bi-amping

[928man]

I recently obtained a pair of speakers that are bi-wireable. Does that mean they are they bi-ampable?
If you bi-amp do you have a pre-amp with dual outputs or is there some sort of splitter cable used for standard 2 channel pre-amps?
Would also need two complete sets of speaker cables?
What is the benefit of bi-amping? Do you use a specific type of amp for the highs and then a different one for the lows or should you use matching amps?

[RuSsMaN]

I recently obtained a pair of speakers that are bi-wireable. Does that mean they are they bi-ampable?

Yes

If you bi-amp do you have a pre-amp with dual outputs or is there some sort of splitter cable used for standard 2 channel pre-amps?

Yes, dual output, or you can use a y-splitter from a single set of outputs.

Would also need two complete sets of speaker cables?

Yes, some people even use a different type / brand of cable for the highs / lows.

What is the benefit of bi-amping? Do you use a specific type of amp for the highs and then a different one for the lows or should you use matching amps?

In a nutshell, further use of separates. A dedicted amp for the highs frees up amplifier power for the low transients for one example. Some people use matching amps, a lot of people like to mix it up. If you do mix it up, you might want to pay attention the impedance of the inputs on the amps, so the gain is matched properly.

Cheers,
Russ

[hearingimpared]

Just to follow-up on ^^^^^ Adcom 565s on the low and a Parasound HCA 1000A on the highs on my 1.2 TLs sounded awesome. So I believe you may get away with the combination of those two companies other amps when biamp'g.

[928man]

Wow, that was a great answer Russman! Sounds expensive to do it right
and also fun to try different amps on the top and bottom. Do you lose a lot of sound quality using a single output preamp and a splitter cable to the two amps? What exactly would you call that splitter cable?

[jdhdiggs]

You may also want to look into some line level filters for the inputs to the amps. There's no reason your "highs" amp should see the low frequency signal and vice versa.... This allows you to use a really nice flea tube amp for your highs safely.

[TroyD]

If you are new to all this, not to be a spoil sport, I'd approach this with caution. I say this because, particularly with different amps, the more variables in the equation....the greater the opportunity to dick things up. I, for one, am not a fan of using different amps unless because of the different gain involved.

BDT

[ohskigod]

I currently biamp my AR9's with fantastic results, worth a try, but while your trying things out, just be careful. I use same amps, figured it would be easier, but have heard biamping with different amps sound pretty damn good, Joe's rig being a good example.

[TroyD]

Lou,

Are your Amazings just gathering dust or what, bro?

BDT

[hearingimpared]

I really didn't think that using the Y splitters on my biamp'd setup revealed any SQ loss. YMMV however.

There is a fellow member that can make you some very, very good Y splitters. If you wish to know who it is please PM me.

PS: I had mine customed made by Frank at Signal Cable.

[928man]

Exactly where do the line level filters go? I understand they go between the preamp and the amps but where do they attach and where is a good place to shop such items?

[GV#27]

If you are new to all this, not to be a spoil sport, I'd approach this with caution. I say this because, particularly with different amps, the more variables in the equation....the greater the opportunity to dick things up. I, for one, am not a fan of using different amps unless because of the different gain involved.

BDTWhat Troy said. Unless the amps have identical gains you will end up with a frequency response imbalance.

[treitz3]

For me, vertical Bi-amping is what makes my ears happy. Bi-amping, though it can be expensive, it can be a lot of fun as well.