Biamping question XA30.8 / First Watt

[Mercury3]

I have a quick question.

I was planning on biamping with my XA30.8 on the lows and adding a nice First Watt amp for the upper range however I noticed the 'gain' specifications are different. As long as initial levels are matched would this matter or would it mean my upper range might lag behind a few DB?

(I would not be over driving the First Watt amp)

 

[Zen Mod]

that's matter of drivers in case ..... of which you didn't say squat 🙂

in any case , even when using identical amps , levels must be somewhere leveled - either in passive xover (if used and if practical) , or on line level

so - just putt attenuator in front of bass amps (more logical) , or in front of upper way amps (if drivers are more efficient)

simple as that

 

[Mercury3]

Sorry but I was trying to keep my question as simple as possible. In reality I'll be tri-amping with the First Watt driving Scanspeak Illuminator D3004 Beryllium tweeters 2500hz up.

I'm using two PassLabs XVR1 crossovers hence I have easy ability of level matching.

So I "think" what you are saying is the gain spec doesn't really matter as long as I match the levels. Right?

 

[Zen Mod]

exactly

basic idea is that all proper amps are amplifying linearly , so when levels are matched, all you need to worry of is a headroom of weakest amp in system

 

[Zen Mod]

however , with that amount of original Papagear , I believe best way is to just dial PL and ask them in vivo , all questions you have

not that I'm complaining , possible benefit of exchanged info here is out of question

 

[Mercury3]

Cool thanks! I had a First Watt J2 once before and sure wish I didn't sell it now.

 

[Zen Mod]

that was a mistake

certainly one of the finest ..... even if I'm always advocating M2 as Jewel in the Crown

 

[Mercury3]

that was a mistake

certainly one of the finest ..... even if I'm always advocating M2 as Jewel in the Crown

Actually I use to have a M2 also. I felt the J2 sounded better at least in the application I was using at the time.

That brings up another question if you don't mind. Why is it that amplifiers such as the J2 produce less power into 4 ohms vs more power like most power amps do? I never considered that a problem but was wondering why?

 

[Zen Mod]

nature of output stage , having limited Imax , which can be delivered to load (speaker)

principally - find difference between push-pull vs. single ended

 

[Mercury3]

I see, thanks!

 

[Zen Mod]

check product table at FIRST WATT PRODUCTS

it's pretty informative

 

[Mercury3]

check product table at FIRST WATT PRODUCTS

it's pretty informative

Yup been reading it yesterday and today. I love being able to read all the details behind each design.

I'm contemplating picking up the demo F7 I see at reno hifi right now but might wait for a used J2 to come up for sale. Decisions

 

[PKI]

Of course I mostly experienced with my clones but also heard papa's assembled J2 two times one in a store another at audio show, and to my taste I wouldn't pick J2 for highs, midrange is where it shines! From my experience (limited compare to many guys here) it is the nature of SS transistors. If you ask me, I'd go with good old Aleph J for the fast sparkle on your 6640 🙂

 

[Mercury3]

Of course I mostly experienced with my clones but also heard papa's assembled J2 two times one in a store another at audio show, and to my taste I wouldn't pick J2 for highs, midrange is where it shines! From my experience (limited compare to many guys here) it is the nature of SS transistors. If you ask me, I'd go with good old Aleph J for the fast sparkle on your 6640 🙂

Thanks, I'll keep a eye out for what ever might come up for sale somewhere first. Every thing in my system uses balanced connections or I'd try an F7.