To Bridge Or Not To Bridge

You may even consider trying to bridge the KAV's four channels to two, then trying them out as power to the main L/R speakers!

I saw your comments, displeasure with the KAV, however it may be better than the Classe two channel amp you're using now, especially since the power will increase substantially through bridging. That has a huge effect on what is perceived as "quality" sound. Only way to know is to try. There are so many things happening tonally, etc. that no one can tell you definitively that you won't like it better. It'll take some time, but the payoff could be good. You would still have one channel remaining for center, and you'd have perfect consistency in amplification across the front rather than different manufacturers. The Classe then could be put to work on the rears. If it doesn't pan out you've lost nothing. If it does, you've upgraded for free.

I would think this could be a very interesting comparison for you. It certainly should not be written off. This is the kind of futzing around with equipment which will separate you as an audiophile from the weekend hacks. ;)

P.S. If you're concerned regarding the inefficiency of the Theil speakers and the capacity of the bridged KAV to drive them, give Theil a call. Better to be cautious. It's likely there is no issue, but best to be informed.

Schipo -- ROTFLOL!!!

Leo -- Bob R. makes an excellent point. In bridged mode an amp will see the speaker impedance x 0.5. The Thiel is rated as 4 ohm nominal, 3 ohms minimum. Therefore in bridged mode the amp will see 2 ohms nominal, 1.5 ohms min. I looked at the amp manual, http://www.krellonline.com/archive_pdfs/KAV500/KAV500_V990_MAN.pdf, and I see nothing that provides confidence that the amp will be able to handle that acceptably.

Regards,
-- Al

Almarg, that was my concern as well. I don't see anything confidence inspiring in the manual either. But Bret D'Agostino said it would be fine. I'll call again to double check, I don't have the bridging wires anyway it turns out.

Douglas, the KAV-500 is lifeless and monotonous in my opinion. But its just fine for HT which is why I don't swap it out. The Classe has lots of synergy with the older Thiel 1.5s as many before me have discovered. Also, the power of the Classe is 400W@4O and the Bridged Krell is 400W@4O so you must be thinking of a different amp when you say there is more power.

Schipo - I am not worthy!