Monoblock vs. Bi-Amp

LarryK · February 2009

After a second thought, this post might be better in this forum... 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 it's seperates time.

I am thinking of going 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 (I 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

TNRabbit · February 2009

You've got MANY options on amps; any idea which direction you want to head to narrow it down a little?

The BEST way to bi-amp is to actively crossover before the power amp stage & remove the internal passive speaker crossover. However, there are a lot of things taken into account in the speaker crossover like in/out of phase changes that occurr & peaks/dips in the speaker, to name a couple. It's still advantageous, though slightly less so, to leave the internal crossover in place while actively bi-amping. The main advantage in this arrangement is more available power/headroom & less strain on each individual amp.

Bi-wire -vs- bi-amp cables: bi-wire cabling will many times be the SAME circuit, larger in diameter. You CANNOT bi-amp with a bi-wire cable of this type. They have to be completely separate in order to bi-wire. Personally, I think bi-wiring is a complete waste of time except in certain extreme circumstances (for example, if the only available cable was of an extremeley small gauge & you doubled it up to increase throughput/decrease resistance).

LarryK · February 2009

Great Info! Thinking of MC501's vs. Emo XPA-1's, MC205 vs. Emo XPA-5, and for proc MX120 vs. new EMO when it arrives. I know even at used prices the MAC's are going to be $$ higher, worth it?? a another question for another post.

Do I also get the feeling from what you have said, if you don't know what you are doing, don't touch anything?? Thanks again.

Early B. · February 2009

Keep it simple. Forget about monoblocks for HT. Just buy an XPA-5 and be done with it. And forget about replacing the Lsi7's. If you want something else to do, get a bigger, better subwoofer.

leroyjr1 · February 2009

Early B. wrote: »

Keep it simple. Forget about monoblocks for HT. Just buy an XPA-5 and be done with it. And forget about replacing the Lsi7's. If you want something else to do, get a bigger, better subwoofer.

+1

Get a good 5 channel and be done with it. Also get a better sub.

Hawkeye · February 2009

LarryK wrote: »

Great Info! Thinking of MC501's vs. Emo XPA-1's, MC205 vs. Emo XPA-5, and for proc MX120 vs. new EMO when it arrives. I know even at used prices the MAC's are going to be $$ higher, worth it?? a another question for another post.

Do I also get the feeling from what you have said, if you don't know what you are doing, don't touch anything?? Thanks again.

I have never heard an Emo so can't comment there. If you go with McIntosh, you're not only buying good gear, you have a company behind you that has been in the business since the 40's. If you have the coin to drop on the McIntosh, I think it would be worth it, but I am biased

Gordon

zingo · February 2009

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Get a good 5 channel and be done with it. Also get a better sub.

Agreed. When I had my HT and switched to a 7 channel amp from separates, it saved me so many hassles and headaches, not to mention space. Just get one big amp and be done with it.

Systems · February 2009

TNRabbit wrote: »

The BEST way to bi-amp is to actively crossover before the power amp stage & remove the internal passive speaker crossover.

Agreed

However, there are a lot of things taken into account in the speaker crossover like in/out of phase changes that occurr & peaks/dips in the speaker, to name a couple.

Exactly,If it is not done properly the end result may well sound substantially worse than the stock passively crossed over version.

It's still advantageous, though slightly less so, to leave the internal crossover in place while actively bi-amping.

I disagree with this point.Cascading an active xover with the stock passive unit will run the same risk as mentioned above about using the active xover alone.It must be designed to work with the particular system or the results will be less than satisfactory.

The main advantage in this arrangement is more available power/headroom & less strain on each individual amp.

Yes when an active setup is properly implemented.

LarryK · February 2009

Thanks to all, great information and another view(s) to look at as I go forward. This helps alot!!

Monoblock vs. Bi-Amp

Comments