My system upgrade - and a dilemma

[admin_exported]

I am currently using Arcam FMJ CD36, A32 (as a pre amp) and 2 x P35 Power amps as monoblocs.

Tomorrow sees the departure of the Epos m22 speakers in favour of Tannoy Glenair 10's.

By my reckoning my current system is 150 watts per channel continuous output.

According to the spec on the Tannoys, the recommended amp power is 50-200 wpc, and 120 wpc continuous.

Can I keep the current bi-amped set up or should I remove one power amp and return to a bi-wired set up which would be 100wpc continuous ? I dont want to risk overloading the speakers.

I appreciate going from bi-amped to bi-wired can be a backward step, but if I need to get rid of a P35, I could afford to buy a DAB tuner - which leads me to another dilemma - Denon TU1800 or Arcam FMJ T32 ? ? ?

Any opinions gratefully received. . . .

Thanks,

ILMM

 

[Anonymous]

I use the same amplification as you, but biamp rather than use the P35s as monoblocs. It's worth trying. I dount you'd knacker your speakers either way, though...

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, would it be eaiser to do that using the A32 (for hf) and one P35 (for lf) ?

Thanks

ILMM

 

[Anonymous]

Easier, but not better I think.

I used to biamp using the A32 to drive the hf and the first P35 the LF. Curiosity got the better of me so I tried using the A32 as a preamp and the P35 to biwire both hf and lf. The additional refinement and air was immediately apparent, as was the diminution in punch and presence. I added the second p35 to get the best of both, and it works. Keep the A32 as a preamp, use one P35 for the lf and the other for the hf.

Job's a good 'un.

 

[Anonymous]

I think I am with you - how have you got your amps interconnected ? Does this method require another set of interconnects ?

I have just finished setting up the speakers which sound great with the A32 running hf and one P35 running lf.

However, if it can be even better I will unbox the other P35 and not bother with that ebay ad!

 

[Dave_]

I would try running the a32 as a pre and the p35s as mono blocks as you did with your old speakers.

Personally i wouldn't be too worried about power specs, they're wont be an issue unless you're going to be running your amps at full tilt constantly..

 

[Anonymous]

I think you would, ILMM. I have a pair of interconnects from CDP to A32, another from A32 to first P35 and a third between the P35s. You'll see that each P35 has an 'in' and an 'out' pair of phonos. I would also be worth trying one P35 (as a monobloc) per speaker, which shouldn't require any more interconnects. I tried it and found pre/bi-amp to be a better solution overall.

I also found that the amps responded very well to using Cardas caps on all the unused in and out phono sockets, which is about shielding from the effects of Radio Frequency Intereference, as I understand it. Sounds like it shouldn't make much difference, but the effects were noticeable. Taughter, and more 'snap' to the sound. A rim shot (what a feeble, single-entendre of a phrase that is) will never sound the same...

http://www.noteworthyaudio.co.uk/CardasCaps.html

Cheers.

Simon

 

[matengawhat]

i found that daisy chaining the power amps was better than running in mono set up and have the same arcam p35s as you both - i just use a mf a5cr pre amp to pull the whole lot together.

i have russ andrews caps and to be honest didn't notice a difference but keeps the dust out!!!

 

[Anonymous]

The RA shorties can only go on inputs as I understand it, as they do as the name implies. Cardas caps are more expensive, alas, but can go on in and outs, thereby creating a better 'seal', as it were.