Bi-amping via Y-cables sound quality

Most preamps that have two sets of outputs simply jumper the two sets of jacks together internally. So electrically there is no difference between that situation and using a y-adapter externally (assuming the y-adapter is of good quality).

Keep in mind that the load impedance seen by the preamp outputs will equal the input impedance of the power amps divided by two. That should be ok as long as the power amp input impedance is not unusually low, or the preamp output impedance unusually high.

Regards,
-- Al

When I was doing this I had XLO make me a set of y connectors. Signal Cable or Morrow or others would undoubtedly do it . It is worth the expense if you are using good cable elsewhere.

Yes, I also have been thinking about doing something that would require some kind of a Y cable. I want to bi-amp my fromt L/R speakers, using my multi-channel amp. But I need to get two cables to the power amp for the front left and tow cables for the front right. I was looking for a cable that would make a Y at the amp end. But I don't think anybody makes this.

I did find this, but don't know how good the audio quality would be preserved through it:

http://www.latinternational.com/images/rca_y.jpg

RCA- Y

RCA- Y Takes the Place of a Cable Type "Y"
This Y-connector takes the place of a cable type "Y" which can be considerably more expensive to make if made with top quality wire and connectors. It has one male and two females. The insulator inside is Teflon which sets it apart from similar looking ones - most of which use Delrin or other inferior insulator materials. This connector is of the highest quality with no loss or degradation. It is beautifully machined and gold-plated. Ours look very much like those "Y" connectors offered by our competitors. However, all others we have examined are made of brass with gold plating on top. Brass which is only 67% copper is not a very good conductor of electricity and consequently there is a performance sacrifice. Ours are made of an alloy that is 90% copper and then plated with gold. (One hundred percent copper would be too soft for this purpose). The ten percent of tin added to the alloy gives it the required strength and hardness. Because it is mainly copper, it conducts electricity far better than those of our competitors. It is more costly to produce, but it is truly a premium "Y" connector. It is essential that a connection such as this be of the highest quality to ensure there is no comprise in performance of your system. We believe this is the best "Y" available.

http://www.latinternational.com/index.php/product/rca-%20y.html

Then, I could just connect two interconnects to it and to the amp channels to be used.

If you're using mid to high end ICs then putting in a lesser quality Y-connector would indeed degrade the sound quality to the extent of the qaulity of the Y-connector.

Most any cable manufacturer will make up an IC for you with one end to the preamp and two to the amp. Of course, it would cost somewhat more but most all the major brands will do it as a special order.

This is the route I would suggest if you have upper mid to high end ICs and components.

BMW, if you are insisting on using a y-connector and you are sure of what cables you want, why not have a y cable made up to the length you want. I have seen JPS and KCI y cables at over a meter in length. This would be a better way than inserting more connections in the system.

The downside would be is when you decide to sell the cables. What you can do is find out if they can be reterminated to standard cables and at what expense.