Monoblocks did not work


Help me with this problem pl. I had one Classe CA-400 driving Dunlavy V'S with all Classe front end. I was very happy with the sound, so happy I refused to upgrade for 3 years. That the power bug hit me. What if I buy another CA-400 and run each as monoblocks. I did, with all other components remaining same( same IC's going to each amp). The result was way worse than expected. Thin , hashy, ambient sound. Power of 800W/ch (into 4 ohms) became 2400 W/ch, still bad sound. What happened? How do I make use of the beast (120lbs) that I have aquired?
nilthepill

Showing 5 responses by nilthepill

Zippyy has the correct definition of the Horizontal biamping. In that one amp used severely (lows)than the other (highs).Vertical biamping on the contrary has each amp driving highs and lows on each of their L/R channels, so that both amp are used equally -loaded.
I called Classe to day and asked for their opinion on the subject. " two much power for easy load speaker" they said. If I had hooked up to difficult load , it would have sounded better. Robert Adam re-iterated his recommendation if vertical bi-amping and swore (close) that I would get much better results than my current sound. So I am off to getting a new two pairs of same cable make with one pair out and two pairs in at the amp. Thx all for your support!!!!!
Sean and Snook2 I bridged each amp to form one big channel. Amps are bridgable. Gregm thaks for the tip, I will be sure to look it up. I should mention that, Classe did recommend Vertical biamp than the monoblocks. But need, Two sets of interconnects (same brand) with Y-splitter at the pre-amp. I bought extra pair of speaker cables same length, same brand. IC would be tricky, since I have to deal with y-splitter. Probably would inquire with the Straightwire tommorow. But I don't want spend extra $500-600 with same results, without proper feedback from Agoners. Thx.
p.s. Let me tell you that my current sound using only one CA-400 is GREAT, but sound stage depth improvement is desired-without moving the speakers!!
Thx you all for your input. Garfish, Classe does have switch for mono/stereo operation as well as Balanced/RCA operation. Am running Balanced. Radio shake would have Y-splitter for balanced configuration? Will check it out. Redwiki, I don't know about opening the amp and bridging the RCA's( I am no techno either).

I think this is what I should do to go towards vertical bi-amping. Use the other pair of speaker cable and try out the biwiring with my existing STEREO amp. If the sound does not deteriorate, I try Vert biamping using radio shake y splitter. If works (meaning not deteriorate ) get the remaining pait of straightwire IC( Same as my existing brand, works great in my system) with straight wire Y-splitter at premap end and hope for best.
If not use the extra amp for (open a welding shop or something) my rear Dunlavy surrounds and just use he Multichannel Classe CAV-150 for cente channel only. Oh well! thx all.
On My quest for perfection, Over the week end I tried to Bi-wire my Dunlavy V's, with my 2- Classe CA 400 in monoblock configuration ( no vert or hor biamping yet) I DID everything right: Connect to the right terminal at both amp and speakers, Both amps in balanced/mono configuration, speaker jumper removed, using a seperate speaker cables( same make, same length) for bass and mid's. Here is what happened. The right speaker worked alright with the right monoblock. The left speaker made a lound sharp popping noise like little fire cracker! Scared shit, I disconnected the left speaker right away. Did some trouble shooting and put jumpers back on an ran single wired.Turned out that left amp channel fuses were blown on the left monoblock even though the channels were bridged. What might have happend? Do you think the mono switch on the left monoblock may not have engaged?