Does Bi-amping double the power?


Hi guys,

I have a Marantz PM6005 (35w/ch) in the bedroom and I'm wondering if using the A and B speakers terminals to one set of speakers would increase the peak power to 70w/ch?

In the same vein - If hooked up to 2 sets of speaker, do both sets get 35w/ch or does that get split in half?

Thanks!

leemaze

Showing 1 response by timlub

Depending on what you are using, you could actually be cutting your power.  What Happens when you hook A Speakers + B speakers both up is that your Amplifier (I assume Receiver) either parallels or series the connection. So if you are using a SET of 8 ohm speakers on A, then add a set of 8 ohm speakers on B, your amp if Paralleled will see an 4 ohm load, but if it Series the connection, your amp will see a 16 ohm load.  In my experience only older lower price receivers have done series wiring, but if it did, your 35 watt per channel will be less.  Anything today with a decent power supply should parallel the connection. Bi-amping is done 2 ways.... 
1. 1 amp runs mono playing left channel, 1 amp runs mono playing right channel... 
2. One amp is crossed electronically and runs tweeters and another amp is crossed to only run the woofers.  
I hope this helps, Tim