Bi-amping without losing 7.1, is it possible?

[rarredoa]

So far I haven't been missing out on many 7.1 movies, 'cause there really aren't that many. Although I am noticing that Disney is beginning to use 7.1 DTS HDMA on some newer releases.

I have my onkyo receiver (see signature below) set for bi-amp mode, which of course kills off my surround-back channels.

I am considering purchasing a new receiver, 7.2 yamaha most likely, because of its individual subwoofer calibration capability and because they have multichannel outputs for external amplification. My question is this: If I use the speaker level output to power the high frequencies of my polk speakers, will I be able to use the rca-level output to externally amplify the low-frequency drivers of the same polk speakers?

Has anyone had any experience with this?

So far I've been ok with compromising my back 2 speakers for bi amping, 'cause it sounds awesome on my Rti 12's, but if more movies are being mastered in 7.1, then i may be forced to upgrade.

[de Rookie]

Originally Posted by rarredoa

So far I haven't been missing out on many 7.1 movies, 'cause there really aren't that many. Although I am noticing that Disney is beginning to use 7.1 DTS HDMA on some newer releases.

I have my onkyo receiver (see signature below) set for bi-amp mode, which of course kills off my surround-back channels.

I am considering purchasing a new receiver, 7.2 yamaha most likely, because of its individual subwoofer calibration capability and because they have multichannel outputs for external amplification. My question is this: If I use the speaker level output to power the high frequencies of my polk speakers, will I be able to use the rca-level output to externally amplify the low-frequency drivers of the same polk speakers?

Has anyone had any experience with this?

So far I've been ok with compromising my back 2 speakers for bi amping, 'cause it sounds awesome on my Rti 12's, but if more movies are being mastered in 7.1, then i may be forced to upgrade.

I believe you'd have to get a 9.x receiver to accomplish that. I'm sure someone else with more knowledge than me will chime in

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by rarredoa

So far I haven't been missing out on many 7.1 movies, 'cause there really aren't that many. Although I am noticing that Disney is beginning to use 7.1 DTS HDMA on some newer releases.

I have my onkyo receiver (see signature below) set for bi-amp mode, which of course kills off my surround-back channels.

I am considering purchasing a new receiver, 7.2 yamaha most likely, because of its individual subwoofer calibration capability and because they have multichannel outputs for external amplification. My question is this: If I use the speaker level output to power the high frequencies of my polk speakers, will I be able to use the rca-level output to externally amplify the low-frequency drivers of the same polk speakers?

Has anyone had any experience with this?

So far I've been ok with compromising my back 2 speakers for bi amping, 'cause it sounds awesome on my Rti 12's, but if more movies are being mastered in 7.1, then i may be forced to upgrade.

Yes, you can use the receiver's internal amplifier to power the highs and use an external amplifier to power the lows.

Check https://forum.blu-ray.com/speakers/5...-material.html. I put some diagrams there that may be helpful.

[de Rookie]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Yes, you can use the receiver's internal amplifier to power the highs and use an external amplifier to power the lows.

Check https://forum.blu-ray.com/speakers/5...-material.html. I put some diagrams there that may be helpful.

Ahh, I knew I was typing too soon. So in his case you'd probably want to have an external crossover, correct?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by de Rookie

Ahh, I knew I was typing too soon. So in his case you'd probably want to have an external crossover, correct?

No, you do not need an external crossover unless you decide to do active bi-amping.

Most people do passive bi-amping. For active bi-amping, you will have to open the speakers and remove their internal passive crossovers and use an external active crossover to distribute the frequencies properly to the drivers. That is too complicated for most people and can void the warranty of the speakers. However, active bi-amping has the maximum benefit.

[de Rookie]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

No, you do not need an external crossover unless you decide to do active bi-amping.

Most people do passive bi-amping. For active bi-amping, you will have to open the speakers and remove their internal passive crossovers and use an external active crossover to distribute the frequencies properly to the drivers. That is too complicated for most people and can void the warranty of the speakers. However, active bi-amping has the maximum benefit.

Ahh, gotcha. Good to know. Gotta love having BD around

[rarredoa]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

No, you do not need an external crossover unless you decide to do active bi-amping.

Most people do passive bi-amping. For active bi-amping, you will have to open the speakers and remove their internal passive crossovers and use an external active crossover to distribute the frequencies properly to the drivers. That is too complicated for most people and can void the warranty of the speakers. However, active bi-amping has the maximum benefit.

I have F-MOD crossovers, that low-pass 150 hz, 12 db/octave. So the signal going into the external power amp is already filtered, so it's kind of active (input-stage wise).

Bi-amping, with proper equalization and amplifier gain is as close to a live-performance as i've heard, without deafening SPL...

Sounds like i'm gonna have to upgrade my receiver, to a yamaha with rca-outs. There is a very slight hiss out of the amplified speakers, despite re-routing of the signal wires and a ground loop isolator. I am convinced that my speaker-rca converter is introducing some kind of noise, plus i'd like a 12 volt trigger to power my amps ... anything to spend more money!

BD, what's the theory behind active bi-amping being better than passive bi-amping, aside from selectable cross-over slopes?

Am I correct in assuming that sound-calibration such as audissey, calibrates both subs on a 7.2 receiver?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by rarredoa

I have F-MOD crossovers, that low-pass 150 hz, 12 db/octave. So the signal going into the external power amp is already filtered, so it's kind of active (input-stage wise).

Bi-amping, with proper equalization and amplifier gain is as close to a live-performance as i've heard, without deafening SPL...

Sounds like i'm gonna have to upgrade my receiver, to a yamaha with rca-outs. There is a very slight hiss out of the amplified speakers, despite re-routing of the signal wires and a ground loop isolator. I am convinced that my speaker-rca converter is introducing some kind of noise, plus i'd like a 12 volt trigger to power my amps ... anything to spend more money!

Am I correct in assuming that sound-calibration such as audissey, calibrates both subs on a 7.2 receiver?

The external Audyssey equalizer can calibrate each subwoofer separately, but it costs mucho dinero.

Yamaha does not use Audyssey. They have their own proprietory calibration program. I believe the high-end Yamaha receivers can calibrate each sub separately. Check the manual and specifications of the receiver.

[rarredoa]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

The external Audyssey equalizer can calibrate each subwoofer separately, but it costs mucho dinero.

Yamaha does not use Audyssey. They have their own proprietory calibration program. I believe the high-end Yamaha receivers can calibrate each sub separately. Check the manual and specifications of the receiver.

One thing I did, with my 7.1 was calibrate the DIY sub with audyssey, and use an SPL meter, using your free test-tone links , to average out the gain of the Def-Tech Ref for a relatively close match to the DIY's output. What I really need is that Velodyne equalizer... but $500 bucks... ouch, it just never ends with Audio!

My next investment is an Audio Technica turntable, and my first album is "Wish You Were Here" Pink Floyd!