2. amps-preamps
  3. 1002575279

What's better? 1 amp of 250wpc OR 2 amps of 135wpc each one?

Hi guys! my question is because I want to upgrade the amplication section of my system. I want to continue using the PREAMP section of my integrated amp (Musical Fidelity A300), but don't know what would be better, if using a 250 watts per channel amplifier (for example the Bryston 4ST) or if using a Musical Fidelity A3CR that is 120 watts to PASSIVE BI-AMP with the amp section of the integrated, so that's my confusion, What's better? One amplifier of 250wpc OR two amplifiers in passive biamping that together give 250 wpc? The A300 is 150 wpc and the A3CR is 120 wpc. Both are gain matched. I'm happy with the loudness I get with the A300, so I do not need my system to play louder, hence I also wonder if the AMPERES I have with both MF amps will cause a better improvement than the amperes I have with the Bryston 4st, or definitely more watts are better than more amperes?. Thanks for your recommendations. jorge
jorge_err
sqjudge
96 posts
 
I feel the that bi-amp is usually a great way to improve on a system's sound. If you like the way the A300 sounds it seems that a natural way to go is to passive bi-amp. If you are sure you do not need the extra voltage headroom of the 250 wpc amp, then I would definatly go with the A3CR. Chris
fineberg
151 posts
 
I've seen threads from a number of people use the very config you descibe and are very happy.
jvr
105 posts
 
what are you expecting from the biamp? if the a300 is loud enough...where are you going with this? i think you will get some sonic benefits for doing this...but not unbeleivable. i have used hafler amps in a horizontal biamp (as they were same 91 series but different output but having adjustable gain) not that much better but you could adjust for room problems with the gain (boomy bass was fixed by lowering the volume to the woofers). i have done vertical with anthem amp ones which helped greatly on inefficient speakers.

if it were me. i would look at upgrading another part of your system to give you a bigger bang. source; cables etc. try a tube amp maybe if everything else is perfect.

my thoughts anyway. good luck
More to discover