To Passive Bi-Amp for more power

[lgcubana]

I know, I know, not worth the effort.  But my goal isn't to defeat the built in crossovers of the speakers, it's to have more amperage on hand.

I'm in a long time negotiation for a pair of Carver Amazing Platinum, MKIVs, 88db.  They will be part of a new/used garage sale inspired setup.

So far I have a Pioneer SC-82
And a Sine-Wave power conditioner

Just got a good price on an XPA-5, Gen 2.  Good enough that I may buy it, versus my real target, an XPA-2 or XPA-1L monoblocks

Question:
If I were to use RCA splitters (from the AVR's FR & FL, to 4 channels of the XPA-5),  wouldn't I be providing more available peak power for the Carvers to draw from ?

[DYohn]

The Platinum Mark IV is circa about 1993. Any of the XPA amplifiers will drive them just fine and there is no need to bi-amp. The rated impedance is 8-ohms but IIRC they drop down to nearly 2-ohms at some frequencies so if your amp shuts down in protection it is not because the speakers need more power, it is because they overloaded the amplifier with too low impedance.

-edit- Here is the Carver service manual. Note that they recommend 60 watts min for the Platinum system. akdatabase.org/AKview/albums/userpics/10004/Carver%20Amazing%20Service.pdf

[jlafrenz]

Keep in mind that even though you are using more channels, they are all still pulling from the same power supply. I went through the same thought process as you and ultimately ended up with 2 XPA-5's and passive bi-amp.

If I am remembering back to when I was going through this, the XPA-2 was a better choice than a single XPA-5 in a bi-amp configuration. If you have your sights set on the XPA-2, then I would stick with that game plan.

[leonski]

In a passive biamp system 2 things to consider.

First? The crossover frequency. An 'even' distribution of power means about 350hz.

Second? Bi amping while still sending a full-range signal to both amps doesn't buy you much. both amps still
must deal with the Full Range signal.
A line level crossover would help a LOT in that case.
Personally? The XPA-2 sounds better and better.

Also? Which VERSION do you have of this speaker? From the looks of this article, Carver Himself might need some time to figure it out.
Read thru the Stereophile tests.

Me? And for MY nickel? If I loved a planar / Ribbon sound, I'd look for some MG-3 or maybe some MG3.6 or even some MG20 from Magnepan.
HUGE database and user base to help you thru any difficulties. Parts / Fix is still available and they are DIY 'friendly. You can't beat the Magnepan Ribbon
and if you want some major bass, you can experiment with an Open Baffle sub. I find the bass the MG20 makes to be nearly perfect. Just not for 'effects' in modern movies.

www.stereophile.com/content/carver-amazing-loudspeaker-platinum-edition-page-4

[lgcubana]

Thanks for the insight.

I'll have to pass on the XPA-5 and wait for the right amp to pop up locally.

[leonski]

Me? I'd pass on the Carver Speakers, too, but thats just ME. For similar $$$, you could have some pre-loved Maggies, newer, factory supported and a HUGE DIY following.
Did I mention what might be the finest ribbon EVER?

[Gary Cook]

With 2 channels driven on the XPA-5 they provide 275 watts per channel into 8 ohms (5 channels driven = 200 WPC). As a comparison XPA-1L's are 250 WPC and XPA-2's are 300 WPC. So not a lot of watts difference in the numbers which is supported by my own real world experiences with all 3 amps.

If I remember rightly those Carver's have 3 x 12" woofers in an infinite baffle arrangement, so they need some grunt. As a result I'd be looking at something like a pair of XPA-1's as a minimum or maybe an XPR-2.

Cheers
Gary

[leonski]

Difference between 300 watts and 250 is a near-imperceptible 0.8db. 88db sensitive speakers means they are pretty good at turning amp power into sound.

You can't tell on paper or by near-meaningless specs, but it it possible for the amp with the highest dynamic headroom to be the way to go?

[lgcubana]

Jul 24, 2017 21:53:38 GMT -5 leonski said:

Me? I'd pass on the Carver Speakers, too, but thats just ME. For similar $$$, you could have some pre-loved Maggies, newer, factory supported and a HUGE DIY following.
Did I mention what might be the finest ribbon EVER?

I've definitely watched too many Kenrick Sound videos on Youtube and now have a taste for the nostalgic. The Carvers speak to me 

I realize that there is an inherent risk with them, as the 60" ribbon is almost impossible to get service on. But for the right purchase price, I'm willing to take a chance.

[lgcubana]

Well that didn't take long.   Just won an XPA-2, Gen 2, from Jadedesign  

[Loop 7]

Oh no, another thread on bi-amping.