Monoblock vs. Bi-Amp

LarryK
LarryK Posts: 38
edited February 2009 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
At the risk of being shot for even using the word "Bi-Amp" I have a question (or two). We are working off a clean sheet of paper so all options are open. I have LSi15's, LSiC, PSW10 Sub & LSi7's (which I am going to replace with LSiF/X. I have an underpowered receiver so now it's seperates time.

I am thinking of the monoblock route for fronts and 3, 5 or 7 channel amp for the rest. Would there be any advantage to Bi-Amping this as well (would also get an active crossover)? From what I've read here, it's pointless to Bi-Wire. Is the internal crossover knocked out automatically when the external x-over is used or do you need to do some surgery to the speaker? Is it worth it? Finally, what is the difference between Bi-Wire and Bi-Amp speaker cable?

Thinking of new Emo's (I know, enough of that too) vs. used Mac. Your thoughts are much appreciated... be kind as I am somewhat new:confused:
Pioneer Elite Kuro 50" Pro111FD
Front: Polk LSi15
Center: Polk LSiC
Surround: Polk LSiF/X
Sub: Polk PSW10
Amps: Rotel RB 993 &
Parasound HCA-800 II
Pre/Pro:Anthem AVM-20
Post edited by LarryK on
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Comments

  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited February 2009
    I'm just a 2 channel guy,, I am currently deciding/evaluating stereo vs monobloc tube amps on my SDA's. Not sure which,, just yet. Best way to find out is to try it yourself. Good luck.:)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited February 2009
    Welcome. In my HT (LSi9, LSiFX, LsiC I run a 5CH Amp (Proceed AMP5). The sub (SVS) has it's own power. Personally I would look for a strong multi-channel amp, but that's me.
    Can't answer all, but the bi-wire has 4 leads (Speakers) at one end and 2 leads (amp) at the other end. The Bi-amp cables have 4 leads at both ends.
    Good luck.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • Mike21
    Mike21 Posts: 252
    edited February 2009
    Hi Larry.

    Unless your receiver has preamp outputs you cannot add external amplification w/o getting a new receiver or surround processor.

    What is the make and model of your reciver?
    ____________________________________________
    Home Theater 32"LG LCD; Comcast; 7.1 Onkyo 805; Fronts: Polk M50s; Center: Polk CS2; Sides: Polk M40s; Rear: B&W LM1s; Subs: (2) Sony 12" x 100w; Samsung 1500BDP; Toshiba A-2 HD-DVDP.
    PC stereo: Viper custom PC: Windows XP; ASIO4ALL; JRiver Jukebox> Pop Pulse USB to S/PDIF conv> Monarchy DIP > Musiland MD10 DAC > Parasound 2100 pre> Aragon 4004 MKII amp> Dali Ikon6 towers; Sunfire True Sub; PSA Duet, Ultimate outlet and Noise Harvestors.
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  • MLZ
    MLZ Posts: 214
    edited February 2009
    LarryK wrote: »
    At the risk of being shot for even using the word "Bi-Amp"

    You will not get shot for using the word "Bi-amp" in any post.

    However, if you used the word "Bi-wire", well, that is something totally different :eek:
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2009
    No need to bi-amp the fronts if you're going with separate amplification. You can't go wrong with monos for the mains and a mulitchannel for the rest if you have the room.

    As for Mac vs. Emo, you shouldn't have to ask. As long as you go with a Mac made in the 80's or later, you should be fine. The newer the better.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited February 2009
    Face wrote: »

    As for Mac vs. Emo, you shouldn't have to ask. As long as you go with a Mac made in the 80's or later, you should be fine. The newer the better.

    Mike I couldn't have said it better.

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • ShinAce
    ShinAce Posts: 1,194
    edited February 2009
    MLZ wrote: »
    You will not get shot for using the word "Bi-amp" in any post.

    However, if you used the word "Bi-wire", well, that is something totally different :eek:

    *Lines up MLZ and LarryK in a single line through the scope* ... *release safety* ... *waits for the FIRE command*



















    Bi-amp for life. Just don't go bi-amping random speakers. It's not something you just try as a tweak. You'll need good knowledge of the speaker drivers or good testing equipment and experience.

    Also be careful mixing and matching amps on your speakers. Sure, it will work just fine, but it's better to have the exact same build of amp on all speakers, so that's volume is guaranteed to scale properly. A good 5 channel amp is always a hit. You could consider a 7 channel and bi-amp the mains.

    I'm guessing you're 5.1
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