Bi amping my ML SL3 speakers


Few questions for the ones that know the answers :)

If I’d like to bi-amp my speakers how do I know how much power should I send to the woofer and how much to the rest of the speaker ? (for mids and highs)

Currently I am using a Rotel 1582MKII and if I really crank the volume woofers start to distort so I’m thinking this amp is too much power ?

Info on ML site is misleading one place says 80-200 but I also saw 20-400 WPC so which one is it. My rotel amp is rated for 200WPC at 8 Ohms and no 4 ohm rating.....my speakers are 4 Ohms rated

Also I am guessing that the amp dedicated for lows doesn’t have to be as high end as the one for the electrostatic panels ?

 

Last but not least I will need a pre amp that has two sets of pre outs so I can feed same signal into both amps correct ? I really don’t want to get RCA splitters because that defeats the purpose of having a nice set of RCA’s - this question has been resolved thanks to riley804. I will get some but amp cables :)

 

Lots of questions any answers or wisdom is much appreciated !

lehelke3

Bi-wiring or using another amp will not solve that issue. The SL3 are old. Even new they never felt comfortable playing at concert levels. It’s possible something is wrong with woofers so you can look into it. Give ML customer service a call. 

What I’m suggesting though as a better path forward instead of spending on speaker cables and amplifiers, upgrade the speakers. Anything Montis or newer should be a big improvement over the old SL3 if you want to stay with ML. 
 

"I already have a rotel amp that is overpowering the wiofers so I really think I would benefit from bi amping."

The 1st post about overthinking it is what I would agree with.

Your amp isn’t "overpowering the woofers". There isn't anything near 200 watts ever feeding your speaker.

Consider trying a different amp. I use a pair of Theos, and they sound fine through a 70 watt tube amp or a $250 20+ year old SS 80 watt Harman Kardon reciever.

 

 

Great this is really going to right way, one person says my amp is no good another says replace your speakers :)

I just really needed some help to understand some concepts which I kind of got so I do thank all of you for chiming in !

Try not to jump on the what better train...there is always something better

I would like to make what I have work. If it fails for my ears or I see problems will make the necessary moves. I am open to amp change for now :)