2. amps-preamps
  3. 177055-110508

Question about byamplification

Hi guys

A question for those with experience and knowledge.

 

I'm thinking about experimenting on byamping with my valve amp, the Line MagneticLM-508, and a class D power amp I have, both driven by my Audio-GD HE-1 preamp.

 

As my speakers, the Q Acoustics Concept 500, have two pairs of binding posts, I was thinking about connecting the LM-508 to the highs binding post and the class D to the lows ones of the speakers.

 

I don't have an active external crossover, so I was suggested on splitting the RCA output of my preamp to both amplifiers. I know that I will probably have trouble matching the gains of the amps as they are likely different, but I have tubes with different gains and also the LM508 has a knob with different negative feedback settings (different gains) so I can try to match them, at low volume levels of course.

 

The one millon dollars question is if I'm risking on blowing a tweeter with the LM-508? The speakers manufacturer said I should be careful since the LM-508 will only be running the tweeters and it could "see" a high impedance load at frequencies below the crossover point (2.5 Khz).

 

On the other hand, people with experience on byamping told me that it should not a risk, I should only start with low volume levels and go up carefully.

 

Has anyone experienced something similar? Am I risking the tweeters or the amps?

 

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

plga

Showing 2 responses by spenav

spenav
449 posts
 

@plga
To do it right, you need an external electronic crossover, like a Marchant crossover (see link below). You are going to have to disconnect at least the bass driver from the passive crossover. Not sure if your speakers are 2-way or 3. If 3-way, you can leave the tweeter and mid connected to the passive crossover. You going to have to find a way to deal with the gain level between the two amps. When you are done, your speakers will sound like they cost at least 5 times what you paid for them, I kid you not.  The point of the electronic crossover is that it will address the weakest link of your speakers, namely the passive crossover. 
https://www.marchandelec.com/xm66-electronic-crossover.html

spenav
449 posts
 

@plga 
Yes you can. That’s perfectly safe. Most refer to this as bi-wiring. By the way, it’s bi-amping not by-amping. But people who have actually done both would tell that bi-amping is the next level. In fact, it’s not even close, the difference is noticeable and worth the trouble. Good luck. 

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