How do I improve channel separation?

ShinAce

I've got a 2 way active crossover that I am testing, and a thought occured to me.

I have 2 ways to feed the signals to both amps. Both amps are identical models(80 WRMS / channel).

1) Dedicate one amp to the woofers. Dedicate the second amp to the tweeters.

2) Dedicate one amp per stereo channel(ie, one amp per speaker). Use left input on the amp for bass and the right input for treble.

I was assuming to connect everything as in 1). Now I'm thinking 2) might be a better option because the left channel of the amp will handle bass only and the right channel will be used for treble only. This way, each channel is essentially playing different frequencies.

Would this improve channel separation, in theory?

jakelm

Just a thought, but I would use one amp for bass and the other amp for treble. For the simple fact that if there is any slight difference in sound between the 2 amps, everything in the same Freq, will be even.

Since no 2 amp are exactly identical, bass from one amp might not be the same as bass from another, same goes with treble. So thats my reasoning for using the same amp for the same freq. Of corse the 2 channels in the amp might be different as well, the odds are more likely that 2 seperate amps would be even more different.

I hope I explained my self ok.

treitz3

ShinAce, are the two amps identical?

ShinAce

Probably from different production batches(bought 8 months apart), but identical make and model. Audiosource amp one/A.

The speaker mismatch is almost guaranteed to trump any amp mismatches.

Resume discussion...

jakelm

ShinAce wrote: »

The speaker mismatch is almost guaranteed to trump any amp mismatches.

Resume discussion...

Speaker mismatch?? Your using different speakers?

treitz3

ShinAce wrote: »

The speaker mismatch is almost guaranteed to trump any amp mismatches.

Key words highlighted....:eek: Speaker mismatch? :eek:

Anyhoo, I would vertically bi-amp them I have tried all of the combinations on various setups and this was the best for me - end result. The biggest improvement for stereo separation besides the source and format was for me, the speaker cables, specifically AQ CV-8's w/ 72v bat pack.

Refefer

Don't forget about the preamp either! Signals can get intermixed in there just as easily as any amp.

ShinAce

Nope, same speakers. They're DIY.

I got started in this hobby by testing, designing, building, and retesting speakers. I can tell you up front that 2 'identical' drivers that even sound the same in an A/B test can have specs varing by more than 25%. Good luck finding 2 identical amps with that much variation.

Just by making note of the fact that I'm getting rid of the passive crossovers in favor of active, shows that I'm focused on eliminating any source of imbalance.

I've got all the tools needed to properly set reference levels and such.

Another thought that occured to me is that if I dedicate one amp per speaker, I might have problems if the amp clips. If the woofer's channel clips, I want to keep the harmonics as far away from my tweeters as possible.

I'll probably go standard hookup, or 1).

Treitz: I'm not clear on what you mean by vertically bi-amp.

treitz3

ShinAce wrote:

I'll probably go standard hookup, or 1).

Option #1 is what I suggested [verticle bi-amp]. Might I add another suggestion? Don't listen to the spec's, listen to what hits your ears.

madmax

#2 makes the most sense to me for two reasons. 1. Obvious seperation between left and right. 2. Transformer power sharing. (whichever channel on each amp that needs more power from the supply can get it if the other channel is not requiring it).
madmax


PS: You can place each amp right next to the speaker which shortens the speaker cable. Better to be longer on the interconnect and shorter on the speaker cable.

jakelm

madmax wrote: »

#2 makes the most sense to me for two reasons. 1. Obvious seperation between left and right. 2. Transformer power sharing. (whichever channel on each amp that needs more power from the supply can get it if the other channel is not requiring it).
madmax


PS: You can place each amp right next to the speaker which shortens the speaker cable. Better to be longer on the interconnect and shorter on the speaker cable.

Basicly treating them as monoblocks..

I understand your logic.

ShinAce

Specs are everything when you have to DIY.

Specs first, trial and error after. But I do concur.

Max: I hadn't thought of your second point. Hmm. *adds it to the list of pros/cons* However, the amp is very capable of 200 watts bridged to 8 ohms. Since I am running 8 ohm per channel, I will run out of voltage before current. It will clip before it sags.

madmax

ShinAce wrote: »

However, the amp is very capable of 200 watts bridged to 8 ohms. Since I am running 8 ohm per channel, I will run out of voltage before current. It will clip before it sags.

This is true at 8 ohms. Its good to see someone who knows their system this well.
madmax