2. amps-preamps
  3. 1015960155

Gain matching of power amps

How important is it to have amps of same gain when using amps from different manufacturers in a horizontal biamp? Currently using Audiolab 8000P's(29db gain) in vertical biamp configuration, but need to tame metal tweeter top end. Looking at McCormack(40db gain), and Classe power amps(anyone know the gain of these) as a solution. Do you have recommendation for other power amps that have a warm presentation that might suit? Does it matter if amps have different power ratings? Audiolab's are 100W, would you recommend more, less or same power for tweeter?
miketw
ral
124 posts
 
Edesilva: I didn't know that about the Casablanca... interesting. I see your point about not trying to recreate the ML crossover. And yes I think many purists want to avoid any signal processing between source and amp, and this is quite reasonable. However, in a few cases a good active xover can actually improve things if the speaker's passive xover system is not so great (that was my case with the Maggie 3.6R factory bass-to-mid xover box). A Marchand xover (deluxe version with upgraded parts) has worked well for me and introduces negligible sonic signature given the overall improvement from biamping. I've read that the Bryston xover is pretty neutral too. Probably there are other good ones.
miketw OP
14 posts
 
Many thanks for the responses. Especially Herman, level of detail I wanted, and much appreciated. I have two matching power amps right now, so I know that this is the best gain match solution. May need to look at other alternatives to resolve tweeter problem. Currently using runs of Stealth Premier for both tweeter, and woofer. Maybe should look for a softer/darker cable for tweeter, recommendations?.
What is your view of going to a more powerful amp, and NOT bi-amping at all. Candidates, Classe 150/200, McCormack DNA 1/2, Audio Research D240/400?. Other recommendations? Would probably still want to biwire.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Sorry to take a step backwards here, but the difference between using a good quality active crossover and bi / tri / quad amping and passively multi-amping with passive crossovers is STAGGERING to say the least. More "junk" in the signal path ( active crossover ) will almost always produce results that you've never dreamed of if you have the time and know-how to dial it all in. However, you do have to take the passive crossovers out of the speaker circuit, resulting in "direct drive" from amp to speaker. MUCH, MUCH better. Sean
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