2. amps-preamps
  3. 190123-158620

Gain control for low-pass bi-amp

Forgive my terminology as I'm not as savvy as I should be considering the equipment I run and what I'm trying to do. I'm probably in over my head but I'm learning a ton as I go.

I bi-amp Infinity Kappa 9s with a Peachtree GaN400 for the low-pass and an old Audio Research Dual 75 on the high-pass. For better or worse, I use a PS Audio DAC with the Bridge II to stream, also using it for volume control. So I guess it doubles as a line stage/pre-amp? I know this is not ideal and I'm ready to correct, upgrade or whatever you want to call it.

The biggest issue I have is that when I crank the volume to get the Kappa 9s singing, there is waaaay too much bass on a lot of the tracks I enjoy. Even with the bass extension on the Infinitys switched to normal, it's just too damn much, and I'm a bass head (hip-hop and many types of electronic music for casual listening).

I presume this is where a real pre or line stage comes in, but this is where I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what I need and my knowledge of this game goes weak.

Whatever the solution is, I'd like to keep it in the $1,500 to $2,000 vicinity if that's at all possible. I don't mind used, but I don't have any buyer feedback/ratings, and I understand that can be a deal breaker for some sellers? Maybe TMR, which is local to me?

I appreciate all advice and guidance from all perspectives, and I'll likely have many follow up questions.

Best,

Richard

 

 

richardt9000

Showing 1 response by czarivey

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

I’ve never been a fan of biamping with amps that have different input/output parameters, gain and power. If you aren’t using active crossover and not removing (or bypassing) original passive speaker crossovers, your dynamic range will be greatly compromised to listening at certain volume, but not higher or lower to reach maximum coherency and balance not achievable with passive built in speaker crossovers at all. Even after adding any passive volume control you will still have balance and coherency issues at certain volumes!

You’ve already tested your extremely poor idea, now you are in front of choice whether to use original built-in speaker crossover or bypass it pretty much cancelling the speaker voicing and qualities with active crossover which may or maynot benefit.

If you are looking for the increased power, I’d recommend swapping for more powerful amplifier or monoblocks.

The only way of successful biamping that I see is to use 2 SAME amps in case if 2x lower poweramps is below the price of one powerful amp

 

 

More to discover