Bi-amping Rules


I wasn't sure if this question belongs in the amp or the speaker section but I figured I'll post it here. Those of you who have bi-amped your speakers, what's the general rule for deciding which amplifiers are better for low frequency vs. the high frequency drivers. I recognize an accurate answer will depend on the particular speakers and amp combinations but I'm looking for general rules of thumb from personal experiences and not application specific recommendations. For the sake of the argument, let's assume the amps are different but the gains on both amps can be adjusted if that matters. Thanks.
128x128kalali

Showing 1 response by russbutton

When you bi-amp, you become a speaker designer, like it or not.  There was a time when it was a bit of a pig in a poke, but the possibilities were always there.  The miniDSP 2x4 active crossover only costs about $110 and it allows you to do DSP EQ on your system.  No matter the amps or the room you're using, you can measure what's coming out and create a correction filter to apply to the miniDSP.  

This means you can try whatever amps you like and just see how it goes.  When an amp only has a single driver as its load, it can do a whole lot better than you realize.  This also gives you the chance to mix tubes and solid state if you like.  Many have done that with great results.  Tweeters and mid-range drivers require little power.  Most of the power being used in the big systems is lost in the crossovers as well as being used to drive the low end.  And a solid state low end is just so much stronger than most tube amps as well.

Or you can be like most who just prefer to spend many, many thousands of dollars because someone told them they should trust the designers because they charge so much they must be good.  Why should you trust your own ears?