2. amps-preamps
  3. 1236896717

Biamping, bass and amplifier type.

I am new to the idea of tube amplification, but not new to the audio hobby (or obsession, depending on your point of view).
My question is, if tubes provide decidedly better treble and mid reproduction and a better image and soundstage, and if solid state provides better bass extension and response, why not use biampable speakers with solid state wired to bass and tube wired to high/mids?
OR
Tube amp for high/mid satellites and a SS sub?
Wouldn't this provide 'the best of both worlds?'
I look forward to your responses.
This is important to me as my amp of the last 25 years just died and I am venturing into a new system.
rhanechak
rhanechak OP
48 posts
 
I really want to thank everyone who has responded to my post for their well reasoned, thoughtful and well written replies.
Class (A) all the way.
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
I agree with Bob, save yourself the cost of an additonal amp and get a quality subwoofer. A subwoofer will produce way more bass than a biamped speaker.
stewie
187 posts
 
I've biamped in just the way you're considering: a ss amp to the bass cabinets of my vr4 iii's, and dynaco mk iii monoblocs powering the mids and trebles. Though my ss amp puts out 170wpc, and the Dynaco's are rated a 60w, gain difference is not an issue b/c of two convenient configurations in my amp and preamp: 1) my ss amp has volume pot (per channel, but a single pot controlling both work just as well); and 2) my preamp has two sets of outputs. Those aren't requirements by any means, but it makes bi-amping a cinch. I keep the volume pots on ss amp at about 4, and then leave them alone; everything is controlled via the preamp, and I don't notice any imbalances across the volume range. And with the VRiiis, which get down to about 20hz, no subwoofer need apply.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I disagree with Stewie. He's gotten lucky with gain. Many amps will increase at different rates. Some amps will double output with a quarter turn while other only go up 10%. There is no way to compensate for different rates of gain.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
There are 2 main types of potentiometer. Linear and Log.
They both may start (50kohm, say) and End, (zero, hopefully) but get there in 2 different ways.....'slopes'. They will only match resistance at those 2 points based on rotation.

As for bi amping, I have never heard a discussion of amp latency....that amount of time a signal takes to go THRU the amp. If it took JUST 1 millisecond longer for the signal to go thru the hi frequency amp, that would be like pushing the mid/hi drivers over 1 foot back. (away from listener)
This would start no end to problems.....smear of image, phase problems and more. The holocaust at/near the x-over frequency would be awful.

Before you toss this one in the round file, think about people who are good enough / discriminating / well eared enough to hear which way a fuse is installed.
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