Posted by Bob Ratner on July 22, 2003 at 16:51:19:
In Reply to: Not recommended? posted by Lew on July 22, 2003 at 07:44:40:
It is my understanding that Dr.West's concern with Bi-Amping is more about the complexity of proper Transformer Phasing.
Saturation of the Toroidal Transformer can occur with any form of Over Drive. There are a few components in the Hi-Level Full-Range ESL Crossover that deal with impedance match and DC protection,and of course those should remain! But the Equalization Components are much better applied at voltage level rather than a power level.
I think that every one will agree that the ESL speakers are incredibly inefficient. And most technical folks will agree most of the power is lost in the conversion from current to voltage within the Hi-Level ESL Crossover. So it is imperative to try to improve anything possible in the conversion,because it reflects as additional watts experienced from the same amplifiers and more volume from the speaker with less distortion.
The improvement of the Toridal Transformer is living proof of what A better coupling can do for the whole system!
I have friends who have spent hundreds of dollars on many expensive exotic capacitors for the Hi-Section of the crossover....When one exotic capacitor in front of the amp will do a better job,because it is dealing with voltage rather than hi-current at low ohms...
I most hartley agree that the ELECTRONIC Crossovers available today add more noise and phasing distortion to the music. And what I am using is an Old Classic 600 Ohm Altec Passive Crossover. And I don't need or want anything higher than a 6DB per octave,because of phasing distortion, And also the crossover rate of the present Full-Range ESL Crossover is more than likely 6DB per also...I'm not try'n to re-invent the wheel here, just try'n to improve coupling efficiency...A logical approach...This concept is very popular with the studio control room monitors now, and they are the one's who are making the records we listen to.
The signal line between the prior amp to the power amplifiers is the perfect place to crossover, equalize a speaker system ! With the understanding that the previous line amp has a classic low impedance output with sufficient gain to drive a passive crossover. All very easy things for a good design to provide...
This concept actually requires less overall parts and should yield more musicial power to the people....Yes it is a challenge and it is...The next Level UP.....