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Does Bi-amping really make a difference in sound?

I have really been torn in the past week in how I should improve my Home theater stereo System. I presently own the following gear:

Oppo Blu-ray Player
Yaqin Tube Buffer (w/ 6SN7 Tung Sol Oval plate Tubes)
Cambridge Audio DAC Magic
NAD C-375 Integrated Amplifier
PSB Synchrony Two loudspeakers
Nordost Red Dawn Ics
Audioquest VDM-X Digital Cable

An experienced audiophile and design engineer who designs speakers and custom electronic gear has told me that in order to improve my sound drastically I need to Bi-amp my speakers. Since PSB speakers have separate crossovers for the tweeter/mid and bass, that I could take advantage of this and bi-amp them and really make them sing.

I was told that I should buy a another amplifier and use the Pre outs of the NAD C-375 Integrated amp and even tailor my sound by selecting the appropriate amp with the same power wattage.
I am thinking of getting an NAD C-275 or the Vincent Audio SP-331 Power Amp to connect to the Pre outs of my NAD C-375 and bi-amp my speakers with two sets of Harmonic Technology Melody cables running shotgun to my speakers.

I also plan to upgrade my digital cable to the HT Digital Silver cable and maybe the HT Silway link Silver to my DAC to NAD C-375 connection over my present Nordost Red Dawn.

My dealer friend disagrees with my approach that bi-amping will improve my sound as he said he conducted a similar setup with the PSB Synchrony Ones in his store and did not hear any differences. I am wondering if he is just wants to steer me in the direction of getting a Rogue Audio Preamp and NAD C-275 combination, which I have considered as well.

Any expertise and advice in this situation would be greatly appreciated. I unfortunately cannot tryout these situations or go listen to them in a store due to my location and have to rely on people’s advice.
rlh157
Post removed 
rlh157 OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for that link Bob, and Kal, I think that is all you had to say in the begining.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,424 posts
 
Exactly.
koegz
317 posts
 
Kal; as my mother use to say, "there is nothing new under the sun". So why bother? Bob reynolds; great link. While I did not understand all of it, I understood enough to understand many of the advantages of bi-amping. I also got insight into bi-wiring and speaker design. Great read.
minorl
740 posts
 
I was reading most of the posts and they were well written. However, what I didn't see (could have missed it) is that it really depends on your system, room and ears. Also, as I have posted several times, it you can borrow equipment from dealers and take it home and listen, that solves the problem for you. Bi-Amping works for me. However, if your stereo amp is basically an arc welder, and can drive both speakers (including the separate drivers) well, then it is "typically" a non issue. But, one must understand what bi-amping does. Typical stereo amps, have a single power supply which in lots of cases is the weak link of most amp designers. Bi-amping not only shortens the wire length of the speaker cables, which is very important because if IxIxR (power/heat) losses, but also allows the separate amps to work a lot less. If you can go to your friendly neighborhood dealer, hand that person your credit card and "borrow" another amp (for bi-amping), with cables for about a week and listen, you will see/hear for yourself. I will not go back to single stereo amp for my system, unless, it really can handle the speakers and sounds as good or better than my bi-amp system. But, I also have separate power outlets to the panel for each amp and also for my low level components. (this really made a very large difference). My advice to my audiophile/music loving friends and associates, is to always sample and listen first in your home with your music. I just happened to develop a very good relationship over the many years with my favorite dealer in San Diego, CA (Stereo Design) and I live in LA. I can take equipment home for a week or so and listen. If I like it, they have my credit card info. If I don't, I return it and no charge is made.

I will not buy sight unseen or without hearing it first in my home.

take your time.

enjoy
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