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Will bi-amping work like this? [message #47047]

Sat, 04 June 2005 02:39

BillEpstein
Messages: 886
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (2nd Degree)

I have my Bugle phono stage connected to a switch that allows me to choose it or line from the CD player. Outputs go on to the amplifier.
My speaker crossovers have separate inputs for woofer and tweeter.
According to Conrad Johnson re: their PV-10 pre-amp
"For a second output, a Y-adapter is perfectly okay, and is electrically the same as a second output would be in any case. Although, instead of the Radio Shack-variety Y-adapter, we would suggest a one piece metal fitting made by Sound Connections International, brand name Vampire Wire, email address::"

Is this also true of a passive system like mine? Can I use a "Y" adapter on each output channel to drive both amps, one for the woofer and one for the tweeter?

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Re: Probably will... [message #47049 is a reply to message #47047]

Sat, 04 June 2005 10:23

Matts
Messages: 359
Registered: May 2009

Grand Master

When you hook up a simple y-cord like this, the input impedances of the amps are a voltage divider. As long as they are relatively equal, it shouldn't be a problem. Many bi-amp systems have the Xover at this point (rather than in the speakers), so the load on each amp is lessened to only the frequencies amplified by that unit so each can do a better job in theory.

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Re: Will bi-amping work like this? [message #47051 is a reply to message #47047]

Sat, 04 June 2005 12:09

Russellc
Messages: 397
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (1st Degree)

Were you able to find the part? I searched all over that site and couldn't locate by search or otherwise, the spoken of y adapters.

Thanks,
Russellc

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Re: Will bi-amping work like this? [message #47058 is a reply to message #47047]

Sat, 04 June 2005 14:53

Wayne Parham
Messages: 18789
Registered: January 2001

Illuminati (33rd Degree)

What amps are you going to, and what kind of crossover do you plan to use?

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another 2 cents [message #47061 is a reply to message #47049]

Sat, 04 June 2005 17:19

wunhuanglo
Messages: 912
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (2nd Degree)

According to Rane it's perfectly acceptable to split an output with a Y connector (as opposed to combining an input).

You can get lots of arguements that it's no biamping if you use the high-level passive crossovers, but that's another matter.

Go to Sweetwater.com to fine a suitable Y connector- they stock every Hosa wire made.

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Re: Will bi-amping work like this? [message #47063 is a reply to message #47058]

Sat, 04 June 2005 19:39

BillEpstein
Messages: 886
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (2nd Degree)

Well, pretty soon I'll have the 300B and 45 amps. The 300B is stereo and the 45 monoblocks.
Of course I have your Pi 1.6K crossover with separate inputs and outputs for woof and tweet.

With the bananas and the parallel resistor I can switch on the fly from music amp to HT Receiver and from 806A/811B to 902B/MartinelliHorn.

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Re: Will bi-amping work like this? [message #47064 is a reply to message #47047]

Sat, 04 June 2005 20:57

GarMan
Messages: 960
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (2nd Degree)

Bill, if you're using two different amps, they most likely will have different gain. You'll need a way to adjust the input levels for each amp so the hi and low will match again. A simple pot in place of the input resistor will do.

If your HF passive XO has a straight-forward L-pad for attenuation (no HF compensation network), then take it out and attenuation at the HF amp's input. No sense dumping power into the tweeter only to be eaten up by the L-Pad.

gar.

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Re: Will bi-amping work like this? [message #47065 is a reply to message #47063]

Sun, 05 June 2005 12:08

Wayne Parham
Messages: 18789
Registered: January 2001

Illuminati (33rd Degree)

You might try the 6DJ8 Tube Crossover based on Steve Bench's circuit. Gary Kaufmann has made a circuit board available that is inexpensive and has room for customization.

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