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B&W 800D2 - Bi-amping vs Bi-wiring

Hello folks,

I am looking for feedback on bi-amping these amazing speakers. I currently own a CA-2200 amp and it seems 200w per channel may not be adequate to realize full potential of 800D2. So i was thinking of bi-amping two classe ca-2200 for L/R speakers, thus feeding 400w each to Left and Right speakers. Or am i better off buying a pair of CA-M600 for each speaker? I would like to stick with Classe amps only... love the way they sound.

Next question is about bi-wiring. There seems to be bit of confusion (atleast in my head) on the best way to bi-wire speakers. The true shotgun cable is terminated with two split(+ and -)on amp end and 4 splits (2 + and 2 -)on speaker end. I have seen illustrations where bi-wiring is done with 2 identical runs of cables between dual binding posts on amp and speaker ends feeding seperate signal to LF and HF speaker inputs. I have read about the advantages of two single runs but my cable manufacturer doesn't seems to agree with this configuration. He is still recommending shotgun configuration.

I hope to gain some insight before i make an investment in a amp or new cables. I currently own a bi-wire cable in shotgun configuration.
128x128lalitk
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,651 posts
 
800d2 not 802d.

I use several at the moment.
Mac MC-303
Parasound A31
NAD M22 x 2
Benchmark AHB2
Etc.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Or am i better off buying a pair of CA-M600 for each speaker?"

I wouldn't do it that way. If you want to biamp, I think its better to use 2 stereo amps and do a vertical biamp.

Worry about the cables later. Its more important to active components first.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,081 posts
 
Thank you!
bodhi
49 posts
 
07-31-15: Kr4
Passively bi-amping with another CA-2200 will get you less than 3dB more output. Using the CA-M600 will get you almost 5dB and, probably, more head room.

I won't stir the hornets by commenting on bi-wiring but I use shotgun cables on my 800D2s, fwiw.
Good advice. I plan on upgrading from an integrated amp to separates later this year which will give me MUCH more power and control. I could have invested in mono's, but prefer to keep my system balanced. Like Kr4, I use shotgun cables (Jorma Statement). FWIW, my goal is to keep my box count down & focus on quality over quantity, though power amp numbers do matter with a moderately tough load.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
Anytime you can go to Mono blocks I would recommend it, over bridging or bi amping with stereo amps. Also, do your self a big favor and dump the MIT's for something that dosent rob the impact and life out of your beautiful sound, IMO you will never hear the true potential of your system until you do. Also, Two runs of cables to each speaker is Bi-wiring in my book. I used to use cables with boxes on them and my Dynaudio speakers never really jumped until I switched away from them. Nordost, Kimber 12tc, Morrow Audio MA7's any of these would be a great audition. Cant hurt to try right. Youll be amazed!
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