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To Bi or not to Bi? That is the question

I have recently purchased a pair of Dahlquist CA2 and W2 speakers. These were/are a fabulous speaker designed to be bi-wired or bi-amped. For those not familiar, there are two cabinets, one for the highs (D'appollito array) and the other cabinet contains 2 6.5" woofers. The two cabinets stack one on top of the other and are bridged together. I currently am using the same amp I had to drive my old speakers which is a "modest" Hafler 9180 (105wpc). Needless to say, I'm not getting the best from my new speakers. What I am looking for help with is in the biamping process. I really like the 9180 which has that warm MOSFET sound and am thinking of keeping the amp to run the top cabinets. I would then like to get a stronger amp (looking at Hafler or Bryston)to drive the bass cabinets. I am a little concerned because I have read differing opinions on using two different powered amps in this configuration - some say they should be the same amp while others say a combo produces good results. What do you think? Also, my pre-amp only has only one set of outs for the mains, so a Y would be needed here - which brings me to another problem - where to fing a high quality Y (I am currently using AQ Opal to go to the main amp)? Thanks for the help in advance! BTW: I do not use an external crossover. Tony
treyhoss
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
Bi-amping with two different amps can be good or bad. It just depends on the synergy of your system. Make sure each amp is a good match for each cabinet. Personally, I have always used the same amplifiers to do it, but I can definitely see advantages to use two different amps. The best advice I can give is to experiment for yourself and see what configuration you like the best. I've never run across a decent "Y". I wish I had though.
gregm
3,408 posts
 
Bi, I say. Since the choice is vast, I suggest you start with a few amps on loan -- if possible. Just to get an idea. As S7 said & and the resident EE's will confirm, it's useful to match the sound characteristics & phasing of the two amps.
How about a tube for the upper... assuming the Hafler can drive your woofs. Otherwise, you'll need a powerful machine for the woofs which may be faster (if recent model) than the Hafler -- thereby creating phase problems.
Not a problem; just fun in researching, if you can. Good luck, nice speakers!
treyhoss OP
287 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I guess the first step is to get hold of some good cable. I am running AQ Argent+ which I will use for the tops and am thinking AQ Midnight for the bass. That still leaves me with my quest to find high quality Y adaptors. Anyone have ideas there?
sean
6,231 posts
 
While i can't vouch for them personally, you might want to try looking at www.partsexpress.com for either part number 263-754 or 263-588. Both are RCA splitters but of different configurations. I would opt for the one with a female at the end and on the side rather than the two on one side. Without looking at them in person, i'm guessing that they might be too close together if you used fancy cables with large barrelled RCA's on them. Hope this helps... Sean
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PS... Once you take the plunge, the next step is active bi-amping. THAT is where the big gain is at. Sean
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zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Just a note: It is very important to as closely match the gain of two dissimilar amps as is possible for this method to stand a chance of working correctly.
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