2. amps-preamps
  3. 1236896717

Biamping, bass and amplifier type.

I am new to the idea of tube amplification, but not new to the audio hobby (or obsession, depending on your point of view).
My question is, if tubes provide decidedly better treble and mid reproduction and a better image and soundstage, and if solid state provides better bass extension and response, why not use biampable speakers with solid state wired to bass and tube wired to high/mids?
OR
Tube amp for high/mid satellites and a SS sub?
Wouldn't this provide 'the best of both worlds?'
I look forward to your responses.
This is important to me as my amp of the last 25 years just died and I am venturing into a new system.
rhanechak

Showing 2 responses by macrojack

macrojack
1,303 posts
 
My speakers are bi-amped. I run out of my preamp into a dbx Drive Rack PA. From there I go to a JRDG 102 amp which drives compression drivers through horns. The other amplifier is a Perreaux PMF 1850 driving 15 inch JBL woofers. Since the drivers are so different, what would be gained by using identical amps?
I gather that most of you are talking about using the inboard passive crossover for bi-amping. Is that correct?

You might want to consider a Drive Rack instead. Just bypass the native crossover and hard wire your drivers to the respective amps. Every parameter can then be modified by programming the dbx including time delay between drivers. There is a learning curve but if you like to fiddle around with your equipment, this device will open the door to infinite possibilities.
I got mine from Amazon and the price was very good. The pros advised me to go this way rather than Behringer.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Best results and most flexibility comes from single driver set-up. In other words, a separate amplifier channel connected directly to each driver. This means you cannot use a passive crossover. Your signal proceeds from preamp to active crossover and on to each amplifier. I believe this is the real definition of bi-amping and the only way to truly benefit from doing so.
More to discover