2. amps-preamps
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Is it okay to run two amplifiers for two speakers

I have a Nakamichi CA- 7 preamp that has two sets of line outputs. So I use two Nakamichi PA-7aii's per channel with one speaker for each amp. It sounds better. The amp does not have a mono switch. The instructions for the CA-7 preamp: This unit provides two sets of line outputs, so two power amplifiers can be driven simultaneously, if desired. Since exactly the same signal is supplied at these outputs, either set can be chosen when only one power amplifier is used. It doesn't say anything about the speaker connection. Your thoughts? Thanks.

maristwareagle

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,644 posts
 

You may never connect the active outputs of an amplifier together.

 

To clarify this statement, I mean directly together such as via a speaker cable or even an accidental strand that shorts from one to the other.  However, in cases when the amp is bridged and :

  • there is a speaker in between the two (+) terminals
  • The speaker between the terminals equals or exceeds the minimum bridged impedance

it's OK to do so.

erik_squires
16,644 posts
 

You may never connect the active outputs of an amplifier together. Even a tiny voltage difference can cause large and damaging current flows.

What you can do is bi-amp a speaker which has two separate binding posts IF the binding posts themselves are not internally connected.

If your amplifier is fully balanced AND you want to bi-amp a speaker you must check that there’s no continuity between speaker grounds or hots. For most amps just making sure the hots have infinite impedance is enough.

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