Looking for views on bi-amping

If you passively bi-amp, you have the problem of differences in gain between the two amps. I have a 2 way external crossover (actually it is a combined crossover/phonostage) which allows to equalize the gain between the two amps. thus I have been able to try different amps for the highs and lows. I have yet to try a SS on the lows.

The other reason to actively bi-amp is that since each ampb is only seeing the frequencies that are directed to it, that amp can work more efficiently. For example, the amp on top is only seeing frequencies above the crossover point for my speakers. So it's "sweet spot" is only working on the supertweeter/midrange horn and not share it's "goodies" with the woofer. My speaker's crossover between the woofers and up top were designed to be easily disabled.

Reg

A few questions on this as I am still a bit confused.

How do you account for amps that have unequal gain with the active cross-over unit?

If the speakers have 4 binding posts, can I assume that the lower post is for the lows (woofer) and that the higher two are for the mid/tweeter? With an active crossover any reason to open up the speakers or do I leave the internal cross-overs in place.

Did you try both SS and tube cross-overs?

Thanks

Have heard some active and passive bi and tri amp setups, sorry to say that chances of failure are high due to the many reasons posted above (gain mismatches mostly).

The only route I would consider is horizontal bi-amp using the same amps, otherwise I feel we are swimming against the flow of a basic principle here "Less Is More".

My One and a half cent

Fernando

I purchased a C-J Primier 11 from a good friend. I found the bass a bit lacking. I called C-J, and they recommended bi-amping with a MF-2250 for the bass with the P-11 for mids and highs. My speakers have dual binding posts which made the project possible. I purchased the 2250, ran two sets of cable to each speaker, two sets of interconnects to each amp from the pre-amp, and could not be more pleased with the results. I don't think I would go out of my way to bi-amp, but in my case I did not want to sell the Premier 11!
Regards,

It's simple to passively biamp with different brands. At least, it's simple after the mistakes. On the highest gain amp, add an attenuator (up to 5 KOhm will usually suffice). The pots I tried tended to sound bloated at the crossover point and always needed adjustments. Every CD and the volume made a change. Since I changed over to an attenuator, I had to adjust from what I thought it should be and it just stayed since. Probably something about capacitance. A properly selected resistor might work but I doubt it.

You can combine the best qualities of different amp designs but you have to consider matching characters. You also have to consider the crossover point. If it's above 200 Hz, you're getting into voices and you will hear the difference in amps.