2. amps-preamps
  3. 1361589136

Need Advice on Amp Setup w Vandies--Arcam/Bryston

Hi,

Here's the scenario. I have been using my pair of Vandersteen 2 Sigs with a 2W for stereo listening for some time in my "nicer" system, with a more modest 5.1 setup running in a different room off of a receiver. I am moving soon and will be combining my 2-channel and 5-channel systems into the latter for the time being. I have a VCC Sig for the center and will pick up some VSMs for the rears. Right now, I am using a Bryston 2B-LP for my 2-channel amp. While it is very good, I have been wanting to upgrade it anyways. Long story short is that I am in the market for a multi-channel amp.

I have yet to run my 2 Sigs bi-wired, as they are truly meant to be (or so says Richard), instead having single runs of Transparent Ultra with jumpers. I am looking at either a Bryston 9B SST/SST2 (as money and availability on here will dictate), which would put me back into the same realm of using single-run cable unless I switch. Alternatively, I was considering a 7-channel amp (Lexicon GX-7, Cary Audio, or the like) and bridging or bi-amping the L/Rs (but neither lets me do this unless the answer to the following question is yes). Question--do 7.1 processors allow one to do a 5.1 setup and send the same signal as L/R to the extra set of outputs (to have bi-amp channels)? Looking at an Arcam P7 or P777, however, with their loop-throughs, I could feed it from a 5.1 processor (the outs of my receiver) and move to a true bi-amp and bi-wire setup for the Vandersteens (I will get new cables but not on the level of the Ultra, probably just good wire). I am looking for input as to which setup, the 9B or alternatively good 5-channel amp with single run Transparent cabling) would compare to a perhaps not quite as good but still very decent amp with a bi-amp and bi-wire setup with lesser wire.

I know that listening is everything, but my local dealer probably will just have an A38 available that I could then feed out to a 3B for comparison. I know the A38 won't be as good as a P777 would be. I actually did the same many years ago, and that is how I decided on the 2B, as opposed to using Arcam amplification (used their CD and preamp instead). Kind of long-winded, but I appreciate the advice more on how the Vandersteen will perform in the bi-amp and bi-wire scenario. 9B=150W jumpered to highs and lows; P777=150W to each high and low driver via separate cable. Thanks.
jwseitz

Showing 1 response by jwseitz

jwseitz OP
19 posts
 
Thanks for the input.

Abind, I would use identical channels of amplification if I go with a P7 or P777, so I believe that qualifies as within the realms of what Richard approves via the manual for the 2s, although I understand the cost/benefit thing. I think that scenario would be closer to vertical bi-amping than horizontal since the amp channels are the same and the multi-channel amp would have been powering the low frequencies anyways. I have certainly heard of the Dreadnaught but don't think I have a dealer around here. I will try to check it out.

Do the Oppos have inputs to them, as well, to allow a DirecTV digital input? The multiple inputs thing would be the only potential hangup, as I could play CDs on the DVD player. Well, I do have a tuner, as well...

I will try to borrow some bi-wire cables and test the sound. It's hard to know what to believe because I have asked the Audioquest rep, and they stand behind bi-wiring. Transparent's official stance, however, is that simply moving to a higher cable with jumpers negates what one would hear beneficial in bi-wiring. It's a shame they no longer make their true bi-cable, but that is what they say for why--the extra cost spent on a bi-cable was better or equivalently spent on a higher level of cable. I didn't know if the complete cable isolation of bi-amping would enhance the benefits of bi-wiring.
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