Bi-Amp on Klipsch Forte II's

[yesmynameisking]

 

Though most purists are against it, I could not disagree more. Bi-Amped sounds like LIVE MUSIC. This is my second bi-amped system. Here is what I’ve done.

 

My preamplifier is a restored McIntosh MX110Z with Mallard’s. I send the signal from my preamp into a Schiit Audio Loki 4-band equalizer which boosts the signal just a little without degrading the sound. From the equalizer, I use RCA Y-Cables to divide signal for two amps.

 

Driving the low end is a NAD 902 solid-state amplifier which is rated at 30 watts per channel (with lots of headroom). 

 

For the squawkers and tweeters, I’m using a modified Dynaco ST-70 that was upgraded by Justin Webber of Amps and Sound. My RCA cable has a volume control to fine-tune contrast between the NAD and the Dyanco to get a perfect balance for all types of music and all types of listing levels. You’ll really love how rich, full, and lifelike you can make low volume level sound.

 

For my speakers, I’ve got Forte II’s with modifications. They have Bob Crites woofers and Bob Crites tweeter diaphragms. I have an ALK Engineering tweeter attenuators dialing back the tweeter 3dBs. For the crossovers, I use the stock crossover for the squawkers and tweeters, and for the woofers, Bob Crites made me a custom set of crossovers. I installed a second set of banana plugs intoo back of the Forte's. The last thing I did was for cosmetics, though I think it improves the sound a little too. I removed the ugly Forte raisers and put furniture legs on the front using the same screw holes the raisers used. They sit slightly slanted back Heresy style and look so much cleaner and modern.   

 

Reach out with any questions. Local Southern California’s are invited to come over for a listen. 

 

 

[Kidd]

Maybe you could bring it to Sedona  so I could listen here ?

☺️

[ruvamsi]

Very cool, glad I found your post. I've been planning my next stereo upgrade and it's very similar to your setup.

I'm looking to bi-amp a pair of Heresy's...either the new Heresy IVs or possibly refurbishing a H2/3s with ALK universal crossover.

 

I'm pretty lost when trying to select the tube amplifier part of the bi-amp. Any thoughts on the differences between monoblock SET amps (6wpc), push/pull tube amps, or a Class A SS amp like a First Watt J2? How do you match the equipment? Does matching even matter if you're using an active crossover?