I have built some open baffles with a full-range driver that I plan to complement with 4ohm Aurum Cantus AST2560 Aero Striction tweeters ( www.parts-express.com/Aurum-Cantus-AST2560-Aero-Striction-Tweeter-276-440?quantity=1&custcol1=Aurum%20Cantus%20AST2560%20Aero%20Striction%20Tweeter&custcol_ava_item=276-440&custcol_ava_incomeaccount=General&custcol_ava_upccode=844632089312&custcol_ava_pickup=F&custcol_disableshopping=F )

I plan to biamp using my Deqx DSP controller as active crossover performing crossover, phase, delay and EQ duties. I am looking for recommendations for a cheapish stereo amp to drive the 4 ohm tweeters. I'm using a tube amp to drive the full-ranges, but I'm anticipating that I'll probably cross over to the tweeters quite high so I'm open to solid state suggestions too.

Cheers

Steve

Get another of the tube amp you're currently using ?

Not a fan of using disparate amps in multi-amp installations.

Often they end up sounding like two different systems playing at the same time

Agreed.

I can't afford another identical amp, so I guess I'll just have to see if I can minimise the '2 different systems playing at the same time' effect. Presumably you would recommend another tube amp in preference to a SS amp. This one uses EL34 tubes like my current amp if that counts for anything, and has had reasonable Youtube reviews: www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/reisong-tube-amplifier-boyuurange-audio-c-48/reisong-a10-el34-tube-amp-single-end-class-a-integrated-amplifier-boyuurange-p-1300

Or I could afford something like this: aucklandvintageaudio.co.nz/marantz-pm-44se/
but it obviously doesn't tick any of your boxes.

Are these an option - at least they have the look ...

www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/home-audio/amplifiers-tuners/listing/3281666610?bof=XLxk8vt5

Musical Fidelity X-A2 Integrated Amplifier

Can you run these OBs with a single amp ?

I'm not sure what you're asking (joking?) - yes you can if I use a crossover for the tweeters. I'm new to speaker design and I've gained the impression that bi-amping is preferred to a passive component crossover. Are you suggesting otherwise?

Some responses to my requests for advice have shown distaste for using DSP in the audio chain. I don't have a problem with it. I can't hear any negative effects, only positive. The difference between bypassing the DSP and using it is obvious and overwhelmingly favouring the DSP-controlled output. The subs blend seamlessly with the mains and clean up, tighten, become more articulate when the DSP delay is in play. And it is so easy to adjust the tonal balance of bass-light or over-bright and edgy recordings. I'm obviously not a purist - I just want my music to sound good for me.

I'm just seeking practical advice regarding a cost-effective way of incorporating the tweeters i've ordered. Maybe i'll try them and prefer the sound of the OB's without them, but I want to give them a go. I want to see if I can regain a little of that Maggie je ne sais quoi that I feel the OB's lack

Sept 28, 2021 19:30:17 GMT 12 paulsaints said:

Are these an option - at least they have the look ...

www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/home-audio/amplifiers-tuners/listing/3281666610?bof=XLxk8vt5

Musical Fidelity X-A2 Integrated Amplifier

Thanks for an actual recommendation Paul. The trouble is I don't know, and both Peter and Michael have expressed doubt that I can do anything good with anything but an identical amp. Fair enough - if that's what they believe, that's how they should advise me. But I can't afford that, so I'll keep asking around in the various forums I frequent, until something gels ;-)

Not suggesting using two different amps can't work but it can be problematic and expensive.

Was serious about using a single amp as it solves matching problems, can the DX box thingy handle single amp input ?

Sept 28, 2021 13:05:43 GMT 12 peter0c said:

Agreed.

peter0c would you happen to have an ecofan tweeter amp still in your stash? Or do you think that is something for Steve to look out for in his travels?

I thought I’d seen one come up for sale in the last year or so…

Sept 29, 2021 9:46:27 GMT 12 michaelw said:

Not suggesting using two different amps can't work but it can be problematic and expensive.

Was serious about using a single amp as it solves matching problems, can the DX box thingy handle single amp input ?

I'm still not sure what you're asking. It's doing single amp output now. The output from either my turntable, my PC, or my receiver goes thru the Deqx DAC/DSP controller which controls speaker calibration, crossover points, delays, PEQ, etc. You don't have to use any of that if you don't want, just put it in bypass mode, but that defeats the purpose of having it. The signal then passes to the (single) stereo amp, and on to the speakers. I'm not sure why I'm spelling this out - I can't believe you wouldn't know this? I think we have a mis-understanding somewhere?

Sept 29, 2021 12:49:52 GMT 12 raveydave said:

Sept 28, 2021 13:05:43 GMT 12 peter0c said:

Agreed.

peter0c would you happen to have an ecofan tweeter amp still in your stash? Or do you think that is something for Steve to look out for in his travels?

I thought I’d seen one come up for sale in the last year or so…

No Raveydave I sold my tweeter amp several years ago. The one that you saw on TM was sold on behalf about 10 years ago and has come up again. Only two examples were ever made which is a shame. They had a 12db/octave low pass electronic crossover at the front end of the amp (this fed the second bass/midrange amplifier) and the 12db/octave bass roll off on the high pass section was through the use of an aircored output transformer - these don't pass low frequencies - and a capacitor. My suggestion to Stevewonda given that he was pairing essentially a super-tweeter with a wide range driver, was to simply use a single capacitor to the tweeter. There is no need to roll off the full output to his wide range driver - and the Lii rolls off at about 12khz anyway so needs to be supplemented. To put the mids and bass through a crossover to roll off the highs is unnecessary adds a complexity. I otherwise applaud the use of an electronic crossover in favour of passive, where you actually do need a two pole crossover i.e. anything below about 8khz.

Peter0c said 'My suggestion to Stevewonda given that he was pairing essentially a super-tweeter with a wide range driver, was to simply use a single capacitor to the tweeter.'

I will definitely give this a try Peter - thanks for all your input!

Sept 29, 2021 13:30:51 GMT 12 steviewunda said:

Sept 29, 2021 9:46:27 GMT 12 michaelw said:

Not suggesting using two different amps can't work but it can be problematic and expensive.

Was serious about using a single amp as it solves matching problems, can the DX box thingy handle single amp input ?

I'm still not sure what you're asking. It's doing single amp output now. The output from either my turntable, my PC, or my receiver goes thru the Deqx DAC/DSP controller which controls speaker calibration, crossover points, delays, PEQ, etc. You don't have to use any of that if you don't want, just put it in bypass mode, but that defeats the purpose of having it. The signal then passes to the (single) stereo amp, and on to the speakers. I'm not sure why I'm spelling this out - I can't believe you wouldn't know this? I think we have a mis-understanding somewhere?

My unfamiliarity with the Deqx   

Better remind me what your main amp is again...

Peter - when I searched Amazon for Tripath, this was one of the hits: www.amazon.com/Kinter-K2020A-Original-TA2020-020-Amplifier/dp/B077Z7DBRT/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=tripath+amplifier&qid=1632891545&sr=8-3

In the reviews people said that it was the original, genuine Tripath chip, and reviews were generally very good. Is this the Tripath you mentioned in one of your PM's? And would it be worth trying biamping with this, at very little outlay?

Sept 29, 2021 16:30:13 GMT 12 michaelw said:

Sept 29, 2021 13:30:51 GMT 12 steviewunda said:

I'm still not sure what you're asking. It's doing single amp output now. The output from either my turntable, my PC, or my receiver goes thru the Deqx DAC/DSP controller which controls speaker calibration, crossover points, delays, PEQ, etc. You don't have to use any of that if you don't want, just put it in bypass mode, but that defeats the purpose of having it. The signal then passes to the (single) stereo amp, and on to the speakers. I'm not sure why I'm spelling this out - I can't believe you wouldn't know this? I think we have a mis-understanding somewhere?

My unfamiliarity with the Deqx   

Better remind me what your main amp is again...

No worries - my main amp is a  Willsenton R8 tube amp

And a "Tripath' search on amazon.au brings up this: www.amazon.com.au/dp/B071XQGYRJ/ref=emc_b_5_i

but it appears to use a different chip - TPA3116

Good reviews though

By the TPA designation I think this is a Tripath chip and yes they are cheap. I have recommended and installed the 12 v version for people off the grid and caravaners.

Sept 29, 2021 17:28:40 GMT 12 steviewunda said:

And a "Tripath' search on amazon.au brings up this: www.amazon.com.au/dp/B071XQGYRJ/ref=emc_b_5_i

but it appears to use a different chip - TPA3116

Good reviews though

I have no idea how much power you need to ensure you can match levels however you could keep an eye out for Pass ACA stereo or mono amp/s second hand.

Thanks Gryffles - I'll check them out