notes I want to build use analog active crossovers, but can be made hybrid active and passove. Depending on how many amps you have, you can decide to bi, tri, or quad amp them.

PMC's HUGE studio speakers are bi and tri amped with pricy bryston amps. even the electronics racks are huge for just stereo :O