making a non-bi/tri-ampable speaker bi/tri amp capable...is this possible?

[peteir]

I have a pair of older model a/d/s 3 way speakers (cant remember the model number, but they are rated 100 watts a piece, each with two powered 8" woofers, one 3" dome midrange and one 1" dome tweeter. i have been wanting to replace the cheezy binding posts they used on this model for a while and got to thinking it would be cool to be able to bi-amp, possibly tri-amp these, just for fun if nothing else. what is everyone's opinion on this and how difficult would it be without degrading the quality of the gorgeous sound these classics produce? i welcome all suggestions, thanks for reading.

tall boy.

[Robh3606]

"What is everyone's opinion on this and how difficult would it be without degrading the quality of the gorgeous sound these classics produce?"

Why are you doing this??? You like them as is????

Don't fix what ain't broke!!

"each with two powered 8" woofers,"

They have internal amps for the woofers???

If you can't resist

All you have to do is have posts for each driver or woofer/ mid tweeter. You should have a copy of the crossover schematic and know the individual driver polarities and sensitivities. It really not that hard. If you biamp you would leave the upper crossover to the tweeter and 1/2 the mid crossover intact, the upper half that hands off to the tweeter. To Tri you can eliminate the whole crossover and use actives.

Just make sure what ever you do is reversible. To add a couple of extra posts is one thing. To gut the original crossovers would be a big mistake. Take them out as they are and get some Cheap Caps and Coils to try the experiment out if you biamp so you can bail yourself out if you need too.

Only do one at a time so you can compare the experiment to the original.

Have Fun

Rob2:)

[WildWest]

"two powered 8 inch woofers"?!? You totally lost me there. Either that or it's not the speaker I am thinking of. Sure sounds like it is though sooooo...

Rob beat me to the punch. I say leave em alone. I have the even older version that the ADS copied. The west German Braun 710's. I think you have a fine acustic suspension speaker likely using the Braun drivers. Fooling with it would only change its unique sonic signature. I love mine! Very special sound driven by the same vintage Heathkit amp and tuner.

The crossovers are nice in these and Rob is right. Don't gut the original crossovers. Split out your drivers as needed, new binding posts, some nice new caps might be a hot ticket too. If you crack open that cabinet open make sure you seal it up good when you are done and replace any stuffing.

Bi-amping can be a delicate item to do right. I tried fooling with it but never really was happy with the results. Maybe didn't devote enough effort to it, who knows... :dunno:

[Wardsweb]

http://www.partsexpress.com/images/299-382m.jpg

Built in 2 way, 6 dB per octave crossover at 4,000 Hz into 8 ohms. Mylar capacitor in tweeter feed.

www.partsexpress.com
AR #1810196-0 2-WAY TERM/XOVER

[peteir]

ok ok, i worded that wrong. what i meant by two powered woofers is that niether one is a passive radiator driver. it sounds like i should start by just replacing the binding posts to screw down ones which i prefer. maybe my crossover experiments should be saved for some junky speakers. thanks for the replies.

petier.

[Thatch_Ear]

If you want to biamp, triamp, whatever you are basically defeating the built in passive crossovers and need an active crossover to feed the amps the info.
Before considering multi amps for different frequencies be sure and research some active crossovers first, so you can make an educated choice.
Have fun!