Bi-amp center or mains?
I've been looking for a multichannel amp for several months now and finally found a killer deal on a 7 x 200 wpc amp that's too good to pass up. I'm only running a 5.1 set up so I'm considering bi-amping either my center or the mains to use the extra channels.
I use my rig mostly for HT and I understand that 50%+ of all sound in HT come from the center channel. But when people talk about bi-amping they only do it for the mains. Is this something that would benefit music listening more than HT? Have people tried it both ways? If so, which speaker would benefit more from bi-amping in an HT environment?
Either option would require me to upgrade my cables since I'm currently running bi-wire Signal Ultras to the mains and a single Ultra to the center.
I use my rig mostly for HT and I understand that 50%+ of all sound in HT come from the center channel. But when people talk about bi-amping they only do it for the mains. Is this something that would benefit music listening more than HT? Have people tried it both ways? If so, which speaker would benefit more from bi-amping in an HT environment?
Either option would require me to upgrade my cables since I'm currently running bi-wire Signal Ultras to the mains and a single Ultra to the center.
Post edited by iskandam on
Comments
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What speakers do you have and what is the other gear?HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
My mains are RTi8's, with CSi5 center, Emotiva MPS-1 7 x 200 wpc amp, Signal Ultra bi-wire cables for the 8's and regular single run Ultra for the CSi5. I'm using Harman Kardon AVR 247 as a pre-pro for now
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Tne amp is more than enough for your speakers,don't waste the time or coinage on bi-amping.Looks like you could benefit from a decent subwoofer though.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
I'm using Velodyne CHT-12 right now, which is clearly the weak link in the system. I'm going to upgrade to an MFW-15 if I could get somebody to split the cost of dual MFW-15 in the LA area.
The amp actually cost more than the speakers so I hate the thought of leaving the two additional channel of amplification unused after spending all that money on it -
Your not really "not" useing it.In a multi-channel amp,such as yours,you share the same power supply on all 7 channels.If 2 of the channels are not used,thats more reserve power on tap for the other 5 channels.You could always add some side speakers if you wanted to.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
Your not really "not" useing it.In a multi-channel amp,such as yours,you share the same power supply on all 7 channels.If 2 of the channels are not used,thats more reserve power on tap for the other 5 channels.You could always add some side speakers if you wanted to.
Tony is most wise. I agree.
Venom -
Have extra channels is also nice in case you ever want to upgrade to the LSi series, or other power craving speakers. No one says you can't bi-amp in the future.Lovin that music year after year.
Main 2 Channel System
Polk SDA-1B,
Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
Rotel RB-980BX,
OPPO DV-970HD,
Lite Audio DAC AH,
IXOS XHA305 Interconnects
Computer Rig
Polk SDA CRS+,
Creek Audio 5350 SE,
Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
HRT Music Streamer II -
Either option would require me to upgrade my cables since I'm currently running bi-wire Signal Ultras to the mains and a single Ultra to the center.
Others have already answered the main question, but I don't know why you would need to upgrade cables? If you're already biwired, just get a Y-splitter for the mains connection between the amp and preamp, and you are ready for bi-amping. Since you already have the cables (for mains), it doesn't hurt to bi-amp even if it isn't necessary.
You don't mean to say you're considering bi-amping AND bi-wiring at the same time? -
The MPS-1 is a class H amp with an independent power supply for each channel. I wanted to add RTi4 or 6's for 7.1 but that simply isn't possible in my room layoutYour not really "not" useing it.In a multi-channel amp,such as yours,you share the same power supply on all 7 channels.If 2 of the channels are not used,thats more reserve power on tap for the other 5 channels.You could always add some side speakers if you wanted to.
Okay I never even thought about that. I still have a couple of Y-splitters from my dual sub days. Will put them to good use!Others have already answered the main question, but I don't know why you would need to upgrade cables? If you're already biwired, just get a Y-splitter for the mains connection between the amp and preamp, and you are ready for bi-amping. Since you already have the cables (for mains), it doesn't hurt to bi-amp even if it isn't necessary.
You don't mean to say you're considering bi-amping AND bi-wiring at the same time?
