Louis- Unless the amp you get has exactly the same gain, you are going to need a gain control at a minimum. Most people who do horizontal bi-amping with different amps use an active crossover to control levels and let each amp work on only their proper part of the signal. You could spend quite bit of money on this, including extra ICs, and so forth. The Y connector is only a small part of the equation. You might be better off finding a better amplifier and selling your EMC. BTW, the bass on the VR4 is impressive with most any amp. I demoed them once with a 70 wpc Berning ZH-70 tube amp and it a modest size room, it drove them very comfortably, with PLENTY of bass and not dry at all, IMO. Not sure what you could get for your EMCs, but even if its only $1K, and you add in $3K and the cost of interconnects AND a crossover, you would close to $5K. At that price, you are into some pretty rarified territory for used amp, and could even get a new, fully modded ZH-270 (if you can wait 6-8 months!). It even has switching for 2 sources, and its own gain. Lots of other great amps would be possibilities if you go that route.
VSA VR4 Gen III SE biamp questions.
I own a pair of Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III SE's which I drive (comfortably) with a pair of Electrocompaniet AW220 mono blocks.
The bottom is end is wonderful, however the mids and highs (at least to my ears) are just OK, but nothing special. Specifically, they sound lacking in body and texture, and just a tad to dry for my tastes.
So, I think tubes would be the answer. But, I love the bottom end, so I've been entertaining the idea of biamping the VR4's using the AW220's on the bottom, and using tubes on the midrange - treble.
What I am want to get is more texture, body, roundness, fullness and air (I guess I want it all).
Now, for the questions:
First, do I use a 'Y' connector out of the back of my CD player (Audio Aero Capitol Mk II) with one set of IC's to the AW220's (for the bottom) and one set of IC's to the tube amp?.
Secondly, if you've tried this arrangement with your VR4's (or other like speakers), what do you think? Was it worth it? Would you do it again?
Lastly, if you've tried this with the VR4's, how much power do you think I'll need for the tube amp (remember, this amp will be dedicated for the midrange / treble speaker - no bottom end) and any suggestions on a good tube amp (stereo of mono) somewhere in the $4k price range, give or take $1k (preferably take). New or used.
In conclusion, thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing back from anyone who has gone this route.
Happy Listening!!
Louis
The bottom is end is wonderful, however the mids and highs (at least to my ears) are just OK, but nothing special. Specifically, they sound lacking in body and texture, and just a tad to dry for my tastes.
So, I think tubes would be the answer. But, I love the bottom end, so I've been entertaining the idea of biamping the VR4's using the AW220's on the bottom, and using tubes on the midrange - treble.
What I am want to get is more texture, body, roundness, fullness and air (I guess I want it all).
Now, for the questions:
First, do I use a 'Y' connector out of the back of my CD player (Audio Aero Capitol Mk II) with one set of IC's to the AW220's (for the bottom) and one set of IC's to the tube amp?.
Secondly, if you've tried this arrangement with your VR4's (or other like speakers), what do you think? Was it worth it? Would you do it again?
Lastly, if you've tried this with the VR4's, how much power do you think I'll need for the tube amp (remember, this amp will be dedicated for the midrange / treble speaker - no bottom end) and any suggestions on a good tube amp (stereo of mono) somewhere in the $4k price range, give or take $1k (preferably take). New or used.
In conclusion, thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing back from anyone who has gone this route.
Happy Listening!!
Louis