My speakers are bi-amp capable, meaning there are three sets of binding posts, normally shorted together with removable gold jumpers.
These are rated at 90dB efficient but are quite old so I'll take that as best case efficiency.
My question concerns using two identical stereo amps that cannot be bridged to mono, to drive a single speaker each in bi-amp mode.
I assume I would do this by splitting one preamp signal feed (right channel say) and feeding it into both left and right inputs of the stereo amp, then take the left amp out to the "high" binding post on the speaker and take the right amp out to the "low" binding post on the speaker. Removing the gold speaker jumpers of course. Then do the same setup for the other speaker.
Do I have this correct? Is it a bad idea? Or is there an alternate hook up scheme to accomplish the same effect?
Thanks for your input and advice.

Quote:


You are correct. Using two Amps in this fashion basically doubles your available power which will only increase the output of your old speakers by 3db (not Much IMO).

Rather than spending money on a second amp you may be better off purchasing a used pair of more Efficient speakers (96 to 99 db) if you are concerned about volume output.

Each 3db increase in Speaker Volume requires a Doubling of Amp power.

If your speaker is 90db:

1 watt = 90db @ 1 meter
2 watt = 93db
4 watt = 96db
8 watt = 99db

If your room is moderately sized and you listen at moderate levels you are likely to be OK with 6 watts.

As you know if you want more volume there are two choices More Power or More Efficient Speakers. I was just suggesting a used pair of Higher Efficiency Speakers may be less expensive than a second amp (bi-amping).

Can you explain the term "passive bi-amping"?
As opposed to what other type of bi-amping?
Thanks for chiming in.
Still in the decision making stage.  :-/

13' x 20' with a good bit of furniture behind the listening chair.
Left side of room is solid wall. Speakers on one 13' wall. Listening chair about center of the room.
Right side of room has large openings into a parallel 17' x 20' room which has a pool table only.
No audiophile grade speakers so far.
Definitive BP2000s.
Sorry but "means no electronic x-o before the amps".
Do you mean between the driver and the amp? (Internal to the speaker cabinet.)

I pulled out my old Realistic Sound Level meter a few days ago and replaced the battery. Used it a lot when Home Theater was my thing, to calibrate volume from around the room.
But now the meter doesn't calibrate even close so it's probably old and tired like me So that will be no help.
Seems like the simpler answer will lie in more efficient speakers IF I am not happy with the level I get from these old monsters.
I do have the bass amps turned to practically nothing, as for music that gives me the best balance frequency wise.
Thanks for all the advice!

Fwiw, I have run both 89db and 94db on a Rachael and 89 leaves me wanting more in a 16x12 room.

No real issues with the 94 db.  I do listen a little loud.

90 to 100db