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What’s the Right Power Amp Ratio For Bi-Amping?

Is there a “golden rule” or rule of thumb when selecting amplifier power in a bi-amp setup? It seems to me that the power should be apportioned according to the demands. Since most of the energy consumption  in sound reproduction is by lows, it stands to reason I should use a much more powerful amplifier for lows than highs, but what ratio of power? 2:1? 10:1? Is there a wrong answer?
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Showing 3 responses by knighttodd

knighttodd
197 posts
 

I am using the horizontal bi amp method. Like you said all the low end is being supplied by my ss amp and top end by the tubes.I keep the tubes in ultra linear mode and it sounds fantastic.  Not using an external cross over.

knighttodd
197 posts
 

Im bi-amping a pair of Tyler Acoustics Halo Extreme with an Parasound A21+ into the low end and an Prima Luna Evo 400 feeding the top. Rocket 88 carbon x speaker wire. The gain on the amps are within 3 db of each other. The sound and imaging space between the instruments is phenomenal. Im using an Cambridge Audio Cxn v2 into a Audio GD r7he mkii dac and Audio Research LS 28se preamp. Im loving it. 

knighttodd
197 posts
 

From what I understand the total out put gain needs to beof equal value or very close. If not the under powered will be drowned out. 

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