"Wally" wrote in message
What's the deal with choosing output powers when tri-amping? If my
3-way speakers are rated at 50W, and I want to double the number of
bass drivers, what o/p power should I choose for each amp?
You might want to look at existing implementations of tri-amped speakers to
see how they pick power ratings.
At the moment, I'm thinking of 100W low bass, and 50W each for
bass/mid and treble. Won't my T27s freak out if there's a 50W amp
dedicated to them?
You might fry them.
In the present 3-way setup, how would the power
from a single 50W amp split up in terms of which driver gets what
power?
The power split depends on the frequency ranges split off for each driver,
and how much energy is in each band, for different kinds of music.
You can measure the voltage across the driver voice coils while the system
is in use. A 'scope or better yet a digital recorder are good tools for
this. You want to look at peak levels because that is the critical case for
undistorted operation.
In spite of being unsure of this, I'm presently thinking that an easy
way to do this is a stack of three Cyrus Two amps. That way, I can
adjust the volumes to balance the level to each driver, with overall
output determined by the capability of the low bass section. I could
also compensate for the somewhat recessed mid that becomes apparent
at times.
That's one of the nice things about active n-way systems. You can get the
balance you want regardless of the efficiency of the drivers.
From what I've read, the Cyrus Two is very good at detail, but a
little light on bass. I like the idea of good detail. I'm after bass
which is tight, solid, and very low. It doesn't have to be mega-loud.
Maybe the light bass (be there such) can be compensated for by
adjusting the volume of the low bass amp, or using some sort of
filter at the pre-amp.
Here's a low cost 3-way active crossover with a good reputation and lots of
flexibility:
"Behringer DCX2496 Ultra-Drive Pro Digital Crossover System"
http://www.behringer.com/DCX2496/index.cfm?lang=ENG
Am I on a conceivably-sensible track with this Cyrus Two idea?