2. speakers
  3. 1202877511

Horizontal bi-amping for 3a Signatures

I have a pair of PS Audio HCA-2 amps that I am currently using in horizontal bi-amping for my current speakers resulting in an improved sound. I also have a pair of Vandy 2wqs. I have almost certainly decided to purchase a pair of Vandersteen 3a Signatures. I am almost certain I read in one of the Audio Perfectionist Journals by Richard Hardesty (which I dont have access to the copy that made the reference to which I will refer)that audio nirvan is attained by employing horizonatal bi-amping for the 3a Sigs.

I just read the 3a Signature manual and it recommends Horizontal bi-amping. As i read further in the manual, even though it doesnt say not to do horizontal bi-amping specifically, it only gives wiring diagrams for bi wiring and vertical bi-amping. Vandersteen goes further to say, the improvement for bi amping is minimal and suggest the "BEST" thing to do would be to buy the best single amp your budget can afford and bi-wire.

My problem is that PS audio does not recommend to use the HCA 2 in the mono block configuration.

Can anyone clear this up please?
Signed confused owner of apair of HCA-2s.
kyneo
tweak1
3,658 posts
 
If by horizontal bi-amping you mean one amp for the tweeters and the other amp for the mids/bass then you're good to a point. You also need an active XO to adjust for volume and maybe even cross over point. See Behringer CX3410 or more complex DCX 2496
dhel
40 posts
 
I tried both a vertical and horizontal bi-amp with my 3a's and ultimately went to one more powerful higher quality amp. I first used 2 Parasound A23's and now use a Parasound A21. I do not know if it was psychological or not, but when running in a horizontal biamp configuration things just seemed a little disconnected that seemed to disappear when vertically biamped. Today, I am much happier with the 1 larger amp and it sounds much more whole and balanced. On a side note, in my experience the 3a's respond very well with a lot of power even with the 2wqs.
kyneo OP
23 posts
 
Just to clarify, I do mean one identical amp powering the mids and tweets, and one amp powering the subs.
kyneo OP
23 posts
 
update: I sent an email to Richard Hardesty (audioperfectionist.com) and he graciously responded. He indicates that due to technical condsiderations, he no longer is recommending horizontal biamping with the vandy 3a sigs.

I also posted the same question on the Vandersteen website and Richard Vandersteen confirmed that horizonatal biamping was not recommended.

FYI
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Vertical bi-amping works just fine and there are some considerations that make it appropriate. For example, If you already have one good amp and can get a match at a good price.
More to discover