• 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

NHT 2.5i Bi-Wired / Bi-Amp ?

tankdonovan

tankdonovan

Senior AK Member
I made a good yard sale find yesterday. A pair of excellent condition High Gloss Black NHT 2.5i speakers along with a NHT SA-2 amp.

I`m not going to say what I paid because this thread is not about what they are worth.

What I would like to know is what people think about the use of these speakers Bi-Wired vs Bi-Amp. Anyone here have a pair they have used both ways? I have downloaded a copy of the speaker manual and amp manual. But I`m confused on the bi-amp hook-up[it only shows hook-ups with a sub-woofer which I don`t have]. Presently I have them bi-wired and they sound fantastic. :thmbsp:

TankDonovan
 
Register to hide this ad
I´m kinda deaf with regards to bi-wiring, I suppose. I carried out some experiments and was never over enthusiastic about the results.

I cannot say the same about bi-amping. Clear advantages each and everytime, whether doing it the passive or active way.

If your NHT´s have split crossovers ( usually showing by two pairs of input posts at the back ) by all means play around with bi-amping.

Jorge
 
Yea, I can`t tell any difference in bi-wiring vs regular wiring.

And I can`t figure out how to bi-amp using the NHT SA-2 amp. I have downloaded the manuals and it still does not make sense[to me].

TankDonovan
 
I´m not sure I follow you. How many amps have you available to bi-amp your speakers?

You will also need a pre-amp, or the pre-amp section from a Receiver / Integrated, and a couple of "Y" cable splitters.
 
Benefits of biwiring seem to me to be highly system-dependent, as do benefits of bi-amping. If you've already got the amps, give it a try; if not, I wouldn't worry about it.
 
tankdonovan said:
And I can`t figure out how to bi-amp using the NHT SA-2 amp. I have downloaded the manuals and it still does not make sense[to me].

TankDonovan
Click to expand...


I believe I could guide you with the connections, but need to know the other amp/preamp or receiver that you'll be using in addition to the SA-2. It would appear there are a number of different ways you could go using the SA-2.
 
whoaru99 said:
I believe I could guide you with the connections, but need to know the other amp/preamp or receiver that you'll be using in addition to the SA-2. It would appear there are a number of different ways you could go using the SA-2.
Click to expand...

I will be using a MCS 3125 receiver.

Since the SA-2 is a mono amp would not the low [woofer] section of the 2.5i become mono?

TankDonovan
 
VintInfinity said:
That amp is for a single separate subwoofer...
Click to expand...

The guy I bought them from told me he had the SA-2 hooked up to the 2.5i speakers along with another amp. I may not have gotten the hold story. The deal/buy was so good I was afraid he would change his mind. I paid him and ran with the goods.

For the last 2 days I have been listening to the 2.5i speakers bi-wired and single and I don`t seem to hear any difference. I was hoping someone here at AK had already put these great speakers to the test.

So far I have no complaints.

TankDonovan
 
tankdonovan said:
The guy I bought them from told me he had the SA-2 hooked up to the 2.5i speakers along with another amp. I may not have gotten the hold story. The deal/buy was so good I was afraid he would change his mind. I paid him and ran with the goods.

For the last 2 days I have been listening to the 2.5i speakers bi-wired and single and I don`t seem to hear any difference. I was hoping someone here at AK had already put these great speakers to the test.

So far I have no complaints.

TankDonovan
Click to expand...

I re-read the info page and took that down... I hadn't seen the speakers either.

You would use the receiver on the Mid/tweeter sections, and then the NHT amp for the subwoofers, which are actual subs.
 
tankdonovan said:
I will be using a MCS 3125 receiver.

Since the SA-2 is a mono amp would not the low [woofer] section of the 2.5i become mono?

TankDonovan
Click to expand...

Yes, unless you happen to have two of the SA-2.

In the manual it shows one SA-2 driving the subs of both speaker in mono.

I would use the "Biamplification Method #1" for starters and experiment from there.

The pre outs on the 3125 would go to the line in on the SA-2. Then, the satellite out on the SA-2 would go back to the main in on the 3125.

The SA-2 subwoofer terminals would connect to the subwoofer sections of both speakers in parallel. Then, the left and right channel speaker outputs would go to the mid/high section of each speaker, respectively.

As noted in the SA-2 manual BE SURE to remove the jumper straps on the speaker terminals before making any other connections.

Once you've got it all connected, you'll have to fiddle around with tuning it to your preferences. Start with NHT recommendations and go from there.
 
Every speakers/system I've had I end up bi-amping. I like what SS does for bass and what tubes do for mids and highs. You can also balance them better than messing with the crossover. Give it a try.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom