Biamp & how many others


As I understand BiAmping (I know some people don’t believe in it) you use a separate amp for the woofer and/or (if you have one) sub woofer. Here’s the question. Is it even better than, to have an amp for each… woofer, mid range & tweeter?

thank you

tochsii

As poster @ditusa pointed to, bi-amping isn’t just bi-amping. In the pro segment "bi-amping" is usually understood as that which implies active configuration (and, it seems, even as a descriptive, general term when tri- or quad-amping is actually applied). In domestic, audiophile circles bi-amping is usually referred to as simply using a pair of typically similar amps either vertically or horizontally over passively configured speakers. 

With passively configured speakers I’d likely go with a single stereo power amp. In previous setups with lower sensitivity speakers I’ve had good results with some amps in bridged mode. It brought the speakers that were used more to life with cleaner transients and a more effortless, firm foundation to the sound. The surplus in power and what the bridged mode in itself might have brought to the table with some amp to speaker combos seemed to outweigh a more expensive, single stereo amp. Now however with no less than moderately sensitive/not load heavy and passive speakers (I don’t use passive speakers, but just as an imagined scenario) I’d likely prefer a single, high quality stereo amp. 

Actively bi-, tri- or more-amping is an intrinsic part of the "equation;" this is where using several amps is a necessity by design and brings with it obvious, actual benefits. Here I prefer using what’s essentially similar amps - from the top all the way down to the sub bottom - power differentiated certainly over the subs. What many misses out on is realising the importance of using a powerful quality amp, essentially similar to the ones used in the range above, over the subs - if such are used. Most subs are bundled, active packages with very different, typically built-in class D plate amps compared to the amp(s) used over the main speakers. 

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Every situation is unique, and there are always a lot of variables.  There are also a lot of ways to bi-amp (tri-amp, etc).  Which is best is usually subjective, but typically if all else is equal an amp with less responsibility has some advantages over one that’s got a heavier work load.

How audible any improvements from a given bi-amp setup is also a variable.  My experience has been that some scenarios are just subtle refinement, but some situations can be eye opening. 

Biamping did nothing for me so for my experience, it is a useless venture to chase but that's just my singular experience @tochsii

Hello op, like @ghdprentice, I have invested in what I think are the best mono amps.  I would rather have my amps than double amps that are not as good.  That said, I have been to GTT Audio’s big room with Vivid Muons biamped with Audionet Heisenbergs, and it was stunning.  Not louder, but effortless and easy with such depth, breath and life.   So yes it is better. One amp for mids and highs, one amp for the woofers.  No subwoofer needed.

Probably. 

The reason I have never done it is because I always buy the very best of something I can possibly afford... like an amp... so I would be buying two amps and investing 1/2. That from a quality of sound would be a huge step down. Hence. I could never do it. 

Second, I am always concerned with character of sound. So, I would have to use two amps of exactly the same design. Either exactly the same amp or like a Pass X150.8 for the tweeter and a Pass x350.8 for the woofers. 

None of this kind of stuff made any sense to me without a nearly infinite budget. 

Bi-Amping. Active or Passive. Horizontal or Vertical.

Tri-Amping. Active or Passive. Horizontal or Vertical.

Quad-Amping. Active or Passive. Horizontal or Vertical.

Pent-Amping. Active or Passive. Horizontal or Vertical.

Active Vs. Passive Crossovers see here

Mike