Bi-amping A9s

Mongo

Hi all,

I have a new receiver (Marantz SR-6006) and noticed that it has a preset suitable for bi amplification.

I wonder if this is worthy to do and how to do it; after passing the double cables to the speakers, is all that I have to do to remove the gold-plated jumpers and "that`s all" ?

I have my system set to LFE+main with the A9`s set to large.

Is there a "guide" for bi-amplification or is it that simple ?

Thanks a lot,

Mongao

Dawgfish

Mongo,

I used to own a set of RTi-12s. The RTi-12s and A9s really don't start to come into their own until you get about 200 wpc of good clean, actual amplified power into them. I wouldn't even bother running the bi-amp function of your AVR with the A9s as it will make little to no difference. The best thing to do is buy a good external amp new or used to really get the A9s to sing. If you look in the for-sale section of the CP board or on Audiogon you can find good deals on used amps such as the Adcom GFA-555, B&K St-202 +, or similiar amps with around 200 wpc for about $300. This will get you way better results with the A9s then just using your AVR alone.

SRTer

This is true. I did put a Adcom GFA-555 MkII on my RTi A9's. It did make a difference that is enjoyable at lower or higher levels. I'm also think about changing my set HT setup. Therefore, I will be looking to sale my Adcom soon.

Mongo

Thanks for replying.

I am unfamiliar with bi-amping, please how do you hook the receiver to the adcom ?

Thanks,
Mongo

Dawgfish

You hook up the amp by running an audio interconnect cable from the front main left and right pre-outs located on the back of your reciever to the left and right inputs on the amp. It's quite simple actually and will make a huge difference in sound. Check out your manual for further info under audio-out or pre-outs.

Oh yeah adding an external amp is not bi-amping. That is an entirely different thing alltogether. There is bi-amping using your reciever, which again your manual will explain and then passive and active bi-amping actually using two external amps. For the record most on here will agree bi-amping using your reciever is a waste of time. Unfortunately I'm short on time and this can be a pretty long winded reply. Hopefully some of the others will chime in on this. You can also try using the search function here on the board or Googling it. It has been explained many times so shouldn't be any trouble finding.

Mongo

Dawgfish wrote: »

You hook up the amp by running an audio interconnect cable from the front main left and right pre-outs located on the back of your reciever to the left and right inputs on the amp. It's quite simple actually and will make a huge difference in sound. Check out your manual for further info under audio-out or pre-outs.

Oh yeah adding an external amp is not bi-amping. That is an entirely different thing alltogether. There is bi-amping using your reciever, which again your manual will explain and then passive and active bi-amping actually using two external amps. For the record most on here will agree bi-amping using your reciever is a waste of time. Unfortunately I'm short on time and this can be a pretty long winded reply. Hopefully some of the others will chime in on this. You can also try using the search function here on the board or Googling it. It has been explained many times so shouldn't be any trouble finding.

Thanks Dawgfish, yes, I have figured out you were not talking about bi-amping.

Just a quick question please; you have to deal with two volume buttons, right ? One in your receiver for the center and surrounds, and one in the ADCOM for the mains, right ?

Thanks again,

Mongo

nwohlford

No volume control on the Adcom since it is just an amp (not even gain controls like some amps have). The volume would be controlled by the receiver for all channels. Once the amp is hooked up, the volume will have to be modified in the receiver set-up to try to adjust for the gain difference of the Adcom and receiver. If you do the auto setup with the mic, then just run this again.

B Run

Don't waste your time with bi-amping, you really need a dedicated amp for those speakers to hear anything close to their full potential. Nice setup so far though

Mongo

nwohlford wrote: »

No volume control on the Adcom since it is just an amp (not even gain controls like some amps have). The volume would be controlled by the receiver for all channels. Once the amp is hooked up, the volume will have to be modified in the receiver set-up to try to adjust for the gain difference of the Adcom and receiver. If you do the auto setup with the mic, then just run this again.

Thanks for replying, I'll definitely look for the ADCOM at some point - although it costs more than my already expensive AVR :eek: :sad: :exclaim:

Thanks to everybody,

Mongo

Geoff4rfc

I was just like you only not too long ago. I purchased an amp to go with my receiver to drive my L/C/R speakers, "how do I connect it to my receiver?" I asked, "what about the volume?" It's really pretty easy. Your AVR must have "pre-outs", then you hook up RCA cables or Balanced cables, which ever your AVR will accommodate (you can actually do RCA to Balanced if you want to), then the speaker wire goes from the amp to the speaker.

Do room correction through Audyssey if you can, and, if you have a 12v trigger configuration, you can control the power of your amp with your AVR remote.

Once you have it all in front of you, you'll see how simple it really is.

Mongo

Geoff4rfc wrote: »

I was just like you only not too long ago. I purchased an amp to go with my receiver to drive my L/C/R speakers, "how do I connect it to my receiver?" I asked, "what about the volume?" It's really pretty easy. Your AVR must have "pre-outs", then you hook up RCA cables or Balanced cables, which ever your AVR will accommodate (you can actually do RCA to Balanced if you want to), then the speaker wire goes from the amp to the speaker.

Do room correction through Audyssey if you can, and, if you have a 12v trigger configuration, you can control the power of your amp with your AVR remote.

Once you have it all in front of you, you'll see how simple it really is.

Thanks for clarifying, yes, I'll definitely buy an AMP, please does anyone know a good retailer to buy the ADCOM in Canada ?

I am having overheating issues with my Marantz, I wonder if using the AMP will alleviate the heating on the AVR ?

tHANKS,

Mongo

Geoff4rfc

Mongo wrote: »

I am having overheating issues with my Marantz, I wonder if using the AMP will alleviate the heating on the AVR ?

tHANKS,

Mongo

The amp should take some stress from your AVR but if it's getting hot, it'll continue to get hot, at least, that's the history with my Onkyo.

After the advice of an AVS forum member, I've purchased a couple of very effective fans that lay on top of my AVR and removes all the heat build up. I'll gladly pass on the link.......

http://www.buyextras.com/evavcoblfanf.html This little jewel worked so well, I purchased a second and use it during the summer when days are pretty hot. My AVR is in a cabinet but stays nice and cool.

tonyb

The fan will help some, but also keep the volume down from ear splitting levels or you will toast that AVR. Those 9's need more current to sound their best, so best not to push theme too hard until santa brings you an amp.

Mongo

Geoff4rfc wrote: »

The amp should take some stress from your AVR but if it's getting hot, it'll continue to get hot, at least, that's the history with my Onkyo.

After the advice of an AVS forum member, I've purchased a couple of very effective fans that lay on top of my AVR and removes all the heat build up. I'll gladly pass on the link.......

http://www.buyextras.com/evavcoblfanf.html This little jewel worked so well, I purchased a second and use it during the summer when days are pretty hot. My AVR is in a cabinet but stays nice and cool.

WOW ! Thanks a lot ! Unfortunately, this retailer doesn`t ship to Canada, I'll google around, thanks a lot !

Geoff4rfc

Well then, I have a solution for you, I'll send you both my fans and my CS2 in exchange for your 9's and A6 :loneranger:

Mongo

Geoff4rfc wrote: »

Well then, I have a solution for you, I'll send you both my fans and my CS2 in exchange for your 9's and A6 :loneranger: