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Bi-Amping Options B&W 801 Series 2

New to me Bowers & Wilkins floor-standing full-range monitors with two sets of binding posts.
Currently have dual MC252 solid-state amps (with autoformers) connected as follows: (1) to both bass drivers and (1) to midrange and treble drivers.

Meanwhile, I have a Rogue Audio Stereo 100 sitting idle (although I could hook it up to my vintage Warfedales). I’m wondering if I would be better served by bridging both the MC252s and putting them both on bass duty (500 Watts to each driver), and put the Stereo 100 to use driving the midrange and tweeters. What do you think?

Especially interested to hear from someone with experience driving this particular speaker, which sounds wonderful, by the way. My system is fully described (but not well pictured) under my profile in Virtual Systems. And, if anyone has a lead on an original Bass Alignment filter, I’m all ears.

128x128oldrooney
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 posts
 

Try the Rogue by itself and see if you like the sound. Not sure you will even need the Mac amps unless you are trying to bust the windows.

raysmtb1's avatar
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raysmtb1
800 posts
 

If you’re looking for more bass, a bigger amplifier is not going to do it. Do you need to add more base with the tone control. I bet you’re fine if you look at the meters, you’re probably only using about 10 watts during a typical listening session

tomcarr
1,504 posts
 

I've got the 803 D3s. Just like mine yours dip down to 3 ohms.

They need current. The more the better.

You need the headroom for dynamic peaks.

Strap the Macs for mono for the bass and use the Rogue for the mid/treble.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 

For biamping you’ll need an external crossover or passive volume device to match the gain between top and bottom drivers. Is that what the Shiit Freya is for or can this be done with the Mac control processor?

You have a beautiful system, btw.

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