2. vintage
  3. 194611-4088

Is quadamping possible?

Relative noob here. My scenario is this. I have B&W 802 S2 with North Creek crossovers and I've got a pair of Pass Labs Aleph 3 and one Aleph 5 with a chance to purchase another from a friend (it's 50 mile drive is why I'm asking before I try this). 

I'm interested in having one Aleph 3 per speaker drive the mid-high end and one Aleph 5 per speaker drive the woofers. I guess I'd have both channels of each amp connected to a single crossover input.

Would it be doable, desirable or try it and see what happens? Has anyone tried it? Stupid idea?

Thanks for any insight.

lesbaxter

Showing 1 response by onhwy61

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,328 posts
 

It should work, but there are potential issues.  The Alephs were a great amp, but they are old.  They may need refurbishment.   The Aleph 5 is very inefficient and is effectively a room space heater.  Your listening room will become hot and you will see the effect on your electric bill.

What you're contemplating is called passive bi-amping.  It can be beneficial, but there are less complex alternatives.

More to discover