Monoblocks vs Bi-amping

Set it up both ways and compare it for yourself...that's the only way you'll be sure.

I'm not too sure you would be gaining anything vertically biamping your speakers.

My understanding for biamp considerations are that the usual inspiration comes from the desire to alter the realized sound via the use of two dissimilar amps.

I’ve run two sets of mono block amps. One pair being SS, and now I’m using two tubed monos. FWIW I’d recommend keeping things as simple as possible and apply one amp to each Revel.

There too, you'd save the cost of another set of speaker cables, and interconnects... although that might not be an issue here.

‘Course, you could just attach ‘em like ya want and see for yourself if there is some gain or issues… then connect them back to a more standard setup if a problem is perceived.

I sure can’t see how it could harm anything if volume levels are kept reasonable.

You'll want to read the post dated 2-19-09 in this thread, by the noted designer Steve McCormack. Among other things, he makes a strong case for why vertical biamping is generally preferable to the horizontal biamping arrangement you are contemplating.

Re the bridged monoblock possibility, if you don't necessarily need the added power capability that would provide, probably the only way to judge is by listening, as was suggested.

As you probably realize, bridged mode will cause the amplifiers to see the speaker impedance (6 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum at 90Hz) divided by a factor of 2 (in other words, the amplifier would see 1.85 ohms at 90Hz). Your amplifier can certainly handle that, but it would stand to reason that the character of its sound might be affected by that difference, in unpredictable ways.

Also, in vertical biamp mode both channels of each amp are amplifying identical signals, while in monoblock mode the two channels would be amplifying signals that are inverted internally, relative to each other. Again, hard to predict what the consequences would be, but it stands to reason that there would be consequences.

Regards,
-- Al

Hi Brian,

Let me preface this by saying that I'm no expert on Bridging or Biamping, however, I'm not a fan of Bridging. I do agree with Blindjim though, that bi-amping is usually associated with SS on the bottom and tubes on the top, to better taylor the sound towards ones preferences.

I wouldn't go out and by an Amp for the sole purpose of Bridging as the Plan. Now, if someone needed to do this out of necessity than I'm all for it.

The way I understand it, is that if you Bridge the Amps, then you will basically be reducing the load that the Amps could drive by 1/2 so if it could drive 4 ohms previously unbridged, then it will only be able to drive 8 ohms bridged, and I don't think that's as a good thing, unless you have 8 ohm minimal speakers to start with. My experiences although limited, have revealed higher levels of distortion, compression, heat, and clipping in bridged modes. I see that the Revel Salon 2's have a minimum impedance down to 3.7 ohms, so if you bridge your amps, then you may clip them with your particular speakers.

From the Spectron Website:
"Balanced Design: Musician III Mk2 is capable to operate both in stereo and mono (fully balanced) modes. While not necessarily an advantage in every speaker, Spectron monoblocks configuration triples the power and doubles the head room. The major advantage of this mode of operation, however, is noticeable improvement is dynamics and resolution of details in the music."

They say it triples the power, but then, wouldn't the amp have a difficult time delivering this power into a minimal impedance of 3.7 ohm speakers, which your bridged Amps will be viewing as a minimal impedance of 1.85 ohms.

I would think that in this case, bi-amping would be better, for less power output, but, improved power transfer to the speakers.

Rich

"...I would think bi-amping would be superior since the each amp would see a more stable impedance profile"

Hello,

Spectron claims that their amp is stable to the load up to 0.1 Ohm so this should not be concern to you.

I own B&W 802N and drive them with two Spectrons. Of course, as suggested above I tried them in both configurations. Unquestionably (for me , at least) monoblock configaration was much better then bi-amp stereo. No slightest question about it. If your speaker impedance is more gentle then extremely difficult 802 then you will be even better off.

Somebody above mention that minimum impedance of your speakers is 3.5 Ohm. If true then its great. The problem with speakers is that practically no customer asks and no speaker and amplifier manufacturer alike volunteer to describe... the speaker impedance PHASE behaivor and amplifier ability to deal with it. Its ain't easy...the demand for delivered power increase substantially.

Good Luck
Rafael