Vertical Passive Bi-amping with Integrated Amp?

[stan2bay]

Hello Everyone!

I am thinking of bi-amping my Bookshelf speakers. I did some reading about it and I have some questions and would appreciate your comments.

My current setup: Laptop -> Topping D30 DAC -> Topping PA3 Class D Amplifier -> Wharfedale 225 Bookshelf speakers.

I plan to replace the Topping D30 DAC with the D50 (already on the way). While going through the product description of the D50 on Aliexpress, I saw that one possible configuration is to use it as a Pre-Amp - connected to a power amplifier. Would it be possible to use the integrated amplifier Topping PA3 with the D50 DAC?

If yes, will the volume on the PA3 be set to maximum and the system volume be controlled from the D50 DAC? If this is correct, I plan to purchase a second PA3 and power the left and right speakers with one stereo amplifier for each one with channel for the woofer and the other for the tweeter.

If it is not be possible - meaning that it's only possible with stereo power amps - do you have suggestions for good value for money stereo power amps (something like Topping) that I can purchase from Aliexpress?

I am just trying to experiment and explore around a bit with my system to see if I can get a difference out of adding a second amp.

Thank you!

 

[Arnold Krueger]

Passive Biamping is pretty much a null experiment. If you want real fun, try moving or reorienting speakers. roo treatments, or for even more fun - add a subwoofer. The diagram shows why Biamping is ineffective unless your amplifiers have audible distortion, in which case you are in trouble no matter what you do!

 

[Blumlein 88]

For the original question of whether you can add a second amp, set volume to max, and control volume earlier in the chain to biamp.......yes that would be workable.

In simple terms I agree with Mr. Krueger, that you likely will not benefit from doing this.

Now adding a subwoofer is probably a good idea. It would remove some of the power required of the amp you have and also remove some of the load from the speakers.

 

[RayDunzl]

For the $100 (or so) it takes in your case to try it, and settle the issue for yourself, it might be worth it...

Re-sell, re-turn, re-purpose, or gift the extra amp if you find it doesn't "do" anything.

And you can always just stare at the setup and your brain might think it is better.

 

[stan2bay]

Passive Biamping is pretty much a null experiment. If you want real fun, try moving or reorienting speakers. roo treatments, or for even more fun - add a subwoofer. The diagram shows why Biamping is ineffective unless your amplifiers have audible distortion, in which case you are in trouble no matter what you do!View attachment 11831

Well, my amplifier does not have any audible distortion... I've turned the volume knob up to 3 o'clock - (it's louder than I will ever play) and did not distort. I guess then it's better to save up and look for a good sub woofer to match. Thank you for your reply.

 

[stan2bay]

For the original question of whether you can add a second amp, set volume to max, and control volume earlier in the chain to biamp.......yes that would be workable.

In simple terms I agree with Mr. Krueger, that you likely will not benefit from doing this.

Now adding a subwoofer is probably a good idea. It would remove some of the power required of the amp you have and also remove some of the load from the speakers.

Yes, after posting my question, I figured out that I can try it out for myself when I get the new D50 which has volume control.

Any suggestions as to what to look for when purchasing a Sub. I guess it will be connected as: Laptop -> D50 DAC -> PA3 Amplifier -> Subwoofer with Line level input and crossover -> Wharfedale 225