2. amps-preamps
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Does Bi-amping really make a difference in sound?

I have really been torn in the past week in how I should improve my Home theater stereo System. I presently own the following gear:

Oppo Blu-ray Player
Yaqin Tube Buffer (w/ 6SN7 Tung Sol Oval plate Tubes)
Cambridge Audio DAC Magic
NAD C-375 Integrated Amplifier
PSB Synchrony Two loudspeakers
Nordost Red Dawn Ics
Audioquest VDM-X Digital Cable

An experienced audiophile and design engineer who designs speakers and custom electronic gear has told me that in order to improve my sound drastically I need to Bi-amp my speakers. Since PSB speakers have separate crossovers for the tweeter/mid and bass, that I could take advantage of this and bi-amp them and really make them sing.

I was told that I should buy a another amplifier and use the Pre outs of the NAD C-375 Integrated amp and even tailor my sound by selecting the appropriate amp with the same power wattage.
I am thinking of getting an NAD C-275 or the Vincent Audio SP-331 Power Amp to connect to the Pre outs of my NAD C-375 and bi-amp my speakers with two sets of Harmonic Technology Melody cables running shotgun to my speakers.

I also plan to upgrade my digital cable to the HT Digital Silver cable and maybe the HT Silway link Silver to my DAC to NAD C-375 connection over my present Nordost Red Dawn.

My dealer friend disagrees with my approach that bi-amping will improve my sound as he said he conducted a similar setup with the PSB Synchrony Ones in his store and did not hear any differences. I am wondering if he is just wants to steer me in the direction of getting a Rogue Audio Preamp and NAD C-275 combination, which I have considered as well.

Any expertise and advice in this situation would be greatly appreciated. I unfortunately cannot tryout these situations or go listen to them in a store due to my location and have to rely on people’s advice.
rlh157

Showing 7 responses by rlh157

rlh157 OP
7 posts
 
I am sorry, as I have not used this site in over 8 years and I need to catch up on things. I also have not been involved in the subject of bi-amplification until a week ago, so I wanted some expert and experienced advice, and I appreicate all the inputs provided to get me up to speed and make a good decision on how to proceed. My heart was always telling me to just stick to mono amplificiation.
rlh157 OP
7 posts
 
Mechans, trust me, I thought the same thing. I got the tube buffer to economically introduce tube sound into the digital sources. I have already gotten an RMA# for the Tube Buffer as I am thinking of sending it back, and my heart feels I should get a Rogue 99, which can use those precious 6SN7s. I also have a pair of Sylvania WGT/As as well to compliment that Rogue Preamp.

I am thinking along the same lines that this bi-amp represents a huge risk for potential great disappointment given the money I would have to invest. I think logically I am much safer in getting either a Rogue Integrated Amp, or Rogue 99 Preamp and Solid State amp combination.

I use to own BAT gear some years back and crave that tube heaven again. I use to own a BAT VK-60 amp and a BAT VK-3i preamp, along with a MMF 7.1 Turntable, and Vandersteen 2ci speakers. Trying to slowly get back to that level. I just have given up on Analog and using only digital sources now.
rlh157 OP
7 posts
 
I guess the purpose of my thread was to initiated conversation about biamping and the way I should go which I hope would include people's opinion about my audio gear choices, synergy issues. Did not mean to aggravate anyone. I thought it would be fun and informative to have dialog. Is their a level of expertise or audio IQ necessary to initiate a post forums? Just wondering. Just as someone pointed out about the 6SN7 tubes, confirmed my beliefs that I needed to get rid of my Tube Buffer, but it was not the subject line. I appreciate the inputs and knowledge gained through dialog.
rlh157 OP
7 posts
 
Thanks all, and FYI, I did look up a few posts on the topic of bi-amping on several websites, and saw how controversial the topic was, which led me to want to get opinions from Audiogon members as well, and information about how to improve my audio system. Your comments help re-affirm my thoughts on the matter, but I thought some folks would also give me feedback on my choices of amps. (i.e.) Whether they felt the Vincent SP-331 Amp was a better choice over the NAD C-275, and whether they thought I had some synergy issues.
rlh157 OP
7 posts
 
Well said Elizabeth and Manoterror.
rlh157 OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for that link Bob, and Kal, I think that is all you had to say in the begining.
rlh157 OP
7 posts
 
Thanks Minori for that insightful and common sense approach to bi-amping. I totally agree with you. Investing such money should involve a person being able to listen for themselves in their particular listening room since many factors are involved.

That is part of my problem, Currently living in Las Vegas (which does not have many High End Dealers), I am not in the position to be able to borrow equipment and try stuff out. I too, had a excellent relationship with a dealer in San Diego (Stereo Unlimited), and I did not even need a credit card to borrow equipment. FYI, I been to Stereo Design when I lived in San Diego. Nice store as well. I still connect my Dealer friend in San Diego, who has been in the business for over 35 years who actually did a step up for me to see if he could hear a difference, and he said he did not. Still I understand to do bi-amping correctly involves a pain staking approach.

Yes, I also believe you just need a Amp that can basically Arc weld, which reminds me of the Electronics Kinetics Eagle 2C amp I use to own back in the day that had a cult following. That was definitely an arc welder, lol.
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