You have a couple of options. The first thing I would recommend is to get a tube amp. This will flesh out the mids and most likely expand the soundstage. If you don't listen that loud you could probably get away with 30 wpc. You will need some way to attenuate the level coming into the amp that has a higher input sensitivity. If you use an integrated tube amp on the top, you will be able to increase gain on the MT because it has a built in preamp.This will give you the ability to balance the bass and treble. Option 2 would be to get a set of attenuators and place them at the input of whichever amp has the higher gain. Evs attenuators would do the job for about $150. As far as running 2 interconnects out of your cd player, this may pose a problem as you are placing an additional load on the output stage of your player. Try it and see. It will cause no harm. Finally, you do not mention speaker location. My VR-4's are placed out about 7 feet from the front wall and have excellent soundstaging. Adjusting toe in /out will have a huge impact on tonal balance. Try speaker placement 1st, as it costs nothing but time. I think your amps are great for the bottom and I would not get rid of them. Also a tube preamp, might warm things up some and make the Electro's open up a little. Good luck, start simple and work your way up to the more complex solutions.
VSA VR4 Gen III SE biamp questions.
I own a pair of Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III SE's which I drive (comfortably) with a pair of Electrocompaniet AW220 mono blocks.
The bottom is end is wonderful, however the mids and highs (at least to my ears) are just OK, but nothing special. Specifically, they sound lacking in body and texture, and just a tad to dry for my tastes.
So, I think tubes would be the answer. But, I love the bottom end, so I've been entertaining the idea of biamping the VR4's using the AW220's on the bottom, and using tubes on the midrange - treble.
What I am want to get is more texture, body, roundness, fullness and air (I guess I want it all).
Now, for the questions:
First, do I use a 'Y' connector out of the back of my CD player (Audio Aero Capitol Mk II) with one set of IC's to the AW220's (for the bottom) and one set of IC's to the tube amp?.
Secondly, if you've tried this arrangement with your VR4's (or other like speakers), what do you think? Was it worth it? Would you do it again?
Lastly, if you've tried this with the VR4's, how much power do you think I'll need for the tube amp (remember, this amp will be dedicated for the midrange / treble speaker - no bottom end) and any suggestions on a good tube amp (stereo of mono) somewhere in the $4k price range, give or take $1k (preferably take). New or used.
In conclusion, thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing back from anyone who has gone this route.
Happy Listening!!
Louis
The bottom is end is wonderful, however the mids and highs (at least to my ears) are just OK, but nothing special. Specifically, they sound lacking in body and texture, and just a tad to dry for my tastes.
So, I think tubes would be the answer. But, I love the bottom end, so I've been entertaining the idea of biamping the VR4's using the AW220's on the bottom, and using tubes on the midrange - treble.
What I am want to get is more texture, body, roundness, fullness and air (I guess I want it all).
Now, for the questions:
First, do I use a 'Y' connector out of the back of my CD player (Audio Aero Capitol Mk II) with one set of IC's to the AW220's (for the bottom) and one set of IC's to the tube amp?.
Secondly, if you've tried this arrangement with your VR4's (or other like speakers), what do you think? Was it worth it? Would you do it again?
Lastly, if you've tried this with the VR4's, how much power do you think I'll need for the tube amp (remember, this amp will be dedicated for the midrange / treble speaker - no bottom end) and any suggestions on a good tube amp (stereo of mono) somewhere in the $4k price range, give or take $1k (preferably take). New or used.
In conclusion, thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing back from anyone who has gone this route.
Happy Listening!!
Louis
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- 6 posts total
- 6 posts total