2. amps-preamps
  3. 1322508116

Need advice: Biamping vs. dual bridged monos

I am now the proud owner of two Classe CA-100 power amps. I had one, loved it, then saw another available at an excellent price and couldn't walk away without it. So now I've got two.

...But now I need some guidance. With two 2-channel amps, what is the best way to power my speakers (Magnepan 3.5 in stock form, no modifications)?

I could use the CA-100s in mono mode; in mono mode they are rated (per the manufacturer's specs) for 350 watts each into 8 ohms, or 600W into 4 ohms.

Or I could use them in stereo mode and bi-amp my Maggies.

Which method is generally regarded as the better method?

If I go with bi-amping, then I need to get a new preamp because my old Denon preamp has only one set of pre-outs. Or is there a suitable way around that too?

Any insight you all can provide is greatly appreciated. As you can tell, I didn't put a lot of planning and forethought into this, I just saw a great deal on a Classe CA-100 and couldn't walk away from it.

Thanks!
Ag insider logo xs@2xdoug_in_virginia
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Bridging reduces the ability to drive low impedance loads; there should be material on this in the archives. If this is not a problem try it both ways and see for yourself. I used Y connectors when I bi amped with no problem or you could have another set of jacks installed or a pair of your current ones rewired. I doubt if your Denon is up to the level of the Classe or Maggies but if you like it use it. I personally would go with bi amping but YMMV.
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
Although I have no experience with the CA-100's, the Maggies are not that difficult a load, despite their power appetite and low impedance.

Tried to do some research on the CA-100's and found mixed results for bridging. By the specs, they should be capable and they are rated for bridged operation into 4 ohms. For best results, use XLR interconnects if possible because the amp becomes differentially balanced when bridged.

This assumes that they are actually bridged as opposed to being "parallelled", which is not always a safe assumption.

Wouldn't hurt to try.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
biamp power needs are based on crossover frequency.
The 50:50 point is (around) 350hz. So, if the crossover is higher, the bass amp will run out of steam first...if the crossover is lower, the treble amp will have problems at the highest levels.

You could, and are probablly thinking to do a lo/ mid-hi split which would be just fine.
More to discover