How to bi-amp with 2 two-channel amps?

Horizontal bi-amping allows you to use two different types of amps ( i.e. tubes for highs, SS for bass) you can also use two identical amps. When horizontal is choosen you will use one amp for right and left channel upper and the second amp for right and left channel lower. Note when using two different amps that the gain be the same or an imbalance will occur.Vertical bi-amping uses two of the same type of amps being eiter SS or Tubes. When using vertical bi-amp each one of the amps are dedicated to each speaker, for instace, the left channel of each amp connects to the lows and the right channel connects to the highs.If your preamp doesn't have dual pre outs then you must use a Y connector or spliter. There are a few companies that sell the adaptors.

My suggestion (based on experience) is if you have two identical amps then run one amp to each speaker. IMO, this implementation is sonically superior to using one amp for highs and one amp for the lows. YMMV.

Krell recommends one amp per speaker. Their are good arguments for both ways. I would personally experiment. Since I have two different amps, I have no choice.

By the way, "Distortion":
Bridging is totally different than vertical biamping (one amp per speaker, and your original recommendation is called horizontal biamping.

Richard

Did I get it backwards?

Vertical is two(2) two-channel amps playing independently the high and low of each speaker. One amp dedicated to the left and one right. Essentially seperated "horizontally."

Horizontal is one amp playing the L/R lows and the other playing the highs. Essentially seperated "vertically."

And, bridged would sum the output of each amp, essentially monoblocks with a single output, bi-wired if you want.

Whew.....

Now that I read that again, it sounds right. I stand corrected. Although, I knew/know better I'll probably get them screwed up again.

Sorry Overhang, awww well, If you have the cables and the time I would check out every possible wiring.

vertical bi-amping optimizes stereo separation and will provide an outstanding 3 dimensional soundstage.
if you like lound music,horizontal bi-amping is more optimal bec. distortion crosstalk bet. low/mid and high frequency channels can no longer occur.However, stereo separation maybe reduced.the best configuration for you depends on your listening habits and eqpt.