2. amps-preamps
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Horiz/Vert Biamping

I see many references to horizontal vs vertical biamping and the definitions seem to be contrary to how I would define these: I would define them as such:

Vertical: Defined as one amp for the Top freqs and another amp for the Bottom freqs.
Horizontal: Defined as one amp for the Left channel and another for the Right channel.

But these above definitions do not seem to be what anyone else here uses so I am curious as to why they are defined exactly the opposite.

And I can see there would be one major advantage for each situation. When the amps are matched, better channel separation would be expected if an amp is used for each channel. But to have an amp for the top and one for the bottom might bring on more openness in the mids and highs as the amp driving that range is not stressed by the low freq demands on the same power supplies in a stereo amp. I guess true dual-mono stereo amps would alleviate this or is this still not entirely the case? Or is it really a better way to go with a different amp optimal for each of the 2 freq ranges? And if so, what about synergy around the crossover point between the two amps' sonic differences?

Any thoughts or experiences here would be greatly appreciated. This mainly pertains to Magnepan Series 3s but other speaker usage would be interesting.

Thanks.....John
jafox
abex
322 posts
 
Sean:
It was the designer of my speakers that first brought the equation and recommendation up to me for Vertical amping and then I saw an article in one of the major Mags where the reviewer stated that he would not even consider thinking of a new speaker today unless it gave him the ability to do Vertical amping.

The more I ponderd the idea the more it made sense,but to explain it is a total nightmare.I have been to 3 BB's where people have gotten the explaination screwed up which in turn played with my head trying to explain it and I have been into audio for quite some time now.

The disadvantages are using more Power and more wires,but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks if you want the best you can get.Then again it must all gel right.

My speaker designer is making an outboard XO(3-ways) with my speakers which should be ready by the end of the month.

One thing that is really driving me nuts is trying to find the right amps to use.I have a modified B&K ST-202 and have been waiting to see if the new LeAmpII's are better than the originals which of what I understand have gotten less than stellar exceptance in the audio community.But the new ones are suppose to be a breed apart from them.Mike Barnes of nOrh says they are comparable to SOTA stuff and they only cost $400 per Monoblock set.If it's true I want 3 sets.Then again like the old saying goes if it's to good to be true it usually is.

Thx!
sean
6,231 posts
 
Abex: One can not buy the capacitors, transformer, chassis, heatsinking, output devices, etc... for a truly "SOTA" SS amplifier for $400. Bare in mind that i'm talking wholesale costs and volume purchasing here also. As such, i would not get my hopes up too high in terms of out of the box performance.

Having said that, the new design might make for an excellent platform for upgrading / modifications. One can devise an excellent circuit yet compromise the performance of the unit by building it to a low price point using lesser quality components. As such, replacing the "mass production" low cost parts with higher grade parts can turn some "budget" products into truly "kick ass" performers. Sean
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abex
322 posts
 
Yes,I realise this to that is why I have a Modified B&K ST-202.I am waiting for the opinions of the LeAmpII's from some people at the Midwest audio show going on this week.

If worst comes to worst I will try to find some Mark Lev amps in the future to Horizontally amp the speakers.

Thx!
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