Bi amp off of a 4 channel amp?

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polktiger
polktiger Posts: 556
edited June 2008 in Electronics
I have an old Carver AV-634, that I am trying to figure out how to use...it is 60 x 4 with two of the channels bridgable. I don't really want to buy or build a passive sub at this time, which is what it would be good for (2.1 system). I was thinking about just bi-amping a pair of RTi4s off of it in the computer room. (I know it is overkill.)

I guess my question - does it really do any good to bi-amp off the same amp?

The manual indicates 60 x 4, and it gives the bridged output. But, it does have a listing for 2 channels only. If you are only driving 2 channels, will it get 120 x2 without the bi-amp, or is it likely still 60 x2 with just a lot more headroom?:confused:
Post edited by polktiger on

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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited June 2008
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    Sure you can, and yes it does. Try it out...
  • polktiger
    polktiger Posts: 556
    edited June 2008
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    Well, I hooked it up - they do sound quite nice bi-amped. Also kind of fun since this model amp has independant front panel gains for each of the 4 channels - talk about tweaking flexibility! This is certainly a fun intermediate step while I figure out what to do with some excess gear.
  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,811
    edited June 2008
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    You will get more power just running it bridged at 120 watts per channel. Even at full tilt, your tweeters are drawing less than 10 watts, probably closer to 5 watts. So with 120 watts going to each speaker (not bi-amped) you will have a lot more power available to the woofer.