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Idiotic Vertical Biamping Question

I've read a couple of detailed articles on the various kinds of biamping.

I understand vertical biamping to be: amp1 uses left and right outputs to speaker1 (we'll say that's the right speaker); one channel to woofer and one to tweeter; and amp2 does the same, but to the left speaker.

We're assuming a two-way speaker.

Now, I assume that each amp still "thinks" it is sending full-range signals out of both channels. So for amp1, let's say the right output channel feeds the woofer while the left output channel feeds the tweeter. The amp is sending information meant for the left speaker to the tweeter of the right speaker. Same problem occurs in amp2 (but possibly with reversed content going to woofer instead of tweeter, depending on whether the channels are wired identically or in reverse of amp1).

It seems to me this would cause tremendous problems in imaging. So there *must* be something I'm missing; can anyone help me out?

Also, every article I've read discourages bridging stereo amps to make them monoblocks, though the reasons vary. What are your experiences with such a setup? I was specifically thinking of getting another McCormack DNA-.0.5 and having Steve convert both amps to monoblocks, thinking this would be the best performance I could get, but maybe that is not the case?

Thanks for the insight, all.

HC
aggielaw

Showing 1 response by poprhetor

poprhetor
61 posts
 
I just came across this thread while browsing. Coincidentally, I started vertical biamping my Sony SS M3's with two Rotel RB-980BX's (2x120) just about a month and half ago. Previously, I had been using just one of these. Removing the binding posts and adding the second amp made a huge difference. Night and day. After reading this thread, I ran over and switched them from stereo to bridged mode. The volume jumped dramatically, inversely proportional to the quality change. Ick. The sound was very thin, almost fuzzy. Maybe I need to wire them differently? I'm looking forward to an active crossover. I'm sure this will yield significant improvements.

By the way, the preamp is a Lexicon DC-1 with "Bypass" engaged, no bass/treble adjustment, no Loundness Contour, etc. My source is a basic Sony Bluray player connected to the DC-1 by toslink. I lucked into the Lexicon and Rotels (both needed repair). The speaker purchase was a craigslist shot in the dark that I feel turned out very well. :)
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