I would like to set up new hifi system in my house. I prefer to have bi-amp connection. But I don't understand what is pre-amp for (ie Alpha 9C Pre-Amp)? If I want to buy Power Amp, which one should I have for the 2nd Amp (Intergrated Amp or Pre Amp)? If I have all of the amps, does it effect in the sound quality? Pls guide me? (*assume the above system is for music purpose)

Hi there,

A preamp is generally used to provide high quality signal amplification, as it will usually give better signal amplification than an integrated amplifier. An integrated amplifier will provide pre- and power amplifiers in one box which is usually a cheaper option. Therefore, if you're thinking of buying a power amp, you'll need to buy a preamp to control it.

A preamp will let you switch between various input signals and adjust treble and bass. A preamp will also give the proper load impedance for the inputs and a low source impedance for the outputs (to the speakers.) It lets you equalize the signal or even bypass equalization for a purer sound. The preamp then outputs the audio signal to the amplifier. It can also amplify phono inputs, which are at a much lower level than other components. Some preamps may include a microphone input.

thanks. 1)Example case : If I have the Arcam alpha 9C Pre Amp, can I match it with Arcam 10P power amp, or I still to match it with the Alpha 9P power amp?
2) What do you think if I want Tuner features, Is it the best combination in producing good sound in music(Pre-Amp+ Power Amp+ Integrated)?
3) Does Pre-Amp can do Bi-Amp connection? If not what should I have?

Mior, I'm a litter confused at what your trying to acheive here, but heregoes;

Yes your Arcam 9c can be mated with either the 10P or 9P or other power amp for that matter. If you require a tuner as part of this set up, go for a separate box such as the Pure Digital DRX-720Es (£ 330) or the Cambridge Audio DAB500 (£ 150)

I'm not familiar with the power amp you mention but yes bi-amping can be acheived even if there is only one set of outputs on the back of the power amp, see the cables avaible from Russ Andrews.

In order to bi-amp you need 2 power amp outputs. You'll get one in an integrated amp and another in a separate power amp.

Think of it like this:

Level 1 = integrated amp. This is basically a pre+power in one box. You can't bi-amp; it only has one set of power amp outputs

Level 2 = preamp + power amp. This physically separates delicate signals (pre) from the muscle (power). And each box has its own power supply, so even more independence. Still can't bi-amp; you've only got one set of power amp outputs!

Level 3 = integrated + power amp. This has 2 separate sets of power amp outputs (one from the integrated + one from the power)

Bi-amping isn't always better. It depends on the kit your using!

Apologies for my ignorance :-) but what are the main advantages of having a bi-amp set up? Is it done to get more power out of your system?

A bi-amp setup does increase the power per driver which means better speaker control (not just louder at higher volumes!!!). Bi-amping splits the demand for the treble signal and bass signals right back at your hifi boxes rather than somewhere in the speaker or somewhere in wires, so the amps have got less "muddle" and information to deal with

Hi,

For bi-amp does it ok to have the 2 set of amp with a different power output.For example if I having an Alpha 10 integrated amp (amp), does it ok to use Alpha 9P power amp (75watt) for 2nd amp in bi-amp set-up. Is it OK and is it will damage the amp or the speakers?

Hi,

For bi-amp does it ok to have the 2 set of amp with a different power output.For example if I having an Alpha 10 integrated amp (100 watts), does it ok to use Alpha 9P power amp (75watts) for 2nd amp in bi-amp set-up. Is it OK and is it will damage the amp or the speakers?

The different power output is fine PROVIDED THAT the amplifer gain (i.e. how much it amplifies by at a given volume setting) is the same for both amps. A quick e-mail to Arcam via their website would confirm that, but I'd guess they're the same. Think of it as 2 cars with different engine POWERS both driving at the same SPEED e.g. 50 mph. I think the Myryad website explains this in the context of the MI120 & MA120 amps -- I've definitely read the technical details somewhere...

hi folks.you want to bi amp,or tri amp on the cheap...check the classifieds,grab your self a cheap linn kollector.not 1,3 pre outs!+full r\control to boot.if your on a budget,rotel make some good power amps,cambridge to,again 2cnd hand.go back 2 or 3 years.let the 1st and 2cnd owners loose money.ps try this,kollector + sugden a21 a power.golden rule,mix and match,dont be afraid to use different makes..

I dont know anything about the teccy side but I am bi-amping using an Arcam a65 integrated as the pre-amp in the set up then 2 arcam p75's and using the "mono link" sockets on the 1st p75 as the pre amp out for the 2nd power amp. This set up sounds far superior to using an integrated and a power amp.

James -

From a slightly teccy side, the reason it's better is that your A65 is "idling" and can therefore easily handle the very small amplification it's being asked to do as a pre-amp. So you've got 3 power supplies at work in your set up (which are all driving separate circuits, which are therefore isolated from each other's crap) whereas with integrated + power, the bi-amping from the integrated is less buggered. As I said, slightly teccy!!!

Hi, I want to know does this connection below is excepted and didn't damage the amp, loudspeakers and the sound performance.

Arcam Alpha 9 PreAmplifier (A)* connect with the Arcam Alpha 10 Integrated Amplifier (B)* and it connected with the Arcam 9P Power Amplifier (C)*. So, (B)* and (C)* act as a bi-amp for the loudspeakers. Any line inputs (from eg. cd, vinyl or others) will plug in the preamplifier to(A)*. So, what is your comments.Pls guide

I would contact Arcam before powering up. I suspect the problem would be the volume setting on the integrated vs the power re amp. If the amps are anything like mine (see above)the integrated will take the signal from the pre amp at whatever volume you have the pre amp at, then amplify again before sending to the connected speakers AND via the pre amp out, to the power amp. I am guessing you would be using one of the auxilliary phono inputs on the integrated to get the signal in from the pre amp and usiong the "pre amp out" sockets from the integrated to the power amp? It sounds fishy to me and dangerous for all items connected.

Why not just ditch the pre amp and use the integrated as pre amp and power amp no 1?