To Biamp or not

[RP1]

I’m new to the form and need some advice. I’m about to buy an Amp to power my 5.1 system. I have Boston Acoustics E100‘s which can handle 400 watts. Currently I have them Biamp from my AV receiver. My first option would be to biamp from the new AMP at 200 watts each. 2nd option is to not Biamp and run 300 to the Boston’s. Note: I haven‘t purchased an amp yet.
Any help would be much appreciate.

 

[mazersteven]

JMO Bi-Amping them will not add any benefit to Sound Quality
A quality receiver or amp would be enough to drive them

 

[Gmoney]

There's nothing to gain by BI-amping speakers. The Bi-amping thing that marketers pump out really isn't "true" Bi-amping of speakers. We get this all the time about Bi-amping speakers, why do you feel your speakers would benefit from doing that? I myself wish the Marketing guys would stop publishing that or just remove those jumper all together.

 

[RP1]

There's nothing to gain by BI-amping speakers. The Bi-amping thing that marketers pump out really isn't "true" Bi-amping of speakers. We get this all the time about Bi-amping speakers, why do you feel your speakers would benefit from doing that? I myself wish the Marketing guys would stop publishing that or just remove those jumper all together.

I figured I get a bit more low end from my speakers, they can go down to 35hz, so from what I’m gathering here is it’s more hype than anything.

 

[mazersteven]

What receiver do you have?

 

[RP1]

What receiver do you have?

Yamaha Aventage RX A2080

 

[mazersteven]

Yamaha Aventage RX A2080

That receiver has plenty of juice to drive those efficiently.

 

[mazersteven]

That receiver has plenty of juice to drive those efficiently. Just hook them up normally and Rock On

 

[RP1]

Even with running 5 channels?

 

[mazersteven]

Even with running 5 channels?

Absolutely!!!

 

[RP1]

Absolutely!!!

I appreciate the feedback..

 

[mazersteven]

I appreciate the feedback..

Just Message me for my address. I'll take it easy on you for the information with only the 12 year

 

[RP1]

Just Message me for my address. I'll take it easy on you for the information with only the 12 year
View attachment 43119

Just Message me for my address. I'll take it easy on you for the information with only the 12 year
View attachment 43119

My kind of guy, Giants & Scotch..

 

[lovinthehd]

Try this for a more technical explanation but avr bi-amping is a waste of wire essentially, and using a speaker's max wattage rating as something more than a vague guideline is too, let alone imaginary buy amping . https://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiring

 

[EthicalEar]

I am going to disagree with all of you experts on this. I just did a 2 hour experiment because of this post. I have been using my mains bi-amped for a few years. I thought Ok I'll just try it without bi-amping. There was such a significant change, even my wife noticed. I have My Sony ZA5000ES to external Power Amp Anthem PVA 4 (4 channel power amp) From the PVA 4 I am running two 125 watt channels to each of my Paradigm P95Fs. Therefore utilizing all 4 channels. My experiment was changing to running just one 125 watt channel to each speaker and using the jumper. Here is what happened. I tested Vinyl, SACD and streaming. All with same result. At a normal listening level the vocals were significantly dampened and the drums were unclear and sounded muted and far in the background. I had to turn the volume up to 52 (0-99) and then the vocals normalized and the drums became sharp again. This result was so obvious that it makes me wonder why you guys all think it is nonsense. When running 125 watts to 1 speaker (4 drivers) I had to turn the volume way up to get the same effect I had when running 125 watts to 2 of the drivers and another 125 watts to the other 2 drivers of the speaker. These are Paradigms and historically they require more power to perform well. I don't know if other speakers would have had the same results, but Anthem and Paradigm are a perfect match. And the results I have heard are the difference between great sound at a low to normal volume Bi-amped and a bad sound at a low volume not Bi-amped. I got my whole family to listen so I wasn't biased. They helped pinpoint what parts were missing and muted. All I can say is that I tried undoing the bi-amp and there was a significant loss. And a big time loss in having to re-wire my stuff. But in the end I learned I was doing it right with Bi-amping.

 

[killdozzer]

There was such a significant change, even my wife noticed.

Did she come running from the kitchen? If not, it doesn't count! Just kiddin' What you did is not an end all argument for bi-amping. If I read your post corectly, you are using one and the same amp and just using more outs on a single speaker? That's not it. The difference you heard is not useful for the pro-bi-amp argument.

@RP1, I really think you got a good advice. Also, I believe you were also using one amp for your bi-amping, so I'll say +1 for running them straight with one set of cables.

400 is not what they NEED, it's what they can put up with for a rather short period. Recommended is 75Wpch into 8ohms and what they need to seriously threaten your good hearing is 16Watts. Meaning even if you're running them very loud they still have enough headroom to handle difficult and demanding parts.

 

[mazersteven]

Paradigm P95Fs. These are Paradigms and historically they require more power to perform well

Your saying your highly efficient speakers require more power. And what audible "performance" differences did you hear?

 

[RP1]

I really appreciate all the feedback. I read that ARV’s really over estimate their power ratings and looking at my AVR, it‘s rated at 140 watts with only 2 channels driven and when mores channels are used it;s more like 65 watts per channel. Thats the main reason I was looking to add an amp.

 

[killdozzer]

I really appreciate all the feedback. I read that ARV’s really over estimate their power ratings and looking at my AVR, it‘s rated at 140 watts with only 2 channels driven and when mores channels are used it;s more like 65 watts per channel. Thats the main reason I was looking to add an amp.

Some not very reputable companies might do that. It's not a case with Yamaha. Your speakers give 89dB with one watt, at 1m distance. 92 with 2 watts, 95 with 4, 98 with 8, 101 with 16 (this makes ears bleed), take away 1.5dB for every meter you move away, if you listen to them from 3 meters (9 feet) it's back to 98dB.

You really should have no problems, I'll check the ratings for you, I need something to keep me occupied.

 

[mazersteven]

when mores channels are used it;s more like 65 watts per channel.

Can you link that I would love to see that number