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Help? Bi-Amping With A Pair of Roksan KA-1 Amplifiers

Hello. I need some help with trying to multi-amp with my two Roksan Kandy KA-1 integrated amplifiers. I have a pair of B&W DM640 speakers (may upgrade soon) that are bi-amp capable. I am trying to figure out exactly how to drive the upper frequencies with one amp and the lower frequencies with the other amp.

The later models of the Roksan amplifiers have a trim capability which is supposed to help balance the outputs when bi-amping- I think. My amps do not have the trim function. My amps do have what looks like pre-out and pre-in RCA (L+R) plugs that are bridged with a metal jumper bar. The pre-out is called a “Remote Out” but I think this is a pre-out.

When I pull the jumper bars on the amps, the output on the pre-out (remote out) seems to be very low level and I am not sure I can balance the HF and LF outputs to make this work? Of course, I will remove the jumper bars on the speakers as well.

My question is, can I pull the jumpers on the “remote out” and “Pre-amp input” on both amps and then connect one amp to the other and wire the speakers in bi-amp mode?

I contacted Roksan and their answer was too vague for me as they said I can do this “If the amps are wired correctly". Not much help for a newbie...... Any help would be very appreciated.

Than you in advance,

Bryan


voiceofvinyl
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,107 posts
 
See if this link takes you to an article about bi-wiring and bi-amping, and scroll down to the last diagram pic near their conclusion that illustrates the difference between vertical and horizontal bi-amping...might help you visualize.
https://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiring

Here's another link that has some pics - http://av2day.com/2014/05/bi-amping-vertical-vs-horizontal/

Either Vertical or horizontal bi-amping could work for you, but it’s important to pick one and not confuse them. There are pros and cons with each. Regardless which, you will be doing "passive" bi-amping using your speaker’s internal crossover ("active" bi-amping is another option for some situations, but it doesn’t sound like it’s feasible for you at this time).

The "vertical" method dedicates one amplifier solely to the left channel, and the other amp solely to the right channel. The markings for "Left" and "Right" on the output of your amps become irrelevant....one is going to become the woofer channel, and the the other the mid/tweeter channel. Split your music source signals between the two amps....left output from CD to input of the amp going to the left speaker, and left output phono to the phono input of the amp going to left speaker.... then right output from CD to right speaker amp, right output phono to right speaker amp. Left and right sides are completely isolated from each other, and will have separate volume controls in this configuration....the stereo effect will occur at the music source. Make sense?

p.s. It just occurred to me that you will need a y-adapters for your CD and phono cables.
voiceofvinyl's avatar
voiceofvinyl OP
93 posts
 
Thanks so much for the advice guys. I will start experimenting with this.

BTW, I picked up a KORG DS-DAC-10R AD/DA converter (new) to rip some vinyl. It also appears to function as a pre-amp. I am using a Luxman TT with an Ortofon Blue MM cartridge. Would using the KORG be better than the Roksan on-board phono section? If so, where do I clamp this, to the Tape In or one of the Line Inputs?

Thanks again.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
You have to listen and see, which sounds better. CLAMP? Your gonna hook it up, LOL The tape loop will get the signal from the Korg, to both amps with one cable by using the "TAPE LOOP". Horizontal bi amping is what you're doing...Not vertical. Different amps work better horizontal.

Regards
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