2. amps-preamps
  3. 149231-126373

Splitter -- One preamp to two amps. What to use?

I need your help! If people are bi-amping, How are they connecting from their preamp to their two amps and to their speakers?

I am currently running my NAD 1700 preamp with two separate outputs. One is a Lab unfiltered RCA out which goes to my Mid’s and Highs into one of my NAD 2600 amps. And I have a second RCA Normal, which is lower fidelity which runs thru another NAD 2600 into my woofers. I then run two sets of 10 gauge Blue Jean cable to each speaker. What I would like to do us upgrade my speaker wire ( AudioQuest Redwood or DR Acoustics Red Sky Bi wire ) which are bi-wire cables and bridge my amps to achieve 450 watts per channel.

Here is the problem. In order to do this I need to split the one output from the Lab RCA on my preamp to feed the two separate amps. I am currently using Audioquest Waters and hate to put something inline that is a lower quality than the Waters.

I can’t believe I am the only one with this problem. How are the smart audiophiles addressing this problem?
captaindidactic

Showing 4 responses by captaindidactic

captaindidactic OP
71 posts
 
yogiboy  
I thought about the Y adapter, but I am wondering if that will degrade the sound by putting in an inferior jumper in the middle of the line. 

mijostyn
Sounds Intriguing, But how do you bypass all the crossovers in the speakers? My big Acoustic Research TSW 910's are 6 way speakers. Also, from a purist standpoint ( fewest things inline is better ) How does an active crossover change the sound? Or is it like everything else...Try it and see??
captaindidactic OP
71 posts
 
cat_doorman
It was I who was missing something. I was thinking I needed two inputs into each amp, but you are right. I guess I only need one channel on each amp if I bridge. This would also solve the impedance problem. 

I guess the next question is How does bridging affect sound quality and is it better or worse than running two stereo amps? 

Thanks Guys!
captaindidactic OP
71 posts
 
You guys!  What perfect responses! Thank you! I guess now my only concern is the possible degradation of signal flow at the y-adapter. I'm running audioquest Waters interconnects and would hate to lose the quality at the Y. Suggestions? Female input into two male outputs takes wire. 

Michael
captaindidactic OP
71 posts
 
Thanks guys. Now to find the proper splitter! It will be fun to hear what happens!
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