[kiwi5]

Hey guys i need someone with a bit more tech knowledge to answer this question;

I recently purchased a NAD 304 amp and am very excited to hook it up (specs below,

[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] NAD 214 stereo power amplifier[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] The 304 stereo integrated amplifier has power output rated at 35 watts per channel into 8 ohms but with generous headroom permitting untroubled peaks of 120 watts per channel

NAD's unique Soft Clipping and Extended Dynamic Power circuits give the 304 the ability to deliver the maximum impact for dramatic performances without loss of smoothness or clarity

Two sets of heavy duty speaker wire binding posts can be used for main plus extra speakers or for bi-wiring, adding to the 304's versatility. It has six inputs for audio and video components making it an ideal amplifier for the most sophisticated audio and av systems[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] 1993 - 1996 model[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] Specifications :
Continuous power [ min RMS per channel 20Hz - 20kHz less than rated distortion into 8 ohms ]:
[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] -:®:- 35W RMS -:®:- Rated distortion [ THD, 20Hz - 20kHz ] 0.03%
-:®:- Clipping Power 42W -:®:- Dynamic headroom +5.5dB
-:®:- IHF Dynamic Power x 2 at 8 ohms: 120W 4 ohms 160W 2ohms 200W;
-:®:- RIAA response accuracy : ±0.5dB
-:®:- Damping Factor [8 ohms, 50Hz]: > 100
-:®:- Input impedance R = 18kohms, C = 560pF
-:®:- Input sensitivity at 35W rated power : 1.0V -:®:- Voltage Gain 32 x [ 30dB ]
-:®:- Signal to Noise Ratio [ 1W / 35W, A-weighted ]: 102 / 117dB[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif]Dimensions :[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] -:®:- Dimensions [ W x H x D ] : 420 x 1-8 x 320mm
-:®:- Weight : 6.4kg packed weight : 8kg
-:®:- NAD 304 stereo amplifier S/N: G5630419961[/FONT][/FONT]

I'm planning to integrate it with my Onkyo TXSR803 receiver...running the pre out from rec into NAD (so basically using the NAD as a power amp and Onkyo as a processor). The NAD has dual outputs so i could bi amp my B&W 683's.

Here is the Question:

Should I bi -amp my 683's using both amps, i.e onkyo Front L/R outputs powering the mid-high freqs...and NAD powering the low freqs.

OR

Bi amp the speakers using just the NAD?

The NAD will produce a better signal?..But should i be utilising the amplification from both amps for more power? Would timing be an issue using the two different amps?

Any help is appreciated in advance...

Thank you!

[BlueWizard]

Two outputs on the back of the amp does not equal - bi-amping.

You want your largest most high powered amp on the low frequency section of a given speaker, and your lower power amp on the mid/high frequency section of the same speaker. The NAD is a 35 watt amp, and the Onkyo is a 105 watt amp. Which do you think should go where?

Also, the Onkyo 803 is a 7 channel amp, if you are only using a 5.1 speakers system, that means the amp has two unused amp channels that could be put to work bi-amping the front speakers.

Timing shouldn't be an issue, in either of these combinations.

Steve/bluewizard

[AJ0r]

Kiwi, I've got 683s as well. I just changed amp to the HK 980 (80w/c) and found that the bass is lacking and there is a general lack of presence from the sound. Is this the same reason you are looking to bi-amp?

Bluewizard - the HK amp has outputs of 2 pairs of speakers, would wiring the high frequency to one set and the low frequency to the other improve the sound!?

[trailer]

If you must do it this way then have the best quality amp powering the upper frequencies.

I personally think you'll end up with something you won't like. Two different amp signatures powering the same speakers?

[BlueWizard]

Originally Posted by AJ0r

Kiwi, I've got 683s as well. I just changed amp to the HK 980 (80w/c) and found that the bass is lacking and there is a general lack of presence from the sound. Is this the same reason you are looking to bi-amp?

Bluewizard - the HK amp has outputs of 2 pairs of speakers, would wiring the high frequency to one set and the low frequency to the other improve the sound!?

On the first issue, ABSOLUTELY CONFIRM that your speakers are wired in phase, that the Amp (+) goes to the Speaker (+) in all case. I'm not asking you to glance at it, or take a quick look, I'm asking you to confirm it with absolute certainty for all speakers.

On the next issue, NO, bi-wiring should make virtually no difference unless you are currently using undersized wire. I'm not saying zero difference, just such a small difference as to be insignificant ... in my opinion.

Steve/bluewizard