Fronts on the Sub's Amp

[Travis]

Big Daddy (and others),

What are the benefits and downsides of using a powered sub for bi-amping the front speakers?

If we do do it, which to send:
full-range signal amp(speaker out)to speakers(terminals) as well as amp (speaker out) to sub (input from amp)
or
high-pass signal amp(speaker out) to sub (input from amp) then amp (output to speakers) to speakers.

The above is from the diagrams in the manual for my ASW600 sub.

Note: If this was answered before, and I just couldn't find it, send me in the right direction and delete thread.

Thanks,
Travis

[Squozen]

Simple answer - the sub doesn't 'power' your speakers.

Just run an RCA cable from your receiver, disable the crossover in the subwoofer and set an appropriate crossover point with the receiver.

[sokrman14]

Originally Posted by Squozen

Simple answer - the sub doesn't 'power' your speakers.

Just run an RCA cable from your receiver, disable the crossover in the subwoofer and set an appropriate crossover point with the receiver.

I dont think thats what he was talking about. I think he is talking about the speaker terminals on the back of the subwoofer to plug speakers into. Which would use the subs amp to power the speakers. I am not a fan of this, although I have never actually done it. I would love to give you advice, but dont know enough about it.

[mdabb]

Depends on what speakers you are using. Are the speakers capable of full range ???

[Big Daddy]

I would use a full range regular amplifier on a subwoofer, but I would not use a sub amp for bi-amping the front speakers.

Most subwoofer amplifiers are not full range and limited in the frequencies that they produce. Even the built-in subwoofers on some front speakers (e.g., Definitive Technology) go to a higher frequency range than normal external subwoofers.

Use the two rear channels on your receiver for bi-amping, if you are not using them, or buy a separate stereo amp. You can find new or used stereo amplifiers for bi-amping below $200.

[Squozen]

Originally Posted by sokrman14

I dont think thats what he was talking about. I think he is talking about the speaker terminals on the back of the subwoofer to plug speakers into. Which would use the subs amp to power the speakers. I am not a fan of this, although I have never actually done it. I would love to give you advice, but dont know enough about it.

You must have different subwoofers over there then - the only ones I've seen in Australia with terminal posts simply pass through the audio minus the bass (which the sub then provides).

[prerich]

Originally Posted by sokrman14

I dont think thats what he was talking about. I think he is talking about the speaker terminals on the back of the subwoofer to plug speakers into. Which would use the subs amp to power the speakers. I am not a fan of this, although I have never actually done it. I would love to give you advice, but dont know enough about it.

Yeah, I think the OP is talking about going speaker level vice going line level. OP - What type of speakers and subwoofers do you have?

"Sorkman14 off topic - looks like I'm going to have both speakers - the Snells for HT and the Quads for a listening room." Isn't it just good the way a plan just works out

[Travis]

My current speakers are bookshelf, B&W DM600-S3, not full range. Asking for possible new 21/2 way 684s or hopefully 704s.

The connections on the back of the sub I'm asking about are binding posts for speakers (terminals). Any questions about the setup I was going on about, you can go to the B&W ASW600 manual, http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/displa...id=773&pid=989 I couldn't figure out how to get the pictures from Adobe file to here.

I think my question has been answered, I won't do it, even with new speakers.

Thanks everyone,
Travis

[Squozen]

A dreadful manual, no wonder you were confused.