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Will this amp trick work for increasing bass performance?

I'm considering matching Focal Utopia Scala Evo with two amps for bi-amping, to separate bass and mid/high. 

I'm considering the Pass Labs XP-32 pre-amp, which has individual volume controls for each channel/amp. By slightly increasing bass amp volume over mid/high amp volume, I get to feel more punch from the 11" woofers. The crossover in the Focals cuts off at 220Hz, so only bass and sub bass are affected.

Which two power amps would you consider? Power amp budget is about $30K. Was told Focals like power, so >250W for bass amp seems the minimum. Pre amp will likely be Pass Labs XP-32.
Maybe Pass Labs X250.8 + X150.8 or X250.8 + XA60.8?

Your thoughts please? Any other ideas to get more bass performance from the 11" woofers in the Focals? Subwoofer is not an option. I know McIntosh has a pre-amp with equalizer, which would solve the problem too. But I always thought EQs are a no-no.
robert1976
danvignau's avatar
danvignau
935 posts
 
You are certainly on the right track.  By using separate amps with separate volume controls, you can increase of decrease the bass without destroying the linearity of phase aligned speakers, and without changing the linearity of the bass output with a tone control.  I am a definitely a Nelson Pass fan, and had forgotten about his pre-amps with dual volume controls, so I use a pair of Audire Diffet 3's.  It really works!   From my comments, you would be right to surmise that I would never go with an EQ.
robert1976 OP
75 posts
 
Guys, what about a pre amp with a built-in EQ, like this McIntosh MA9000 https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/preamplifiers/C53
robert1976 OP
75 posts
 
@onhwy61 You mentioned tape loop. Like this "tape output" https://www.ayre.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KX-R_BACK_Web.jpg

And how/where do I add the equalizer in that scenario?
gdaddy1
135 posts
 
I have to chime in here. Paul McCowen from PS Audio said the best way to connect your subs was to connect them directly from the speakers to the high level inputs on the sub. (he has a video on the topic) In this way it picks up the dynamic characteristic of the amp. Connecting straight from the pre-amp is passive.

The result of this change was nothing short of amazing. For so many years I had my subs connected 'passively' to pre-amp. This change has added dynamic 'punch' and tightness like I've never had before. I now pick up the punchy personality of the amplifier. Not more bass but tighter bass. Exactly what I had been searching for over many years. Bass you can feel. Provided your sub can accept high level input connection this is a game changer. It's a simple, cheap connection taking a few minutes to change and the results are huge!!

I have two 12" inch subs in stereo connected directly to my McCormack amp and my search for better bass has ended thanks to Pauls simple trick. Makes me wonder why the entire industry suggests connecting to the pre-amp. 

Tidal question... from what device are you streaming from? How is the connection made?

robert1976 OP
75 posts
 
@gdaddy1 Did you say "connect them [subwoofers] directly from the speakers". Can you elaborate on the exact wiring in this scenario?

I play Tidal via Chromecast to my streamer, wirelessly. I also have a AudioQuest Dragon Cobalt that I attach to my iPhone or MacBook, then via a 3.5mm to RCA to the pre-amp.

I got suggested that Roon can play the Tidal library too, which superior results
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