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Am I wasting money on the theory of Bi-amping?

As a long time audiophile I'm finally able to bi-amp my setup. I'm using two identical amps in a vertical bi-amp configuration. 
 

Now me not fully understanding all of the ins/outs of internal speaker crossovers and what not. I've read quite a few people tell me that bi-amping like I'm doing whether it's vertical or horizontal bi-amping is a waste since there's really not a improvement because of how speaker manufacturers design the internal crossovers. 
 

Can anyone explain to a third grader how it's beneficial or if the naysayers are correct in the statement?

ibisghost
kingsleuy's avatar
kingsleuy
176 posts
 

Some of us kind of do it already with an addition of a sub-woofer. We also have enjoyed the time, expense and fun this can be to get it right.

As far as waste of time, you will never know yourself if this is BS or not.

Clarification.

1, You stated, "I'm USING two identical amps in a vertical bi-amp configuration."  Sounds like you are already doing it. ???  Which stage of this are you?

2.  You mentioned the Internal Crossover.  You should Not have to touch the internal crossover.  Are you thinking of Active Biamping?  If so, Stop.  You will be defeating all the reasons you chose those speakers.  A Whole different very ugly animal.

I would suggest Bi Wiring first.  You are going to need these cables anyway for your Biamp endeavors. If your speakers are not biwireable, you're full stop.  Or you have to Make your speakers biwireable.  Then buy and install another amp.

 

crustycoot
603 posts
 

I incline to view Avanti1960’s favorably, as it matches my own experience.  This is what we are calling ‘passive biwiring’.  Panzerwagen states unequivocally that “the unused half of he signal is just turned into heat”. But is that really all that’s happening?  If so, why have Avanti and I heard benefits from using this technique with separable passive crossovers in our speakers?  Maybe the passive HPF presents the amp an easier load with less back EMF, allowing it to more optimally drive the MR and tweeter….

jhnnrrs
102 posts
 

Done right, bi-amping can be effective in optimizing loads between drivers.  Not to be confused with b-wiring, which is horse poop.

 

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barts's avatar
barts
687 posts
 

I have been tri-amping for years and years.  Just changed out the ARC amps for four Pass amps.  Two X260.8 mono blocks and two XA30.8 stereo amps.

Out of the pre-amp into a Marchand electronic x-over and to the amps.  The x260.8(s) run the woofers.  The XA30.8(s) run the mids and the tweets.

The Hartley Reference has no internal x-overs and 3 sets of connections on each speaker.  Personally I think it sounds tremendous, but of course I do...its mine.

Regards,

barts

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