biamp vs biwire LSi9s

dave_jr77

I know this has been talked about to great lengths, but I feel compelled to ask anyway. I am doing some homework before taking the plunge on some new main speakers (FL/FR).

I have a pair of Polk R40s now that I would like to replace with a pair of LSi9's. Would it be better to bi-wire the LSi9s from a dedicated 2 channel amp, or biamp them with the 2 channel amp and my receiver?

The amp is a McIntosh MC2105 and my receiver is an Integra DTR 8.9. This is part of a 5.1 setup, so there is also a center (LSiC) and rears (LCi RTS100).

Buying another amp is not an option right now... I'm just trying to determine the best configuration for the Lsi9s before I buy them.

Dave

tugzy

the only way to know what works for you is to give it a try. I honestly think Bi-wiring is a waste of time and cable. If you Bi-amp, you should use matching amps. Using two power sources is difficult to set up in order to obtain a good result. Regardless, there's no hurt in trying...

dave_jr77

tugzy wrote: »

the only way to know what works for you is to give it a try. I honestly think Bi-wiring is a waste of time and cable. If you Bi-amp, you should use matching amps. Using two power sources is difficult to set up in order to obtain a good result. Regardless, there's no hurt in trying...

I know it can't hurt to try, but I know 4 ohm speakers can be rough on a receiver. But if I offload half of the work to a separate amp, will this help the receiver power these speakers without stressing it too much. I would like the best sound quality, but not at the expense of damaging my receiver. I can hear increases in sound quality but I can't really see the stress being put on my receiver, other than the heat being generated. And like I said, I can't really afford another amp at this time.

I would just like to hear the opinions of those with more experience than myself... which is most of you

Jetmaker737

tugzy wrote: »

If you Bi-amp, you should use matching amps. Using two power sources is difficult to set up in order to obtain a good result.

Right... IIRC bi-amping with receiver and amp can be problematic due to differing gain structures.

dorokusai

Or find an amplifier that has adjustable gain....like a Parasound for example.

PSOVLSK

I've bi-amped using mis-matched amps and I've bi-wired. I now use a single amp and one speaker cable. YMMV.

jacob.simpson

stick with just straight connection.

JimKellyfan

I know matching is a concern. I listened straight wired with a lower amp/old worn out receiver. Then, hooked to a better, but still not good enough receiver. I then bi-amped after asking for advice. I was curious and had to try anyway. If you have a real power supply/receiver, there won't be any issues. So, I have a Sony pushing Monitors, but bi-amped, even though it is a Sony pushing, it is still a vast improvement. It depends on your ears, but really, we have heard sounds we have never heard before. Simply hooking the Polks up merely accomplishes this. The claim is that I have 110/channel, so bi-amped, that's 220/channel, but, it is a Sony, so there really is not 220 coming, hence, I can crank and it does not over power, yet still sounds great considering the other speakers hooked, and the receiver does have suitable ( yet not advertised ) power for my Monitor's. I can only imagine how good the others sound when the lower end Monitor's sound this good. Enjoy your bi-amping, because once you have come this far, you just have to do it.

dave_jr77

JimKellyfan wrote: »

I know matching is a concern. I listened straight wired with a lower amp/old worn out receiver. Then, hooked to a better, but still not good enough receiver. I then bi-amped after asking for advice. I was curious and had to try anyway. If you have a real power supply/receiver, there won't be any issues. So, I have a Sony pushing Monitors, but bi-amped, even though it is a Sony pushing, it is still a vast improvement. It depends on your ears, but really, we have heard sounds we have never heard before. Simply hooking the Polks up merely accomplishes this. The claim is that I have 110/channel, so bi-amped, that's 220/channel, but, it is a Sony, so there really is not 220 coming, hence, I can crank and it does not over power, yet still sounds great considering the other speakers hooked, and the receiver does have suitable ( yet not advertised ) power for my Monitor's. I can only imagine how good the others sound when the lower end Monitor's sound this good. Enjoy your bi-amping, because once you have come this far, you just have to do it.

Thanks for the reply. This is the kind feedback I was looking for.

I think I may have asked the wrong question initially. I'm not too concerned with bi-wiring, but more interested in hearing your thoughts on bi-amping or running a single dedicated amp..

If I bi-amp, the mid/highs would be powered by the Integra AVR, and the lows powered by the McIntosh amp (or vise versa). The McIntosh does have adjustable gains and the Integra allows adjustment also. If single amping, they would be powered by the McIntosh only.

Or just hook them up like a normal person and enjoy the music.

I would love to just hook them up and listen... but I do not have the Lsi9s yet... I am waiting for a good deal to purchase. I'm just trying to gather information before I get them... can't hurt to ask right?

Dave