• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Does the amplifier impact the quality of bass in hybrid speaker systems?

G

GH057

New Member
Hello,
So I am thinking about (not planning to buy, just wondering} hybrid speaker systems e.g. Gryphon speakers or Paradigm Persona 9H, and there are few thing that bother me.

Let's say we have weak 8W tube amp which on it's own doesn't have very impressive bass, and now we plug it into our hybrid speaker (or pass it through active subwoofer into some passive speakers}, would the bass be affected in any way, compared to let's say 500W class D amp instead of it? Is there the same information transfered to the active part of the speaker and the quality of bass delivered by the amplifier connected doesn't matter, ot will it impact the sound? It's just power difference or is there also signal quality loss in lower frequencies?

In short, will the bass from speakers with active bass section sound as good from weak 300b tube amp, as if we plug into it powerful class d amp?

To clarify I'am talking about connecting the speakers only with speaker wires to the aplifier, without separate signal cables for the active sections.
 
Register to hide this ad
In the case of the 9H, the crossover to the bass drivers is 400 hz. The internal switcher handles below that while the amplifier you provide does the rest.

As one who highly values coherency, the challenge is voicing in that critical lower midrange where the fundamentals of most instruments and voice live. I would rather not have two different interpretations working in that same area.

Wilson and VTL demonstrated this years ago at RMAF using the same amplifier for both in a vertical bi-amp configuration.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/rmaf-2014-another-class-entirely

I think that approach does work, however, with subwoofers operating <100 hz or so with the mains above.
 
Last edited:
My idea is to make rather small bookshelf speakers with sealed, active bass section (woofer on the side wall}, with the signal derived from the speaker cables as it is in 9H, crossover point wouldn't be higher than 150hz. My concern is that will the bass quality suffer if the signal for active section will be delivered by very weak tube amp, will it just amplify slow, formless, sloppy bass that the mentioned tube delivers or will the bass be as good as instead of the weak tube would be powerfull krell poweramp or smth else with very good bass on itself.

I'm aware that this wouldn't be true bi-amp solution as signal for the second amp is passing through the first one, but how big of a difference that makes in terms of bass quality?
 
It's not that bad on its own, it's bad when u compare it next to some powerfull solid state amps... I just want to know if I can fix that by plugging it through smth with lots of power to some serious woofer in sealed box. There's just no way it can power low efficient woofer in sealed cabinet, after filtration and gain matching... that's why i want to use active bass amplification in line with the tube, because I really like the sound of it (except the bass, it's just lacks the power and control needed in rock or any other more complex music and botoom turns into big smudgy mess}
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom