B&W 800D2 - Bi-amping vs Bi-wiring


Hello folks,

I am looking for feedback on bi-amping these amazing speakers. I currently own a CA-2200 amp and it seems 200w per channel may not be adequate to realize full potential of 800D2. So i was thinking of bi-amping two classe ca-2200 for L/R speakers, thus feeding 400w each to Left and Right speakers. Or am i better off buying a pair of CA-M600 for each speaker? I would like to stick with Classe amps only... love the way they sound.

Next question is about bi-wiring. There seems to be bit of confusion (atleast in my head) on the best way to bi-wire speakers. The true shotgun cable is terminated with two split(+ and -)on amp end and 4 splits (2 + and 2 -)on speaker end. I have seen illustrations where bi-wiring is done with 2 identical runs of cables between dual binding posts on amp and speaker ends feeding seperate signal to LF and HF speaker inputs. I have read about the advantages of two single runs but my cable manufacturer doesn't seems to agree with this configuration. He is still recommending shotgun configuration.

I hope to gain some insight before i make an investment in a amp or new cables. I currently own a bi-wire cable in shotgun configuration.
128x128lalitk

Showing 6 responses by lalitk

Hello Kr4,

Thank you for your reply. May I know which amp you're using with 802D's?
My dealer is also recommending CA-M600's.
"The improvements from bi-amping are obvious in improved both sound-staging precision and detail, while bi-wiring improvement in detail is only marginal"

As per Classe manual, the benefit is a subjectively improved level of clarity and details from the speaker, as a result of being able to feed the two separate sections of its crossover and driver complement with identical, yet separate signals.

What is the point of having two sets of binding posts if you don't use them for bi-wiring?
Thank you all for the feedback. It seems that instead of bi-amping, I should look at investing in a high current monoblocks. The additional expense of running balance and power cables can best be put use towards a quality amp.

I am looking at auditioning AVM MA8.2 and Accustic Arts Mono II in next few weeks.
Hello folks,

Thank you all for the feedback. I have narrow it down to Modwright KWA150 SE. Exchanged few emails with Dan at MW, quite an upstanding guy. I plan to run a pair of 150SE in Mono (bridged) mode, 450W x 1 in 8 ohms.

Stay tuned for an update by end of next week.
Bodhi,

You were spot on. Got my KWA's last week. Dan optimized these amps for bridged mode and what I heard right out of the box was pretty impressive. The sound field is spacious, musical, tonally accurate and extremely dynamic!!!!

Very delighted with my purchase.