Bi-amping vs bi-wiring

[john_1983]

Don't worry, I know the difference...

My current system is a NAD C340 used as a pre-amp into a NAD C272, with Monitor Audio Bronze 6 speakers - currently single-wired. The speakers have the ability to be bi-wired, and the C272 has 2 sets of speaker outputs on the back. Straightforward enough to give it a go.

However, I'm not using the power amp side of the C340, which got me thinking - can I use the C340 to drive the tweeters, and the C272 to drive the woofers?

[hornmeister]

Generally you would have matched, linked power amps and separate pre-amp, or a multichannel AV amp with a bi-amp mode when bi-amping speakers. Running different amplifiers with different specs is likely to be more hassle than the potential benefit in my opinion, you may need to vary the gain independently as you change volume for example. Not impossible but a ballache never the less.

I've been bi-amping since my first 7 channel AV amp with Rogers speakers in a 5.0 set-up, bi wiring before that. With my set-ups I noticed both give minor improvements in clarity.

[john_1983]

hornmeister said:

Generally you would have matched, linked power amps and separate pre-amp, or a multichannel AV amp with a bi-amp mode when bi-amping speakers. Running different amplifiers with different specs is likely to be more hassle than the potential benefit in my opinion, you may need to vary the gain independently as you change volume for example. Not impossible but a ballache never the less.

I've been bi-amping since my first 7 channel AV amp with Rogers speakers in a 5.0 set-up, bi wiring before that. With my set-ups I noticed both give minor improvements in clarity.

Thanks. In terms of bi-amping, if I buy another C272, would you recommend one amp for one speaker, or one amp for treble and one for bass?

[Tony1963]

john_1983 said:

Thanks. In terms of bi-amping, if I buy another C272, would you recommend one amp for one speaker, or one amp for treble and one for bass?

The best thing is to be willing to experiment. However, many companies would recommend you upgrade to a better integrated amp or separates. Whatever suits your budget, motivation and time really.

From memory, Naim usually recommend the smaller power amp driving the bass units, the larger power amp on the tweeters. Sounds wrong, works. All sorts of combinations can be tried, go with what suits.

[hornmeister]

john_1983 said:

Thanks. In terms of bi-amping, if I buy another C272, would you recommend one amp for one speaker, or one amp for treble and one for bass?

Personally I'd think you'd have issues matching even if they're the same model as things vary over time etc. but as suggested above, there's no substitute for tryign it and seeing what you prefer of course as it;s all going to be subjective. Theory would suggest you're more likely to get an even sound having one deal with low and one with high frequencies rather than having one for left & one for right.

Things have come on massively in the last few years though. If you're looking to spend money then consider a 7Ch AV amp with bi-amp option. I have a £400 Yamaha now that kills my old £1500 Pioneer Air studios tuned behemoth and gives by mate's THX pre-power set-up of the same era a serious run for it's money.