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If bi-amping is so great, why do some high end speakers not support it?

I’m sure a number of you have much more technical knowledge than I. so I’m wondering: a lot of people stress the value of bi-amping. My speakers (B&W CM9, and Monitor Audio PL100II) both offer the option. I use it on the Monitors, and I think it helps.

But I’ve noticed many speakers upward of $5k, and some more than $50k (e.g., some of Magico) aren’t set up for it.

Am I missing something? Or is this just one of the issues on which there are very different opinions with no way to settle the disagreement?

Thanks folks…


rsgottlieb
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
@shadorne 
What!?!?  There's nothing mechanically or electrically wrong with RCA, and the virtue of XLR isn't found in the intrinsic quality of it's cable or connectors. It's found in the virtue of of how 2 opposing signals can be used to cancel noise and distortion and XLR is just a more convenient that pairs of RCA, but pairs or RCA can do the exact same thing. 
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,333 posts
 
@kosst_amojan  

sorry to break any sacred cows but RCA uses ground as a wire - so no shield

you obviously have not used a multitude of equipment as you would have observed first hand that XLR always has less hum or RF noise or ground loop hiss.

RCA is just cheap crap and obviously very popular for that reason
seanheis1
359 posts
 
Regarding biwire and speaker manufacturers. Jim Salk of Salk Sound doesn't think that it matters for sound but he advises his buyers to allow for that capability as it can help resale value.  
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
So, shardorne, are you saying those of us who've been listening and continue to listen to gear with (only) single ended connections, been hearing crappy sound with ground loop hiss mixed with RF noise all this time? We must be deaf... for sure. Sorry, completely off topic.
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
210 posts
 
Apparently some manufacturers believe that owners are more likely to screw up the sound with biamping and others  support it.

I biamp my  Vandersteens as they are set up for it. Class A monos up top and Class ABs with plenty of current on bass, though an adjustable crossover.

My Wilsons are amped with a single stereo amp as that is what the manufacturer prefers.  Both sound great.

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