Bi amping with two different pairs of monoblocks


I'm wanting to bi-amp my Canton 1K speakers with my Triode TRX M845 monos doing the LF and borrowed Vacuum State 300B monos doing the highs.

The speakers each have 4 binding posts with links between them which I'll remove which will separate the H & L frequencies

My source is an Oppo 203. I'm thinking of using rca Y splitters like these AudioQuest - Hard Y-Adapter RCA Splitter (1x Male to 2x Female) - Music Direct

Will this layout work for me or does it need tweaking? 

dart6

Showing 5 responses by knotscott

Monoblocks fall into the vertical bi-amp camp.  You’re looking to add second set of monoblocks in a horizontal bi-amp scenario.  Level matching between amps will likely be an issue unless both amps have the same gain or a method to adjust gain. As mentioned, that’s a potential issue that will need a solution before proceeding. 

The splitters should be fine.  I successfully use similar splitter to what you linked in a horizontal bi-amp setup connected to a preamp, but my second amp has gain adjustment. 

How about using two of them for a total of $100.00? That would work. If not please explain why!

Re: the SCHIIT SYS  - Wouldn’t this work if you put it inline with the amps that have the highest gain and use it as an attenuator to match levels with the lower gain amps?  

 

Every case is different.  I don’t agree that it’s a ridiculous proposition.  It depends on several variables. 

In my case, the Dynaco/VTA monoblocks benefitted from seeing an 8 ohm load vs 4 ohm, and also benefitted from not having to operate in the lower octaves.  Bass improved from the solid state amp too.  YMMV, but you’ll never know til you try. Good luck!

@lordmelton 
I said it was a ridiculous proposition in the context that the OP would be better served buying a decent front end and some high quality speaker jumpers, they really make a difference.

yes Got it.

Active crossovers have been mentioned, and can have several benefits if the circumstances are right.  In most cases it requires bypassing the stock passive crossovers, which is a fairly big change to a set of speakers....certainly doable for many, but if the crossovers employ corrections, baffle steps, impedance compensations, zobel networks, etc.,the plot thickens.  Just swapping in a simple active crossover may have a very different effect than the passive crossover.  More advanced active crossovers could probably accommodate all of those, but it’s wise to not assume it’s a straight forward swap.  Plus some passive crossovers are excellent and are really fine tuned.  Food for thought if anyone is contemplating similar.