biamping with a arc 150.2 and vtl mb125

Hi Sy,

That could be true, but I'm not sure.

Everything else being equal, a balanced interface will provide 6db greater gain than an unbalanced one, because the balanced input responds to the difference between two equal and opposite signal polarities, rather than to the difference between one of those polarities and ground (0 volts).

However, I'm not sure if that fact is or is not already "built into" the spec for the 150.2 which indicates identical 1.4 volt sensitivity and 27 db gain numbers for both the balanced and unbalanced inputs.

Best regards,
-- Al

al,
iain am xompletetly clueless when it comes to this. with your best judgement, do you think i should try it?
thanks ag

Hi Sy,

My instinct would be "no," given that you don't have a means of trying it out which is both convenient and without obligation. There are too many variables, unknowns, and causes for concern.

I would suggest not bi-amping and simply buying a more powerful amplifier, and waiting however long it takes to find a buyer for the VTL's. At only $1600 a buyer certainly figures to be forthcoming eventually.

Best regards,
-- Al

You could try inline attenuators to balance the gain but, fair warning, those tend to have quite low Zin themselves. Then, you have an impedance matching issue. Also, the more complicated the system gets, the more likely to get ground loops.

Ask the manufacturer of the preamp or source (if direct) if it advisable to use both RCA and XLR outputs simultaneously.

What's the crossover point? What speakers?

There are tube amps with good bass but is that the best option for bass only?

You could try inline attenuators to balance the gain but, fair warning, those tend to have quite low Zin themselves. Then, you could have an impedance matching issue. Also, the more complicated the system gets, the more likely to get ground loops.

Ask the manufacturer of the preamp or source (if direct) if it advisable to use both RCA and XLR outputs simultaneously.

What's the crossover point? What speakers?

There are tube amps with good bass but is that the best option for bass only?