Question about bi-wiring

beatdownvictim · « **on:** 23 Nov 2005, 04:17 am »

Hi all, have a question about bi-wiring.

My speakers are bi-wireable, (black and red plug for BOTH LF and HF)
i have 2 amplifiers, but they're not modded the same. Some people use 1 amp per speaker. But how do i hook it up so that i use one amp to drive the LF and another to drive the HF?

What would the connection on the amplifiers be? I have 1 left channel and one right channel (red rca and white rca) which would go where? I'm new to this, help please!

JohnR · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Nov 2005, 04:23 am »

You need two sets of speaker cables. Then you connect one amp to the tweeters and one to the woofers.

From the output of your preamp you need a "Y" adaptor or cable, so the preamp feeds the inputs of both amps.

(I am assuming that the amps are the same or at least the same gain.)

beatdownvictim · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Nov 2005, 07:53 am »

uhm, how bout if i'm using an apple ipod nano as the source and using the digital control as opposed to using an active linestage?

damn i should have been more clear, anyhow thanks johnr!

ctviggen · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 Nov 2005, 01:55 pm »

You would do the same thing. I assume the iPod Nano has RCA outputs and that you're using the iPod Nano as a preamp. Buy two Y splitters (male on one side and female on two sides). Then split the right using a Y splitter; you run one of the "arms" of the Y to the right channel of one amp and then to one input of the speaker; you run the other of the "arms" of the Y to the right channel of the other amp and then to the second input of the speaker.

The only problem is that the iPod Nano might not be able to drive this to the correct volume. With my iPod regular (or whatever they were called), I had to crank it all the way up, and that's putting the output of the iPod into a preamp. If you go directly from the iPod to an amp, it might not work well. You may need a preamp or something that ups the iPod's output.

Jampot · « **Reply #4 on:** 23 Nov 2005, 02:59 pm »

Hi BDV,

Let me chip in. Forget the source to teac connection for now. You can bi-amp the speakers by doing just as you suspect, (and as described by John R left and right from one amp to the HF, left and right of the other amp to the LF, BUT remember to remove any links on the terminal panel of the speaker. ideally you would use 4 identical lengths of speaker cable, but if that isn't initially possible use identical pairs on each speaker.

If you don't have all the gubbins to connect the output from your Nano to both Teacs, you can still biwire. Connect identical pairs of speaker cable to left and right binding posts on the Teac (not easy - there isn't a lot of room) then connect the other end to LF and HF on each speaker (still remember to remove the links). Bi wiring does seem to benefit the performance, though not as much (obviously as bi-amping.

I guess the Nano only has a mini jack, so presently you must be using a cable with minijack at one end and phono plugs at the other. You will need to split this in the manner that ctviggen suggests but i would say that it will be better to use a splitter on the phono end rather than the minijack (though the mini jack splitter is easier to find and cheaper if you just want to experiment). Again make sure you keep the split cables both the same length.

Experiment by using the modded Teac on HF then LF you may find a difference. I remember biamping with 'sister' integrated and power amps using the speaker out on the integrated for HF and the power amp for LF - so I would expect the modded Teac to suit best on the LF, but have fun finding out!

Worry about the level of output from the Nano if and when you get it working, but keep us all informed.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #5 on:** 23 Nov 2005, 07:02 pm »

In my experience with modded Teacs, I would use the one with the modded output caps for the treble, and the modded PS one for the bass.

Perhaps your room, ears and configuration will lead you in a different direction, but in my experience, this was the way to go...

As for biamping, which is what you are looking to do, a preamp would likely be the best way to do it - one with dual outputs - I have used a PS Audio passive that worked well, and later had a Hagerman Clarinet custom built for me - that is excellent for use with the Tripath Teacs...

Have fun!