Need advice: Biamping vs. dual bridged monos


I am now the proud owner of two Classe CA-100 power amps. I had one, loved it, then saw another available at an excellent price and couldn't walk away without it. So now I've got two.

...But now I need some guidance. With two 2-channel amps, what is the best way to power my speakers (Magnepan 3.5 in stock form, no modifications)?

I could use the CA-100s in mono mode; in mono mode they are rated (per the manufacturer's specs) for 350 watts each into 8 ohms, or 600W into 4 ohms.

Or I could use them in stereo mode and bi-amp my Maggies.

Which method is generally regarded as the better method?

If I go with bi-amping, then I need to get a new preamp because my old Denon preamp has only one set of pre-outs. Or is there a suitable way around that too?

Any insight you all can provide is greatly appreciated. As you can tell, I didn't put a lot of planning and forethought into this, I just saw a great deal on a Classe CA-100 and couldn't walk away from it.

Thanks!
doug_in_virginia

Showing 1 response by douglas_schroeder

I have compared this several times with different amps, and universally I have preferred the Mono configuration with bi-wiring to running two Stereo amps.

I run two Pathos Classic One MkIII integrateds (reviewed) and always run them Mono when not using them with an active x-over (a special configuration which requires more channels of amplification, thus running them in stereo). Mono is almost always perceptually more pleasing due to the improved macrodynamics, often without harm to the definition and in some cases a nice improvement of definition.

I also have two Cambridge Audio Azur 840W amps, which are also configurable as stereo, dual mono or single mono. When using them in single mono mode the increase in dynamics and expansiveness of soundstage is considerable. Again, I always biwire to take full advantage of the amp/speaker interface.

Watch your cabling very carefully; pay especially close attention to the power cords used with the amps, as they have a huge impact on the amps' sound. In any system I establish the change of the two power cords on the Monos results in a big shift in the system's sound. Not only does conductor material (i.e. silver coated copper vs. solid copper) but total gauge have an influence upon the results.