Bi-amping/Attenuators

gregure

Looks like I may be starting a new career, which would allow for a few improvements to the old HT setup. I am considering buying a new amp for the lower drivers on my Rti 10's. I just have to see what all the fuss is about. My first question: for a mid-priced, two-channel amp, which would be a good brand to go with. I can get a Harmon Kardon PA 2000 for less than $300 at onecall.com, so I'm leaning that way, but I would consider something a bit more expensive if the quality is leagues better. I'm specifically looking for something that would blend well with my Onkyo 701, if that even matters.
Second question: In an earlier thread, someone recommended I look at RCA Line Level Attentuators if I were to bi-amp. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems you plug the RCA end of the cable going into the amp into the attenuator, and then into the amp. Is this correct? Do I need to plug it into the end going into the receiver as well? Also, there are several different db levels on the attenuators. Sould I go with 1, 3, 6, or 12 db's? Apparently this helps to maximize the power going to the speakers as opposed to the current being wasted. I'm a little green when it comes to all this, but I don't want to let that stop me from experiencing the benefits of bi-amping. Any info would be appreciated. Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to be as detailed as possible. Thanks.

steveinaz

How many watts/rms are you looking for?

Attenuator's? In-lieu of an output control on the amp?

I'd look for something from Outlaw or Parasound. Attenuators shouldn't be necessary if the amp has output controls (parasound does).

PolkWannabie

I'm not sure why you'd want line level attenuators ... However you MIGHT want to have low/high pass filters ...

Note I did say MIGHT ...

The only benefit this would provide would be to not amp up those frequencies that a particlar set of drivers won't be using in a biamped situation. This MAY or MAY NOT be of any value.

I think the long and short of it is ... If your amp has enough power there will really not be a need to go down this road.

gregure

I just read a lot about bi-amp juice being wasted due to the speakers' drivers. I'm not sure what high/low pass filters are. I'm looking to drive the top posts with my Onkyo receiver, and the bottom (bass drivers) with another amp of 150-200 amps. If that is enough juice despite the potential loss along the way, I'll try it out and see how it sounds, and try not to worry about the technicalities. Thanks.

PolkWannabie

Gregure,

A high pass filter for example would allow only frequencies above a certain level to "pass" through. This MIGHT be of value in a situation where you wanted to amp the tweeters separately as in a full range signal most of the power would otherwise be used for bass. However in the situation you describe where your Onkyo receiver is both the preamp and the amp for the tweeters there will be no way I know of to high pass a portion of the signal to the tweeters and imho it won't be all that worthwhile low passing a portion of the frequency range from the receiver to the amp for the woofers.

gidrah

You might want to consider an active crossover. This would have the filters and attenuators needed. You should be able to snag a Behringer in the $100-$200 range that would work.