Dual Mono Amps

skrivis · « **Reply #20 on:** 9 Jan 2006, 02:19 pm »

Quote from: konut

Quote from: avahifi
By the way, the double posting above is just my attempt at providing "dual mono" performance.

...

You're absolutely right! I immediately noticed better 'space' and 'imaging'. Frank, you're a pistol!

And here I thought we were getting an echo, and that Frank needed to apply more acoustic treatment to the Circle.

modular747 · « **Reply #21 on:** 10 Jan 2006, 01:53 am »

Quote from: skrivis

The added heatsinks, 2 chassis, and dual mono are really separate issues. Added heatsinks are for when you fully regulate the amp. Dual mono is when you stick another power x-former in one chassis. 2 chassis are for when you do fully mono amps.
Quote

Thanks. Actually what I was referring to was Frank's post where he said he was able to make a fully regulated FET-Valve Stereo prototype by pushing things much closer to limit than feasible in a production unit, which would have to use 2 separate chassis. I was suggesting adding heatsinks on the sides to allow for only 1 stereo chassis, maybe saving cost. (However the regulated output version might stress the line transformer too much and 2 transformers wouldn't fit in 1 chassis.)

alpha_03 · « **Reply #22 on:** 15 Jan 2006, 10:40 pm »

hmmm, dual mono amplifier design, if what I have read here regarding this posting refers to TWO PSU's in one single chasis then I have a little bit of experience with this.

Since both of my amplifiers are of this dual mono design, the only area I have found any merit when running two amplifiers is with low order sub-sonic performance and a tad better stereo seperation. I am bi-amping my system with two Proton D1200's. However, I have found my hi-pass amp seems to run considerably hotter then the low pass amp, and for good reason, obviously.

All be it, it does seem less effort is required for certain musical passages beyond a certain volume point given the source material. However, I am not sure if there is any real sonic benifit, that is, at real world listening levels over a single amp vrs two in a single music system.

But then one has to wonder why many hi-end audio manufacturers have bi-amp capabilities to begin with- no?

skrivis · « **Reply #23 on:** 16 Jan 2006, 01:18 pm »

Quote from: alpha_03

hmmm, dual mono amplifier design, if what I have read here regarding this posting refers to TWO PSU's in one single chasis then I have a little bit of experience with this.

Since both of my amplifiers are of this dual mono design, the only area I have found any merit when running two amplifiers is with low order sub-sonic performance and a tad better stereo seperation. I am bi-amping my system with two Proton D1200's. However, I have found my hi-pass amp seems to run considerably hotter then the low pas ...

Biamping with an active crossover is a different issue. I would say that it allows for better crossovers and the amps then directly power the drivers. There's likely a benefit to doing that. (Perhaps I should say there _is_ a benefit to doing that.)

You can either use one stereo amp for each channel, or one for highs and one for lows. Each has advantages.

alpha_03 · « **Reply #24 on:** 17 Jan 2006, 01:51 am »

Well, with the above said- why then do so many speaker manufacturers offer bi-amping? Why do so many amplifier manufacturers offer bridging circuts to their designs- Krell and Bryston....even Holcron- simple- MORE POWER. And also, to most probly to keep you as a customer.

For me, the most obvious performance gain was in the area of low order harmonics, granted I am using active x-overs at 80Hz, however, a good passive speaker can equal and often times surpass active electronics for OVERALL sound quality in a single box solution.

Do I agree with what I just said- NO, not always, but then I use a single box design with passive and active x-over designs together- for one, and only one reason, space considerations. There is no doubt, that on an equal platform, multiple amplifiers will easily out perform a single amplifier in all aspects- given the same room, speaker, and harmonic considerations of said equipment.

Not to mention a multi amp, active / passive system, is very adaptable to many different room requirements and sound enviroments- let alone the added value of the shear sonic benifits one can garner with lower spl speakers.

avahifi · « **Reply #25 on:** 17 Jan 2006, 02:34 pm »

I think the biggest performance gain with bi-amping and bi-wiring is that the audio salon gets a big performance gain to their profits when they get to sell you twice as much silly expensive speaker wire.

Frank Van Alstine

skrivis · « **Reply #26 on:** 17 Jan 2006, 07:57 pm »

Quote from: avahifi

I think the biggest performance gain with bi-amping and bi-wiring is that the audio salon gets a big performance gain to their profits when they get to sell you twice as much silly expensive speaker wire.

Frank Van Alstine

Bi-wiring is silly.

Bi-amping is worthwhile - if your speaker design (and/or designer) allows for it. You can use a crossover that is far more "correct" and the amps directly control the drivers.

alpha_03 · « **Reply #27 on:** 19 Jan 2006, 12:52 am »

Hey Frank, would you say the same thing to me if I wanted to buy two of your amps to bi-amp my system? Seriously, TWO Van Alstines crossed over correctly will sound better then one, no?