Rx-z1 Speaker A/b

[KIRKLIN]

I'm currently running the Yammie RX-Z1 and looking for different set-up options. I am currently using it as pre-amp to my Parasound HCA-2200 (running the front mains). What benefit would there be (if any) if I ran the highs with Speaker A and the Lows with Speaker B. Would that qualify as Bi-amping?

I'm using Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.2 for the mains. The RX-Z1 can run them by itself, but it sounds more compressed than running them via the Parasound.

Is the receiver running 130 wpc OR is it 130watts dispersed throughout the number of speakers connected? The manual reads 130watts x 6, so . . . . that would lead me to believe each channel has 130watts at it's disposal. What about Speaker B?

Anyone ever bi-wire/bi-amp using the Speaker A/B on the receiver?

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker A OR B

Your yamaha is a high end model, but it still shares an amp with the speaker A and B connections. Thus, it is designed to power a 6-8 ohm speaker from speaker A OR B and not both at once.

To BiAmp the mains, you will need one of the following.
* 2 amplifier channels for each speaker.
* 1 amplifier channel and the speaker A output to each speaker (I think this will work)

You might consider setting up one of your mains in BiAmp mode for testing against the other single amped main. With a good amp like your Parasound there will probably not be any audible difference. Also, the only benifit to bi-wiring is that you are increasing the speaker gauge, so it is not recommended.

 

[AVRat]

You are correct that each channel has 130watts at its disposal. But, wiring the speakers using the Speaker A/B connections is actually a bi-wired system because the same amp powers both Speaker A and Speaker B. Bi-wiring may or may not provide any perceivable difference.

How does it sound and why are you looking for different set-up options? If I’m not mistaken, the Parasound HCA-2200 provides 250 W/channel so it should easily handle the 100s. If this is true, then if you really want to kick it up you might consider bi-amping them with the Parasound and your Yamaha M-80.

This may be more feasible for a few reasons: 1) The Parasound HCA-2200 and Yamaha M-80 have similar characteristics 2) The Studio 100s X-over point between upper and lower sections is 300Hz 3) Most importantly, the M-80 has adjustable output control for proper balancing.

 

[Buckle-meister]

You are correct that each channel has 130watts at its disposal. But, wiring the speakers using the Speaker A/B connections is actually a bi-wired system because the same amp powers both Speaker A and Speaker B.

Spot on. This is exactly how I drive my front towers.

Bi-wiring may or may not provide any perceivable difference.

Hmm, yes, well, best not to go there eh?!

Regards

 

[KIRKLIN]

Method to my madness

I heard and experienced great things with the RX-Z1, but in comparison to my Parasound. . . . . it just doesn't do what the parasound does. The M-80 is very clean (and powerful), but doesn't capture me the way Parasound does. I began to think lack of power may be what's causing the difference between the RX-Z1 on it own vs the Parasound. The soundstage sounds wider and more pronounced with the Parasound. Too, behind the scenes, the Parasound generates about $60 on top of my present electric bill and I figured why not try an economical route. Turns out, better sound is more desirable than lower utilities cost.

Guess what? I did bi-amp with the Parasound and M-80. It was interesting to say the least, but to my ears, the Parasound sound better to me solo than it did in the biamped configuration. Maybe it's a subconscious 'thing;' I know the Parasound is a brute, so subconsciously I make it sound better.
Speaking of which I love the authority it plays music with - aggressively and confidently. Finesse and refinement? Nope! ! ! Not the 2200 anyway - but it gets the 100's to come alive.

The RX-Z1 is outstanding! ! ! ! I was trying to rig my system to run solely from it. I will continue my search. Thanks for the lessons in biwiring. I hadn't thought of it in those terms -

For anyone thinking of trying the RX-Z1, had I not had the other amps to compare against it, I serious know I wouldn't have missed anything. The other amps give a different sound. Different is the key word. From there, one would have decide what was more preferential. To me, the Parasound is the preferred sound. Economically/practically, the RX-Z1 is OUTSTANDING ! !! !

Thanks "guys"

Kirklin