Step by step guide to Bridged Mono vs Horiz BiAmp vs Vert BiAmp | The Listening Post | TLPCHC TLPWLG

Step by step guide to #BridgedMono vs #HorizontalBiAmped vs #VerticalBiAmped. In this video we use NAD components and WireWorld Solstice.

Wireworld’s version 8 uses an all new Composilex 3 insulation, which minimises extraneous noise for an scarily silent experience. And with the new interchangable terminations or “Uni-Term” plugs, you can easily interchange between banana and spade connections depending on what you need.

Specifications:
Cable Design: Quad DNA Helix
Signal Conductors: Qty: 4 (16 strands) Gauge: 13 AWG | 2.5 sq. mm
Conductor Material: Oxygen-free Copper
Insulation: Composilex 3
Plug Contacts: Silver + Gold plated Uni-Term

Bi-Amp refers to the practice of using more than one amp to drive a pair of speakers. Bi-amping can be configured in two ways: Horizontal bi-amping uses one amplifier to power bass drivers (woofers) and a different amplifier to power treble drivers (tweeter) or the midrange and treble drivers, depending on the speaker system. Vertical bi-amping uses a single amp per speaker, with a dedicated channel for the bass driver and a dedicated channel for the treble or the treble and the midrange. Vertical bi-amping has the advantage of not having to use a single amp to power both bass sections, which can be very taxing on the amplifier, especially at higher volume or if the bass driver has a particularly low impedance at certain frequencies.

When optimizing audio systems, especially for high-fidelity sound, various amplification methods can be used: Bridged Mono, Horizontal Bi-Amping, and Vertical Bi-Amping. Each method has its unique advantages and use cases.

Bridged Mono
Definition: Bridging an amplifier means combining two channels of a stereo amplifier into a single mono channel. This effectively doubles the power output.

Setup:

Amplifiers: Two stereo amplifiers are required.
Speakers: Typically used for single-channel applications (e.g., one speaker).
Connections: The positive terminals of both amplifier channels are used; the negative terminals are usually connected internally or one to ground.
Pros:

Increased Power Output: Doubling the power can drive more demanding speakers.
Simple Setup: Generally straightforward wiring.
Cons:

Load Sensitivity: The amplifier sees half the impedance, so speakers should have a higher impedance (8 ohms or more) to avoid damage.
Heat and Efficiency: Bridged amps can run hotter and be less efficient.
Horizontal Bi-Amping
Definition: Using two stereo amplifiers where one amplifier handles the low frequencies and the other handles the high frequencies for both speakers.

Setup:

Amplifiers: Two stereo amplifiers.
Speakers: Must have bi-wire terminals.
Connections:
Amplifier 1 handles both low-frequency sections.
Amplifier 2 handles both high-frequency sections.
Pros:

Power Distribution: Distributes the power demand between two amplifiers.
Frequency Separation: Reduces intermodulation distortion as each amp only amplifies a specific frequency range.
Cons:

Matching: Both amplifiers should ideally have similar gain characteristics to maintain balanced sound.
Complexity: More complex wiring and setup compared to bridged mono.
Vertical Bi-Amping
Definition: Using two stereo amplifiers, each amplifier is dedicated to a single speaker, with one channel driving the high frequencies and the other driving the low frequencies.

Setup:

Amplifiers: Two stereo amplifiers.
Speakers: Must have bi-wire terminals.
Connections:
Amplifier 1 handles both high and low frequencies of the left speaker.
Amplifier 2 handles both high and low frequencies of the right speaker.
Pros:

Channel Separation: Each amplifier exclusively powers one speaker, minimizing crosstalk.
Amplifier Load: Each amp handles the full frequency range for one speaker, potentially offering better control.
Flexibility: Easier to match amplifiers as each handles all frequencies for one speaker.
Cons:

Complexity: More complex wiring and setup compared to bridged mono.
Cost: Requires two amplifiers.
Summary
Bridged Mono: Best for increasing power to a single speaker but requires careful impedance matching.
Horizontal Bi-Amping: Splits the load between two amplifiers by frequency, beneficial for reducing distortion but needs gain-matched amplifiers.
Vertical Bi-Amping: Each amplifier drives a single speaker, offering excellent separation and control, though at the cost of complexity and higher equipment needs.
Each method has specific benefits and trade-offs, so the choice depends on your particular audio setup, the speakers and amplifiers you have, and your sound quality preferences.

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[saulidze]

Great video!
Question, is it possible to do this with one amplifier, that has outputs for two pairs of speakers (a and b) and has a bridging mode? The amplifier in particular is an Accuphase p-266.

[carlitosgomez]

I biwire with bridged mono, do you think biamping is a better option?

[bizyz]

biamp those paradigms with a pair of 150 wpc mcintosh amps and you will get some amazing sound.