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4 speakers/two channel

In my system, i run four speakers --- two in front and two in back -- driven as two channels. I drive the back speakers (Vandersteen 1c's) through the pre-out of my main integrated amp (an Ayon Spirit 2) into a McIntosh integrated. The main speakers (PBN Montana EPS2's)are driven by the Ayon. This way, i can tailor the volume of both sets of speakers.

With the four speakers in 2-channel, the stereo image is 16 feet wide (going from 3.5 ft to the left of the left speaker to 3.5 feet to the right of the right speaker). When I shut down the back speakers the image collapse to ca. 9 ft wide. With all 4 speakers playing, the front speakers disappear (you just get a wall of sound.. w/o hearing directly the back speakers either). When I shut down the back speakers, and only the front speakers are playing, I stare at the speakers as I see precisely where the sound emanates. 4 speakers and you get an instrumentalist at size X, with the distance between instrumentalists at Y --- go to two speakers those numbers go to 0.6 X and o.6 Y. Fullness, body, palpable presence all are dramatically better with 4 speakers.

Once you go to the 4 speaker/2 channel mode (done right) --- the difference is staggering. Listening to the two speakers sounds like a veritable miniature toy in comparison.

Has anyone else tried this?
robsker

Showing 2 responses by klaudio

klaudio
113 posts
 
I have bee doing this for years, using two int amps.

Main int amp with a rec out for a fixed signal to the other int amp. I even use a sub.

I know three other people who have done this once they listened to mine. Exceptional listening.
klaudio
113 posts
 
I simply drive a powered sub from the pre-out on the int amp that drives the back speakers. It really doesn't matter which int amp you use the pe-out from. Using the pre out, the volume is not fixed and raises and lowers
with the regular volume.

When I originally did this it seemed easier to blend in with the rear speakers. I also get compliments how the bass blends in with the music. As all two channel guys know..........subs are hard to blend in right for music listening. Not a movie. I use Mcintosh int amps and a Sunfire sub.

I have used two different int amps from different
companies. Make sure your sources go to the best int amp or a pre amp. This is where your sonic signature comes from.
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