2. amps-preamps
  3. 140108-120674

Setting up 2 power amplifiers to setup at once help?

Hey guys I’m using a pair of Polk rti a7s with a Denon Poa 2800 amplifier and Denon receiver 2801. I just bought another power yamha PC2002M power amplifier which has a little more kick then the denon 2800. But I will be giving the denon 2800 to my dad when he gets back from his trip. I just want to know is it possible to hook up the 2 power amps to my setup at once ? And is it worth will I see a big difference in sound quality and performance ? I’m just curious and want to do a bit of experimenting only if it’s possible? Don’t want to risk blowing anything up. Thanks guys

Tony
daoki

Showing 10 responses by roberjerman

roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Again, to passive bi-amp (bi-wire) each speaker needs two pairs of connectors (with jumpers) on the back. This allows separation of the internal x-over into low and mid-high frequencies. I doubt the RTi A7's have this!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Bi-amping (really bi-wiring without an active crossover) will only work with two identical stereo amps (with equal gain). I don't think it will have any significant advantage over, say, using a pair of mono amps. In your case, with two different amps (with different gain), don't do it! I am unfamiliar with the output connectors on the RTi A7's. Even if they had the requisite two pairs with jumpers, you still cannot connect two dissimilar amps (with different gain) to them!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I have bi-amped two pairs of speakers successfully using an active crossover. Splitting the signal into bass and mid-high frequencies. One pair of speakers for bass, one pair for mids and highs.The active x-over allowed for gain adjustments for the amps used. And selectible turnover points for the low and high frequencies. Your Denon receiver does not have this capability!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I doubt that you will be able to hear any qualitative difference between the sound of the Denon vs. the Yamaha. All modern electronics have been pretty much sonically equivalent for the past 20+ years or so! Regardless of what the "golden ear" crowd claims! 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Want to hear a "different" sound from your speakers? Get a tube amp with high output impedance (over 1 ohm). Like a Prima Luna (output impedance of 8 ohms!). Or a single-end tube amp (low power and 3%+ distortion!).
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
There should be jumpers between the two reds and the two blacks. Get them! You still cannot bi-wire the A7's because you don't have two identical amps.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@noromance The OP is a novice! My advice is correct! The two amps must be identical for bi-wiring to work properly! Let him install two jumpers per speaker and use just one amp at a time!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@noromance  I own enough amps and preamps to equip a store! I have my favorites, too! Same for speakers - their sonic signatures are certainly more easy to discern!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@noromance With two amps of different gains the bass and mid/high sound levels won't match! That would hardly make for good listening! The OP wants to give his father the Denon and keep the Yamaha for the Polk's. I personally would do the opposite! I think the Denon will sound a bit better than the Yamaha! You are right though - the OP should sell either amp and get something like a Levinson ML3. Then he'd need a real preamp to match - like an ML1. Next, better speakers and onward down the rabbit hole!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Yes, the top diagram is correct! Just get two jumpers (a few inches of wire will do) for each speaker. Forget about bi-wiring (the correct term). Use only one amp at a time with your two speakers - after you install the jumpers!
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