2. amps-preamps
  3. 157933-147732

Will this amp trick work for increasing bass performance?

I'm considering matching Focal Utopia Scala Evo with two amps for bi-amping, to separate bass and mid/high. 

I'm considering the Pass Labs XP-32 pre-amp, which has individual volume controls for each channel/amp. By slightly increasing bass amp volume over mid/high amp volume, I get to feel more punch from the 11" woofers. The crossover in the Focals cuts off at 220Hz, so only bass and sub bass are affected.

Which two power amps would you consider? Power amp budget is about $30K. Was told Focals like power, so >250W for bass amp seems the minimum. Pre amp will likely be Pass Labs XP-32.
Maybe Pass Labs X250.8 + X150.8 or X250.8 + XA60.8?

Your thoughts please? Any other ideas to get more bass performance from the 11" woofers in the Focals? Subwoofer is not an option. I know McIntosh has a pre-amp with equalizer, which would solve the problem too. But I always thought EQs are a no-no.
robert1976
robert1976 OP
75 posts
 
@gregm Thanks for your feedback. 2 Subs may be an idea, since with 1 sub in the corner I found the sound too muddy. No coherence, timing off. More bass, yes. But once I switched off my sub, the music fell back into place again. 2 subs would be stereo, symmetrical and may perform better.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
30K for bass? Even millercarbon is being is being overly nice.
Good lord...XA60.8 for bass duty... I would never..
That’s a sin not an insult, God can forgive ya, I can’t... LOL
Crown or Parasound maybe, most likely a great class d for 1000.00 or so a pop..
500-2000 watts of pure dark background, cool running amps, that idle at 25 watts..
11" boom, booms will have plenty of headroom, room....AY..

30K Wow.. I’m truly envious. I really am, rare for me. Enjoy...

Tell him MC, spread the word...I’m a column and OB servo guy myself...

DBA is kinda like a Gatling gun, bound to hit something. sooner or later.

BUT it’s better than most...

Regards..
robert1976 OP
75 posts
 
@oldhvymec
I was suggesting the X250.8 for bass duties and XA60.8 for mid/high.
But please enlighten me. I'm here to learn something, not to get fried haha.

I'm looking for a way to get more deep bass from my system. What do you suggest?
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
BTW, saw my first and only UFO in 1976 on July 4. Over 100,000 people saw it in the Bay Area. It was never explained... A true UFO.

Weird... Bicentennial. 5 lights. There is actual footage, GOOD footage..

What a night...Pioneer 6x9s x 4 with a Crag Power play 8 track.
James Brown....Tighten Up....

Regards,
gregm
3,395 posts
 
@robert1976
I was suggesting the X250.8 for bass duties and XA60.8 for mid/high.
No doubt that's what you meant -- hence my comment about the 6dB difference between the two amps (+6 from the bass amp).
As an aside, A'gon member Audiokinesis, a speaker designer, has researched low-frequency reproduction extensively; it may be worth your while to contact him directly -- he is usually very helpful (and never pushes his own products -- which are reputedly excellent, btw!). Regards

More to discover