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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
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,024 posts
 

I looked up that Rotel amp. It’s ok. Should be fine but what I suggested about moving to a newer model MLs (if you like the sound) has several benefits-

1. Newer design Montis (I had those), Summit, etc. have powered woofer. I drove the Montis with Rogue ST100 and later with Pass XA-30.8 So they’re easier to drive

2. Better, more seamless woofer/panel integration.

3. Newer/fresher panels - these things age. They also accumulate dust. Both the age and accumulation of dust impact the way they sound. You can vacuum the panels or even wash them in the shower (panels only).

 

After owning Aries I and Montis, I eventually moved on. But the MLs are great speakers without a doubt. 

tablejockey
3,908 posts
 

'Any idea why these speakersxare rated either 80-200 or 80-400WPC on various ML documentation. That is a significant difference !'

Being concerned about the speaker power ratings is probably the least of your concerns, since your preferred listening levels never reach it's claimed output specs.

You have an older model ML as others have mentioned. Maybe time for a tune up, or upgrade to newer model/brand, or something completely different.

The amp suggestion was a reminder that what amp is driving your speakers also makes up for what the fuss is all about with panels.

 

 

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cleeds
5,953 posts
 
lehelke3

Any idea why these speakersxare rated either 80-200 or 80-400WPC on various ML documentation. That is a significant difference !

Not really. The difference between 200 watts and 400 watts in 3 dB.

lehelke3 OP
10 posts
 

That’s one way to look at it. It’s another one if you need to buy an amp that’s 200WPC or 400 :) You wallet will suddenly feel the weight 3db carries:)

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,024 posts
 

Quantity is much less important than quality here when talking watts. Don’t get hung up on amplifier power.

If you want to make what you have work, disassemble the SL3, check woofers, make sure all the screws are tightened, vacuum or wash the panels. Also check the rear of the woofer cabinet. Make sure everything is tight and nothing rattles. Reassemble and check how they sound. If still issues, sell the SL3 and move on. 

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