amplifying stacked speakers (D'Appolito i.e. tweeter atop tweeter)

[Wil]

I have stacked Concept 20 loudspeakers at home:

Its performance reflects my choice of amplifier. Simply, I've tried 5 distinct amps (as well as in bi-amp, and tri-amp combinations).


Backstory, in 2007, Ken Ishiwata stacked Performance 6 loudspeakers so as demonstrate capability of MA-9 monoblocks:
"Connected in parallel, the speaker arrays presented an impedance of around 3ohms to the [MA-9S2] mono amplifiers, which were thus delivering some 700w into each channel, more than enough to produce a pretty dramatic effect."

This is a graphic I did, summarising the-memories, when I sent news to Ken that I'll-be-stacking-too:

N.b. Concept 500 is D'Appolito in-one-box.

And Tim de Paravicini also has demonstrated with stacked LS3/5a:




Remember, if you too want to try stacking speakers, my advice is firstly have a suitably powerful amp, then 2 pairs that are the same model of loudspeakers.

And final remark, sweet-spot for my stacked Concept 20 is ears parallel to tweeters. Okay because it's luckily the height of my seated position. Treble clarity diminishes if I stand up (which I sometimes especially do for those recordings where…

 

[Deleted member 108165]

"And final remark, sweet-spot for my stacked Concept 20 is ears parallel to tweeters"

You have 4 tweeters, which pair is parallel to your ears, upper or lower??

 

[Wil]

Take a closer study of the photos, and consider too bracketed ending of the Thread title.

"And final remark, sweet-spot for my stacked Concept 20 is ears parallel to tweeters"

You have 4 tweeters, which pair is parallel to your ears, upper or lower??

Indeed, general rule for the speaker model undergoing D'Appolito stacking is that its tweeter be near the top surface—so as to reduce distance between…


So it's clear, rather than writing exhaustively, I've always deliberately left room for answering of anticipated questions.

Another time I give details on advantages and drawback of rotating back to PM-KI Ruby F.C. Bus…

 

[Wil]

We needn't argue whether stacking speakers is for-the-cognoscenti.

Because I had been questioned elsewhere about it, I'm merely providing its own Thread where stacking can be discussed.


What I trusted the reader to perceive from my 1st Post was that if there's a preference for using small speakers—similar to the (well regarded) LS3/5a—its performance may be improved by D'Appolito stacking.

So, another small example is Ken Kessler's reporting from earlier this year:



In case you didn't link through, for stacking the (taller) Performance 6, "problem, Ishiwata explained, wasn't suspending the inverted speaker - the existing screwthreads provided for floorspikes proved up to the job, which is some tribute to the strength of the composite cabinet - but getting the precise three degree tilt from the vertical required for correct alignment of the speakers."



Reminder, having a capable amplifier is a must—you're halving speaker impedance when…

 

[Wil]

Even though I only own a pair of Jamo D830, I’ve tried stacking them. Listening, of course, to mono recordings:

 

[Wil]

People ask why…

Let’s liken it (stereo stacked pairs) to polygyny with identical quadruplets (or polyandry, if you regard speakers as manly).

Simply, some of us have what-it-takes to happily be in polygamous cohabitation.

I noted the vid's (Cantonese) presenter said Pioneer S-A4SPT-VP (or suffixed PM variant) was D'Appolito…

 

[Wil]

I’ve been running-in the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 on behalf of my brother-in-law…

Its sound is starting to really come right—and its to-my-taste. I’m thinking of owning my own pair—and of course, also imagining stacking…

Happily, a so-called Home Cinema Pack is available i.e.:

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Home Cinema Pack review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2021 winner. Pure class for the masses

www.whathifi.com

Such AV bundles make it easy to try D'Appolito…

 

[Al ears]

View attachment 2952
I’ve been running-in the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 on behalf of my brother-in-law…

Its sound is starting to really come right—and its to-my-taste. I’m thinking of owning my own pair—and of course, also imagining stacking…

Happily, a so-called Home Cinema Pack is available i.e.:

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Home Cinema Pack review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2021 winner. Pure class for the masses

www.whathifi.com

Such AV bundles make it easy to try D'Appolito…

To be honest you're better getting a single pair of appropriate speakers

 

[Wil]

For me—my needs—stacking is "appropriate" because I want, from time to time, the transformation into surround 5.1 SACD setup. That’s why I bought 3 pairs of Concept 20 with matching stands:

To be honest you're better getting a single pair of appropriate speakers

Referring back to original post, pursuing D’Appolito stacking is also appropriate for lovers of bookshelf speakers like the famed LS3/5a, wanting…