2. amps-preamps
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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
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,137 posts
 
You do not need to bi-amp, but you will need a powerful, high current amp.  To best implement an equalizer you will need a preamp with a tape loop.  Most tape loops are single ended RCAs, but there are some preamps with balanced tape loops.  The other alternative is to insert the equalizer between the preamp and the power amp.  The most tone control like high quality equalizer is the Dangerous Music Bax.

Does anyone know if Tidal has built-in EQ functionality?
barts's avatar
barts
680 posts
 
I have to agree with millercarbon on this one, that is that a DBA would be the way to go.

That's a really large room for two 11" woofers!

I see that the rear of the speakers has speakers terminals labeled "Bass Input". Does that mean you can bypass the internal cross-over?  IF so, then you can, go here:
https://www.marchandelec.com/xm44-electronic-crossover.html  and purchase an external crossover (2 way any slopes you like and control the gain as well)  requires a second amp of course.  

The cross-over will run you about $1500-$1700, depending on options, like fully balanced, tubes etc.

Then borrow an amp and give it a try, seems to be a cheap experiment given the $$$$ you are willing to spend.
barts's avatar
barts
680 posts
 
BTW the link above is only one of many that they custom make.
robert1976 OP
75 posts
 
Thanks @onhwy61 , I just found this https://apps.apple.com/us/app/boom-bass-booster-equalizer/id1065511007

I'm out of town, so I can't test this at the moment. Looks promising since Tidal is my only source!
danvignau's avatar
danvignau
935 posts
 
You are certainly on the right track.  By using separate amps with separate volume controls, you can increase of decrease the bass without destroying the linearity of phase aligned speakers, and without changing the linearity of the bass output with a tone control.  I am a definitely a Nelson Pass fan, and had forgotten about his pre-amps with dual volume controls, so I use a pair of Audire Diffet 3's.  It really works!   From my comments, you would be right to surmise that I would never go with an EQ.
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