Am I wasting money on the theory of Bi-amping?
As a long time audiophile I'm finally able to bi-amp my setup. I'm using two identical amps in a vertical bi-amp configuration.
Now me not fully understanding all of the ins/outs of internal speaker crossovers and what not. I've read quite a few people tell me that bi-amping like I'm doing whether it's vertical or horizontal bi-amping is a waste since there's really not a improvement because of how speaker manufacturers design the internal crossovers.
Can anyone explain to a third grader how it's beneficial or if the naysayers are correct in the statement?
I experimented with bi-amping Magnapan 1'6's with two Arcam Alpha 10's. I really couldn't hear a difference. I went the next step and added a Bryston 10B active crossover removing the passive crossovers with a custom speaker terminal. Huge difference in everything for the better. FWIW - Maggies are known for their simple and somewhat cheap crossover components, so as others have said, the conversion to active might not be as simple or as fruitful in other systems. Jim S. |
Two identical amps....one for each channel has less crosstalk, and a dedicated power supply on each channel....similar benefits as mono blocks. Any amp should benefit from that scenario. If you use two identical stereo amps, you can use one channel for the woofer, and the other for the mids/tweeter on both sides. A channel that doesn't have to deal with the stress of driver a woofer is usually going to be better...how much is audible is an unknown, but its a better situation for the amp. I don’t see it as a total waste at all. It can really improve the soundstage, and dynamics of a system, and sometimes clarity other characteristics, depending on other factors. How much improvement you can hear depends on many things. It may not be worth the improvement to spend a lot for another identical amp, but if you already have them, or can pick up another at a reasonable price, there’s definitely some benefit. |
I would bi-amp. I agree with @knotscott, he gives good advice about passive bi-amping. I have no experience with passive bi-amping, as my speakers can only be actively bi-amp. When I horizontally bi-amped my speakers, with an analog active crossover design by the same manufacturer (of the speakers), it brought my speakers three notches above the passive crossover in sound quality. A good external crossover is very important when actively bi-amping. Also you said you have two amps then just do it, you might like it. 😎 That said, passive or active bi-amping should not be undertaken without first asking the speaker manufacturer’s advice. Mike |
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