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Post by conmoto on Nov 7, 2022 23:28:12 GMT -5
I have a pair of 2-way/bi-wireable speakers that are 85db and sound sublime with my tube amp, but the amp is on the low end of power required to drive the speakers. I'd like to have my mono solid states power the woofers and the tube amp to power the tweeters, but I can't figure out how to make it work.
Currently, a Topping D90SE acts as my pre with a pair of RCAs to the tube amp. How do I split a pair of RCA into two pair?
Is it as simple as getting an RCA y-splitter for each channel?Is there any loss in fidelity when splitting RCAs?
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 8, 2022 5:51:18 GMT -5
I have a pair of 2-way/bi-wireable speakers that are 85db and sound sublime with my tube amp, but the amp is on the low end of power required to drive the speakers. I'd like to have my mono solid states power the woofers and the tube amp to power the tweeters, but I can't figure out how to make it work. Currently, a Topping D90SE acts as my pre with a pair of RCAs to the tube amp. How do I split a pair of RCA into two pair? Is it as simple as getting an RCA y-splitter for each channel?Is there any loss in fidelity when splitting RCAs?Yes, it’s that simple, it does change the impedance the preamp sees, but most preamps won’t have a problem with that. |
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KeithL
Administrator 
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Post by KeithL on Nov 8, 2022 9:19:04 GMT -5
Yes... bi-wiring really is that simple... and a solid state DAC or preamp should have no problem driving two amps. And there should be no loss of fidelity by using a simple splitter. There are only two "issues" you might have: 1. If the gain of the two amps is different they may not play at the same level. If either one has a volume control you can use that to adjust them so their gains match. If not then you may need to put a passive volume control or fixed attenuator in line with the one with the higher gain to get them to match. (You want both halves of the speaker to be playing at the same level.) 2. I would agree that a good solid state amp will give you tighter cleaner bass than a tube amp. However, you are going to end up with the two halves of each speaker sounding different from each other. (And some people find this to be "audibly noticeable".) I have a pair of 2-way/bi-wireable speakers that are 85db and sound sublime with my tube amp, but the amp is on the low end of power required to drive the speakers. I'd like to have my mono solid states power the woofers and the tube amp to power the tweeters, but I can't figure out how to make it work. Currently, a Topping D90SE acts as my pre with a pair of RCAs to the tube amp. How do I split a pair of RCA into two pair? Is it as simple as getting an RCA y-splitter for each channel?Is there any loss in fidelity when splitting RCAs?Yes, it’s that simple, it does change the impedance the preamp sees, but most preamps won’t have a problem with that. |
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Post by conmoto on Nov 8, 2022 12:32:10 GMT -5
Fortunately, the tube amp has volume control. I was wondering about the differing characteristics of the amps.
The splitters arrive on Friday. I'll report my joy or regrets.
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Post by conmoto on Nov 17, 2022 21:49:55 GMT -5
Another "good" idea that resulted in poor results. Despite patient balancing with the tube volume, I couldn't get it to sound as good as with the tube amp alone.
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Post by ttocs on Nov 17, 2022 22:12:21 GMT -5
But at least you tried it, and you learned along the way.
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Post by 405x5 on Nov 18, 2022 9:22:12 GMT -5
Another "good" idea that resulted in poor results. Despite patient balancing with the tube volume, I couldn't get it to sound as good as with the tube amp alone. My recommendation would be to first make a choice of your preference between tubes versus solid state. Then select an amplifier that has way more than enough power to drive the systems without biamping, you’ve eliminated the mixing problem, satisfy the power requirements and simplify the equation…… And you’ll be happy I think. |
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Post by leonski on Jan 8, 2023 16:36:05 GMT -5
I know this is 'old news' but ONE other thing.
the amount of power needed PER HALF of the speaker may be related to the crossover.....
the 50:50 point is about 400hz or so.......
This is probably OK, since you::
1. Never play it 'full blast'
2. Have a more powerful SS amp than the tube amp....
3 Crossover is probably well above the 50:50 point....anyway.
I personally LIKE the answer given by 405. Keep is SIMPLE and it may work better.
ONE solution is a PAIR of stereo amps......tube OR SS. I do this with ONE amp per speaker.......
Levels? Solved Voicing? Solved And has more power available for my low sensitivity panels....
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