2. amps-preamps
  3. 190123-158620

Gain control for low-pass bi-amp

Forgive my terminology as I'm not as savvy as I should be considering the equipment I run and what I'm trying to do. I'm probably in over my head but I'm learning a ton as I go.

I bi-amp Infinity Kappa 9s with a Peachtree GaN400 for the low-pass and an old Audio Research Dual 75 on the high-pass. For better or worse, I use a PS Audio DAC with the Bridge II to stream, also using it for volume control. So I guess it doubles as a line stage/pre-amp? I know this is not ideal and I'm ready to correct, upgrade or whatever you want to call it.

The biggest issue I have is that when I crank the volume to get the Kappa 9s singing, there is waaaay too much bass on a lot of the tracks I enjoy. Even with the bass extension on the Infinitys switched to normal, it's just too damn much, and I'm a bass head (hip-hop and many types of electronic music for casual listening).

I presume this is where a real pre or line stage comes in, but this is where I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what I need and my knowledge of this game goes weak.

Whatever the solution is, I'd like to keep it in the $1,500 to $2,000 vicinity if that's at all possible. I don't mind used, but I don't have any buyer feedback/ratings, and I understand that can be a deal breaker for some sellers? Maybe TMR, which is local to me?

I appreciate all advice and guidance from all perspectives, and I'll likely have many follow up questions.

Best,

Richard

 

 

richardt9000
erik_squires
16,325 posts
 

Any passive volume control on the bass amp will work for you, no reason to make it very expensive, but if you wanted to spend a little money, I’d get a miniDSP AND bypass all of the low bass woofer’s crossover.

This would take some careful measurements to ensure you set up the external crossover correctly but I suspect this will greatly improve the overall performance.

For more check this thread on DIYaudio about those speakers.

Alternatively, you might want to see if anyone has after market crossovers for these speakers.  Like other Infinity designs, the impedance curve left a lot to be desired and was unnecessarily brutal on the amps.

richardt9000 OP
14 posts
 

Thanks for the responses, guys. I posted this in a leisurely part of a vacation that quickly turned busy. Ordered a passive volume control, but after playing with the stereo more upon returning home (volume control still having not arrived), I have come to the conclusion I have accumulated a mish-mosh of equipment with questionable synergy, if any. Learning a ton as I go, here.

And you're right, @erik_squires , the Infinity impedance curve is gnarly. I knew this going into it, but their sound really moved me, and it still does. I've been buying equipment around the speakers, and that's probably the worst possible idea with the K9s. There are aftermarket crossovers, and considered that in the past, but it's not really my forte, nor enjoyable.

So I'm sort of at a crossroad, as @czarivey suggests. For a while I had been kicking around the idea of selling everything and starting over, and that's where I've landed. Need to rip off the Band-Aid, take the bath, and move on.

Thanks again,

Richard  

 

 

erik_squires
16,325 posts
 

OP:

 

If you are not getting the crossover upgrades, then rip out the woofer crossover in it's enitrety and use a miniDSP in it's place.

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