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Tri-amp 3 way speakers, still worth if using a multi-channel amp? (HiFI Stereo)

Hello to all,

Recently I’m thinking about tri-amp the 3 way loudspeakers that I’m planning to build, I know that the optimum way is with separated amps for each driver, but due the high costs of acquire 3 amps, I’m thinking about an multi channel amp.

Appreciate very much the thoughts from more experienced people about this subject, do you think that with a multi channel amp, and a very nice crossover, the system still will provide the great advantages of an active multi-amplified system?

Will put here the equipments that I have in mind, in order to provide some context.

This are the speakers that I’m planning to build, in fact, already purchased the first drivers :),

3 way: 12" woofer + radial horn + super tweeter
https://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/speaker_components/pdf/recom_enclose/w400aII_encl.pdf
(the exact drivers are the showed on the third option plan)

Active Crossover:
http://www.accuphase.com/cat/f-15len.pdf or http://www.accuphase.com/cat/f-25en.pdf
F15-L appears for reasonable prices from time to time...

Now, the amp it’s the big question?

I noticed that if choose the multichannel amp, mostly of then are designed for home theaters or pro audio... what about HiFi Stereo?

Appreciate very much suggestions, vintage or actual in production...

This Accuphase from 2001: http://www.accuphase.com/cat/px-600e.pdf

Appears to be the logical option, when considering the crossover, but this don’t appear very often, but according to my researches, they appear from time to time in Japan, found some in online auctions that was sold for prices not so extravagant... still costly, but, considering the price of acquire separated amps for the same performance level, still worth it..

Anyway, that’s it, appreciate very much all the thoughts about the subject, advices, amps suggestions...

Many thanks, best regards.
128x128cosmicjazz
erik_squires
15,615 posts
 
Hi cosmicjazz
So keep in mind that those connectors are there purely for convenience. Besides the switch, there is no extra circuitry. You don't get more of an amplifier by using A+B.

So it is up to you to ensure that the impedance of the A and B speakers does not drop below the amplifier's recommended minimum if used simultaneously. This is typically 4 Ohms.


One possible use is to bi-wire. That is, remove a speaker's jumpers and run a separate cable to each input.

But again, you don't get more amp.

Best,
E
cosmicjazz's avatar
cosmicjazz OP
243 posts
 
Let me put my doubt in a more organized way:

This is the hypothetical situation about a bi-amp application with a particular amp.

Here's the amp:
http://www.audioscope.net/images/pioneer_m_73-2.jpg
http://www.audioscope.net/images/pioneer_m_73-5.jpg

Here's the situation:

Considering a pair of 3 way loudspeakers, 12" woofer + radial horn + super horn tweeter, it's possible to amplify the 2 radial horns + 2 super horn tweeters, with just one Pioneer M-73?

I'm asking because the amp have two A Left speakers terminals + two B Right speakers terminals, and on the front, I see that is possible to select the A + B speakers selector at the same time, and also, when you see inside the amp, appears to have 4 separated channels, see the picture:

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CF-iRPLZn14/WJ3TWSkkQeI/AAAAAAAAAQs/qKSR0H8hr1od-DtObBTf4ntTs1LE6mY3gCLcB/s1600/Pioneer%2BM%2B73%2Binside.jpg

I will be in fact bi-amping?

Many thanks, best regards.






cosmicjazz's avatar
cosmicjazz OP
243 posts
 
I think I have found the answer for my question, please let me know if I'm correct:

Consider passive crossover.

So if I choose to use 1 M-73 to amplify 4 speaker's drivers using the 4 speaker's terminals (A left horn + B left tweeter / A right horn + B right tweeter), and select A AND B speakers selectors to work at same time, i will be bi-wiring, that means: each amplifier's channel will be responsible for divide their power for 2 drivers right? this can be done only if the drivers don't go bellow 8ohms, correct?

I realized this is not a 4 channel amp, it's a 2 channel stereo amp, I was thinking it was a 4 channel amp, with 4 separated blocks, with each speaker's terminals connected to each block, just because of the inside look, (appears that are 4 separated amp blocks), but is not, it's just a stereo amp, correct?
erik_squires
15,615 posts
 
In the case of effectively bi-wiring, so long as your original speaker was a match for your amp, you are good.

For instance, say you have a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 6's. Nominally rated for 4 Ohms.

Your amp, rated for 4 Ohm speakers, will be fine if you bi-wire (A+B) that single pair of speakers. 


However, take 1 pair of speakers at 4 Ohms, and another pair, also at 4, and you'll have a problem with that amp.

Best,
E
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