HK Bi-Amping - First Impressions

Early B.

Got my HK PA 2000 amplifier yesterday and wanted to give my first impressions. Based on the feedback from this forum, I bi-amped my fronts (Rti70's), running the highs to the receiver (HK 525) and the lows to the amp. I haven't had much time to play music and movies to really test it out, but as soon as I put in a CD, the sound was much more dynamic. The soundstage increased so much that 2-channel playback sounded like surround sound. Bass was tightened up. Songs that sounded wimpy (even with a PB1-ISD) now have much more authority. In addition, I didn't expect to hear another entire level of detail. (My wife likes it, too.)

Then I switched up and put in a DTS demo disk. Once again, there was a significant improvement in sound. More bass, more dynamic, more of everything. In fact, I could literally feel the difference. Awesome.

To sum up, I was choking my speakers by feeding them only 70 watts max from the receiver. The Rti70's are far more capable of a fuller, richer sound than I had ever known. Prior to a few days ago, I didn't even know how to bi-amp, but fellas on this forum explained it, I did it, and I'm glad I did.

No more upgrades for a while. I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy what I have.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I knew you'd notice quite a difference, glad to hear it...

disneyjoe7

Well haven't got mine hook yet, need to move some equipment around first to make room.

From your post I may have to call in sick for the time needed, and the improvement you have heard. Well worth the $ for that AMP.

Early B.

No more upgrades for a while. I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy what I have.

OK, maybe I spoke too soon. Please forgive me. I'm thinking about purchasing another HK amp, but I'm not sure what the best use would be. I see four options:

1. One amp for each front speaker
2. Power the center channel speaker
3. Power the rears (Rti38's)
4. Do nothing.

Any suggestions?

HBombToo

Originally posted by Early B.
OK, maybe I spoke too soon. Please forgive me. I'm thinking about purchasing another HK amp, but I'm not sure what the best use would be. I see four options:


2. Power the center channel speaker


Any suggestions?

I say Option 2 will be most noticable. What center do you have? sorry for not knowing but my 400i sings in biamp mode.

HBomb

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by Early B.
OK, maybe I spoke too soon. Please forgive me. I'm thinking about purchasing another HK amp, but I'm not sure what the best use would be. I see four options:

1. One amp for each front speaker
2. Power the center channel speaker
3. Power the rears (Rti38's)
4. Do nothing.

Any suggestions?

Nevermind previous post...I'm retarded, see you have the HK 525

Option 1 is not really an option with the PA2000 becuase it is not bridgeable into 1 chanel. i suppose you could split the signal coming out of the preamp outs on the receiver and run each channel to two amps and then use each amp to bi-amp the speakers, but I'm not sure about loss of sound quality...even if you could get this to work, I don't think an extra 30 WPC on the fronts will do much for you...

If you can bi-amp the center, I'd agree that would be the best move.

I'd rule out option 3, you really probably don't need more power back there unless you have big speakers back there...

Early B.

My center is a Csi40.

Tour2ma

And another one awakens to the fact that added power is not just about added volume...

EB,
Glad to read you are happy with the new addition.

As for your next move... Are you really sensing something lacking in the center channel now? If yes, have you recalibrated your HT since adding the new 2000?

Early B.

As for your next move... Are you really sensing something lacking in the center channel now? If yes, have you recalibrated your HT since adding the new 2000?

Yes, I the auto calibration feature on my HK 525 increased the levels on the back and surround speakers. The Csi40 is an excellent speaker, but what I'm hoping to gain by acquiring an amp for the center channel is a similar improvement in dynamic and detailed sound that I got for the fronts. So I'll go from using 70 watts from the receiver to 200 watts from a dedicated HK pA 2000 amp to power the Csi40. I don't anticipate the amp costing more than $200 shipped used or refurbed.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by Early B.
Yes, I the auto calibration feature on my HK 525 increased the levels on the back and surround speakers. The Csi40 is an excellent speaker, but what I'm hoping to gain by acquiring an amp for the center channel is a similar improvement in dynamic and detailed sound that I got for the fronts. So I'll go from using 70 watts from the receiver to 200 watts from a dedicated HK pA 2000 amp to power the Csi40. I don't anticipate the amp costing more than $200 shipped used or refurbed.

I think you may see a difference when bi-amping that center, but I feel pretty confident in saying that you won't see NEAR the improvement that you did when you bi-amped the front channels, as that CSi40 is no where near the power hungry beast that the 150s are...

That being said, if you've got an extra $200 or so laying around, why not...

Tour2ma

Agree with what Pm said...

disneyjoe7

Well got mine hook up also, the same way AVR feeding Tweeter / Mid with the AMP feeding the Woofers. Just I would have to change to 70 watts max from the receiver to 110 watts.

Other then this I agree 110%.

Originally posted by Early B.
To sum up, I was choking my speakers by feeding them only 70 watts max from the receiver. The Rti70's are far more capable of a fuller, richer sound than I had ever known. Prior to a few days ago, I didn't even know how to bi-amp, but fellas on this forum explained it, I did it, and I'm glad I did.

No more upgrades for a while. I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy what I have.

Early B.

I think you may see a difference when bi-amping that center, but I feel pretty confident in saying that you won't see NEAR the improvement that you did when you bi-amped the front channels, as that CSi40 is no where near the power hungry beast that the 150s are...

I don't have 150's. I have 70's. The 70's aren't considered to be power hungry, but when they got some extra juice, they really started to sing.

HBombToo

The 40i will bring a whole new dimension to the dialog after you complete the biamp.

If stretched for parts I would put the 70's back to single amp use and biamp the center and put on a favorite movie for a test drive.

1/4twin

Mike682

Originally posted by Early B.
Yes, I the auto calibration feature on my HK 525 increased the levels on the back and surround speakers. The Csi40 is an excellent speaker, but what I'm hoping to gain by acquiring an amp for the center channel is a similar improvement in dynamic and detailed sound that I got for the fronts. So I'll go from using 70 watts from the receiver to 200 watts from a dedicated HK pA 2000 amp to power the Csi40. I don't anticipate the amp costing more than $200 shipped used or refurbed.

one call has the pa 2000 for under $200.00 new, here is the link.....

http://ww3.onecall.com/About_00001000_22_68_0_18_0_0.htm

Early B.

Thanks, Mike. Just ordered it today. It should arrive by the end of this week. I'll post a thread on it's performance with my Csi40.

Teejai

I have a pair of RTi6s for my fronts, would bi-amping give me much of an improvement or would I be better off putting that money towards a tower like the RTi8?

disneyjoe7

My vote would be RTi8 over an AMP.

Then if you wanted to Bi-Amp the RTi8 yes.

Just my $.02

Originally posted by Teejai
I have a pair of RTi6s for my fronts, would bi-amping give me much of an improvement or would I be better off putting that money towards a tower like the RTi8?

hamzahsh

HK 525 has already a lot of power on its own, I don't know why you bought an extra 2-channel AMP. If you run your speakers to small setting and X-over them @ 80hz and send full bass to your sub you'll get great results. Also BI-WIRE all of your speakers and you'll get a fuller sound. Make sure there levels are calibrated well.

I have a Yamaha RX-V1400 and thats what I have done. IMO Bi-Amping would be a great thing to feed more power hungry speakers especially 4 OHM capable. Bi-Wiring is great for 8 OHM speakers.

My 2 cents!

hamzahsh

Originally posted by Teejai
I have a pair of RTi6s for my fronts, would bi-amping give me much of an improvement or would I be better off putting that money towards a tower like the RTi8?

Get RTi8 'cause it has 2 mid/bass drivers and better bass venting system. It will handle anything you throw in without any problem and BI-WIRE them for fuller sound.

BTW I use RTi6 for my back surrounds.

Early B.

HK 525 has already a lot of power on its own, I don't know why you bought an extra 2-channel AMP. If you run your speakers to small setting and X-over them @ 80hz and send full bass to your sub you'll get great results. Also BI-WIRE all of your speakers and you'll get a fuller sound. Make sure there levels are calibrated well.

Not so. I run my speakers on small, have them crossed over at 80hz, have my system calibrated, AND I had them bi-wired before adding the amp. Nevertheless, there was a significant improvement in sound when I bi-amped the fronts.

hamzahsh

Originally posted by Early B.
Not so. I run my speakers on small, have them crossed over at 80hz, have my system calibrated, AND I had them bi-wired before adding the amp. Nevertheless, there was a significant improvement in sound when I bi-amped the fronts.

I think that BI-AMPING only fronts is not a justice for other speakers. Especially when you watch DVDs. Do you notice the difference in the sound quality between other channels. Also do you listen to SACD and DVD-A and have you noticed fronts being more powerful than rest of your speakers?

Since you BI-AMPED your fronts how about getting a 5-channel AMP and BI-AMP rest of the speakers. OR you prefer 2-channel AMP especially for CDs.

Early B.

I think that BI-AMPING only fronts is not a justice for other speakers. Especially when you watch DVDs. Do you notice the difference in the sound quality between other channels. Also do you listen to SACD and DVD-A and have you noticed fronts being more powerful than rest of your speakers?

You're correct. My main interest in bi-amping the fronts was for 2-channel music. I don't prefer to listen to SACD or DVD-A.

However, I just ordered an amp for my center channel. It will be here Thursday and I'll let you know what kind of contribution it makes.

Nevertheless, once I calibrated the system for 7.1 channel playback, there was no real need to get another amp. I'm getting it because they're inexpensive and I'm doing some experimentations. My hypothesis is that a separate amp pumping 200 watts into the center channel will improve our movie watching experience. If all goes well, I may decide to get another amp for the rears (Rti38's) at some point in the future. At $200 ea. NIB for a 100 wpc amp, can't beat it.

hamzahsh

How about considering OUTLAW 7100 AMP 7 X 100watts all channels driven for only $899. I love this AMP because of its price and performance. I've read great reviews about this AMP. I'm also a 2-channel music lover like you and not interested in SACD and DVD-A at this moment.

Right now, I'm enjoying my Yamaha RX-V1400 and satisfied with its all in one performance but If I've to buy an AMP in future sometime I'll definely go for OUTLAW 7100 and BI-WIRE all my speakers to it and run my Yamaha 1400 as a PRE/PRO.

nemos2

I will have to agree with Hamzahsh.

The outlaw amps are rock solid products. I run an outlaw 755 amp, and love it. I would not trade it in for the world. The outlaws offer a great product at a great price.

If you are still looking, I think that there are outlaw Mono blocks for sale in the forum.....check them out.

disneyjoe7

Ok, I too Bi-Amp'd my front speakers (but they are RTi150's) Love it, and like the music openness. Also using the HK PA-2000 amp. I thinking in the future down the road some doing this.

Current setup Onkyo 898 110w per channel AVR.

RTi150's /Front Bi-Amp'd woofers with PA-2000

CS400i / Center

RT800i / Rear surrounds

Future

Adding a Outlaw 7x200 watt amp.

Then this as a setup.

RTi150's / Front Bi-Amp'd with 4 channels of Outlaw.

CS400i / Center Bi-Amp'd with 1 channel of Outlaw /Center of AVR

RT800i / Rear's Bi-Amp'd with 2 channels of Outlaw woofers / the PA-2000 amp bridged feeding the tweeter & mid speakers.

Only if I had the $ to play with.

Early B.

I watched a movie this evening for the first time with the bi-amp configuration. Geez, it's much more incredible than I orgiginally indicated at the beginning of this thread. The sound was absolutely captivating. The rears and surrounds appear to be receiving more juice. They are much more involved in contributing to the sound, and it sounds much more like "surround sound." It was like I was in the middle of the movie. More detail in the rears, as well. I was amazed. Didn't think it could get much better than what I already had.

I say go for the Outlaws or whatever other brand of amp you choose and be prepared to be blown away (literally).

HBombToo

Originally posted by Early B.
I watched a movie this evening for the first time with the bi-amp configuration. Geez, it's much more incredible than I orgiginally indicated at the beginning of this thread. The sound was absolutely captivating. The rears and surrounds appear to be receiving more juice. They are much more involved in contributing to the sound, and it sounds much more like "surround sound." It was like I was in the middle of the movie. More detail in the rears, as well. I was amazed. Didn't think it could get much better than what I already had.

I say go for the Outlaws or whatever other brand of amp you choose and be prepared to be blown away (literally).

Did this include your center biamped? I have not heard back from ya bud?

HBomb

PolkThug

Originally posted by HBombToo
Did this include your center biamped? I have not heard back from ya bud?

HBomb

I think the PA2000 is a 4 channel x 45 or you can bridge it to 2 channel x 100. I assume he's doing the 2 channel bridge. I could be wrong though, its been awhile since I looked at that amp.

Early B.

No, it didn't include the center channel bi-amped.

I've got the PA 2000s in bridged mode.

Just hooked up the center channel with its own 2000. I haven't had a chance to give my impression on it yet because I need to watch a couple more DVDs with it. My initial impression in watching T2 was that it didn't make much difference. But then I put in Black Hawk Down today and there was noticeable improvement. However, I can't tell how much of this difference is attributable to the bi-amped center channel or the bi-amped fronts.

I should have a follow-up in a few days.

HBombToo

Cool

HBomb