Bi-amping
Bi-amping is the separation of the amplification of low- and high- frequency signals over two amplifiers. You will need to connect to loudspeakers that provide separate terminals for the two cables. Each speaker must have two pairs of terminals; one pair labelled HF For ‘High Frequency’, the other pair labelled LF or ‘Low Frequency’.
If your speakers support bi-amping, then there will be a strip of conductive metal or a wire on the speakers connecting the low-frequency terminals to those for the higher-frequencies.
This connection must be removed in a bi-wired system. Failure to remove this connection is likely to cause damage to the amplifier when used in bi-amping configuration. This damage is not covered by warranty.
Bi-amping requires the use of two zones for every pair of speakers. Zone 1 of the amplifier can easily be bi-amplified. Connect the Zone 1 speaker terminals to the low-frequency loudspeaker terminals. Connect a second zone to the high-frequency speaker terminals and set the input switch for this zone to the Z1 position. For best performance, use Zone 3. Zone 1 and Zone 3 have completely independent power supplies, including transformers, making this arrangement equivalent to using two separate amplifier components.
Further zones can be bi-amplified by using splitter cables to feed two zone inputs from one source. Contact your dealer for further information.
Notes on making speaker connections
•Do not make any connections to any amplifier while it is switched on. We recommend that your amplifier
is completely disconnected from the mains supply before starting.
•Before switching your amplifier(s) on for the first time after connecting to speakers, please check all connections thoroughly. Ensure that bare wires or cables are not touching each other or the amplifier’s chassis (which could cause short circuits), and that you have connected positive (+) to positive and negative (–) to negative. Be sure to check the wiring for both the amplifier and the speaker.
•After making connections: switch the amplifier(s) on, select a source signal, then gradually increase the volume to the required listening level.
If you are unsure as to how your system should be connected, or need advice on bi-wiring or bi-amping, please contact your Arcam dealer who will be happy to help you.
