Lonnie
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Post by Lonnie on Jun 19, 2008 19:31:45 GMT -5
Ok, folks...starting an FAQ for all things amplifier...not just questions, but discussions as well. Bi-amping has been often discussed...if anyone would like to help by sending my links to threads discussing this, or would like to go ahead and repost some of them here, please do.
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Post by penny on Jun 19, 2008 20:01:17 GMT -5
I'd be happy to lend any help here if needed.
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Lonnie
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Post by Lonnie on Jun 19, 2008 20:36:17 GMT -5
I'd be happy to lend any help here if needed. Do it, man. |
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Post by korbendallas on Jun 20, 2008 13:28:43 GMT -5
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Post by Mr. Ben on Jun 20, 2008 15:28:05 GMT -5
Here's a quick intro with some terminology for beginners.
Bi-amp: Using more than one amplifier to drive a single speaker. Normally there is one amplifier, with one cable, going to one speaker, but many speakers can be driven by two. Some can even be driven by three. The back of these speakers will have more than one pair of terminals for speaker wire, which have some sort of removable link. Leave the link in place with one amp, or remove it to bi-amp.
Passive Bi-amp: This approach takes one input signal, and sends it to two power amplifiers. The output of one amplifier goes to the tweeter(s), and the output of the other goes to the woofer(s). You need to have two sets of speaker cables (one per amp), and two sets of connections on the back of your speaker. The crossovers inside the speakers are still operating so that you don't get high notes out of your woofers for example. Input signal->amplifier->crossover->driver. When someone says Bi-amp, this is usually what they mean.
Active Bi-amp: This approach moves the crossover function from inside the speaker, to before the power amp. So each amplifier is amplifying only the frequencies that will be output from the driver(s) it's connected to. Input signal->crossover->amplifier->driver. This approach can have benefits over the passive bi-amp, but only if done properly. Some speaker manufacturers sell complete systems like this. Phase, voicing, frequency rolloff rate and more needs to be taken into account.
Other topics worth discussion from the experts:
- Should you always use the same amplifier for highs and lows [Maybe]?
- Are you sending twice as much power to the speaker [probably not]?
- It it worth the cost [probably not]?
- Are Y cables better/worse than the little solid RCA splitters [likely the same]?
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Post by penny on Jun 21, 2008 13:45:42 GMT -5
Other topics worth discussion from the experts:
- Should you always use the same amplifier for highs and lows [Maybe]?
- Are you sending twice as much power to the speaker [probably not]?
- It it worth the cost [probably not]?
- Are Y cables better/worse than the little solid RCA splitters [likely the same]?
And these observations are bases upon, what exactly? I wasn't aware there were bi'amping experts. Does it pay good? I don't buy into any one of those observations other than possibly not being able to send twice the wattage.
You obviously haven't been around here very long because theres a growing number of people realizing that there is something really special going on atleast with bi'amping the LPA-1s.
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tholt
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Post by tholt on Jun 21, 2008 15:55:47 GMT -5
Here's a quick intro with some terminology for beginners. Other topics worth discussion from the experts: - Should you always use the same amplifier for highs and lows [Maybe]? - Are you sending twice as much power to the speaker [probably not]? - It it worth the cost [probably not]? - Are Y cables better/worse than the little solid RCA splitters [likely the same]? From what I know/read/heard: 1. yes 2. no 3. depends on the cost, but for the cost of 2 LPA's, esp b-stock or from the ridiculous sale going on right now, i would say yes 4. worse the real giant killer going on right now that has spurned such a huge discussion on bi-amping on this forum is using 2 LPA's. Anyone that has done it hasn't regretted it. It has always made an improvement. And for the $$ (the real kicker) it can't be beat. The sale going on right now is hands down the clincher: 2 LPA's X $449/ea + FREE shipping = $900 for 2 amps. Anyone on the fence about this, now is the time to pull the trigger. |
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Post by littlesaint on Jun 22, 2008 10:15:22 GMT -5
While I enjoy arguing the merits of bi-amping (or lack thereof) as much as the next guy, does opinion and debate belong in a FAQ section? Traditionally, FAQ sections simply provide quick, factual answers (or links to them) to common questions and/or links to other forum threads discussing the topics. Do you really want to re-hash the same discussions here?
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tholt
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Post by tholt on Jun 22, 2008 12:21:53 GMT -5
First of all this is a FORUM not a manual, and this section is called FAQ. With FAQ in this medium you better be prepared for a bunch of answers. If this to be written by a bunch of people with opinions, how else would you suggest we all chip in? Personally I'm unsure this thread is going anywhere since all the FAQ you could ever want is elsewhere on this board, but i'm happy to chime in.
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Lonnie
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Post by Lonnie on Jun 22, 2008 12:23:23 GMT -5
Well, it was just a subject that appeared a lot, and I thought newcomers might find it easier just marked this way...we can change the name.
I can delete the board, even. Just thought it would seem more organized...and I think of FAQs as, er...'Frequently Asked Questions'...and bi-amping is a frequently asked question. What does Class A/B mean, is another...
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tholt
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Post by tholt on Jun 22, 2008 12:32:49 GMT -5
i think it's a great idea to try to centralize this huge topic. I also think it would be way helpful if there were links to specific threads or articles in this forum and elsewhere on bi-amping
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Lonnie
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Post by Lonnie on Jun 22, 2008 12:45:53 GMT -5
i think it's a great idea to try to centralize this huge topic. I also think it would be way helpful if there were links to specific threads or articles in this forum and elsewhere on bi-amping That was the thought behind it...you can just link to the earlier posts, even. |
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tholt
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Post by tholt on Jun 22, 2008 12:55:41 GMT -5
yup... you could! ;D
i'll gather some links and post later
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tholt
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Post by tholt on Jun 23, 2008 2:25:09 GMT -5
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Post by grapenuts on Jun 23, 2008 5:35:44 GMT -5
Here is a nice knowledge base on Bi-amping. I use the Vertical Bi-amp method. Two Identical amps each one powering it's own speaker to alleviate as much stress as possible. You can use different amps like Tube mids/highs, SS lows..but this is much more difficult and you have to make sure gains are the same just for starters. I also Passively bi-amp which still uses the internal xover of the speaker. To achieve the best results, you need to actively bi-amp which defeats the internal xover and you use external xovers. Much more labor intensive, but the best results. sound.westhost.com/bi-amp.htm (advocate of active bi-amp and states passive doesn't do anything) www.soundstage.com/synergize/synergize031998.htm (what I used to decide to drop the biwire/Bridged configuration and go for passive bi-amp) |
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Post by Mr. Ben on Jun 23, 2008 14:22:00 GMT -5
I wasn't aware there were bi'amping experts. Does it pay good? I don't buy into any one of those observations other than possibly not being able to send twice the wattage. You obviously haven't been around here very long because theres a growing number of people realizing that there is something really special going on atleast with bi'amping the LPA-1s. The things I listed for the "experts" to comment on are bi-amp questions I've seen on this site and others recently, and my recollection of the majority opinion. When I say experts, I'm referring to someone who has taken the time to sit down and critically listen to the things listed, such as yourself, tholt, red5ive, and others. I have no experience with bi-amping (yet...) and therefore I have no valid opinion - but I was hoping you guys would comment, given this is a FAQ. It costs time and money, so the pay is really bad. That said, when my MPS-2 finally arrives, I plan on experimenting with bi-amping my main speakers, since I have a 5.1 setup and 7 amp channels to work with (I have two sets of main speakers... it'll take a while). |
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tholt
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Post by tholt on Jun 23, 2008 22:38:49 GMT -5
like all things in this hobby, unless you win the lottery or have $ to burn, its all money. but the LPA is one of the cheapest and best ways to get in the game, plus the return policy. my .02 is that for the cost you'll be pleasantly surprised
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RadTech
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Post by RadTech on Jan 11, 2009 20:42:44 GMT -5
What about bi amping with for example a XPA 3 for lows and a UPA 7 for the highs/mids.
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RadTech
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Post by RadTech on Jan 14, 2009 13:59:36 GMT -5
With active bi amping you disable the crossover network and on any store bought speaker it voids the warranty. I know the whole bi amping subject gets alot of people upset. Especially , when one talks about passive. Most people's opinion is why bother. Well the speaker manufacturers place the 2nd set of binding post there for a reason. If you called lets just say Polk audio and ask their techs about bi amping, they encourage you to use that feature. Doesn't it allow the components to work on just what they are good at. Better sound stage , seperation and low end is what I heard. This is not just an opinion either I personally sat here and hooked up the speakers in both ways and there is an audible difference in SQ. My all means try it , why not it is part of the fun.
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Post by jmilton on Jan 14, 2009 15:13:24 GMT -5
With active bi amping you disable the crossover network and on any store bought speaker it voids the warranty. I know the whole bi amping subject gets alot of people upset. Especially , when one talks about passive. Most people's opinion is why bother. Well the speaker manufacturers place the 2nd set of binding post there for a reason. If you called lets just say Polk audio and ask their techs about bi amping, they encourage you to use that feature. Doesn't it allow the components to work on just what they are good at. Better sound stage , seperation and low end is what I heard. This is not just an opinion either I personally sat here and hooked up the speakers in both ways and there is an audible difference in SQ. My all means try it , why not it is part of the fun. The OFFICIAL Polk Audio position on bi-amping (they don't take one): www.polkaudio.com/education/showanswer.php?question_num=53 |
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