Is an A2200 better than A4200?

[rumnyc]

I am talking both in the latest spec/new chassis/dynamik'ed from factory.

I was going through the threads and read that the 2200 and the 4200 share identical power supply so the 2200 has more headroom while the 4200 can run out of steam.

If I never intend to go aktiv (I really don't) and my choice is to either:
1) passive 2200
2) passive bi-amp 4200

and I care about fast dynamic bass then should I stick to 2200 or should i consider 4200 (now that the summer promo is up).

My speaker is in the sig (B&W Nautilus 804).

I do intend to upgrade to Akurate speakers next year, but after 2200 or 4200, I will probably go Klimax solo or twin.

[Martin_E]

(2012-07-04 11:09)rumnyc Wrote:  I am talking both in the latest spec/new chassis/dynamik'ed from factory.

I was going through the threads and read that the 2200 and the 4200 share identical power supply so the 2200 has more headroom while the 4200 can run out of steam.

If I never intend to go aktiv (I really don't) and my choice is to either:
1) passive 2200
2) passive bi-amp 4200

and I care about fast dynamic bass then should I stick to 2200 or should i consider 4200 (now that the summer promo is up).

My speaker is in the sig (B&W Nautilus 804).

I do intend to upgrade to Akurate speakers next year, but after 2200 or 4200, I will probably go Klimax solo or twin.

Hi,
I've also heard the Dynamik PS being damaged when pushed with the A3200 + A4200, the A2200 seems to be fine however hard you run it. The new models have had the cutoff point lowered on the A3200, A4200 to stop the Dynamik PS being damaged.
Martin

[panobo]

I use 2 AK 3200's with Kef 205/2. 1x 3200 per speaker tri-wired, so 1 amp module for the tweeter, 1 for the mid and 1 for the 2 bass drivers.....no problems with head-room or cut off, at any volume- and I often play the system LOUD!
Maybe the load of your B&W 804's will be different, maybe your dealer will let you borrow a 4200 and 2200, then you and test if there are issues.

[rumnyc]

What is a fair second hand price for a latest spec 2200 in the new case with warranty minus one year of use assuming the unit is in pristine condition?

[charlie1]

Personally prefer my Majik 140s single-amped and single-wired with the 4200. Less hi-fi, but more musical (to my ears). Perhaps B&Ws would be different, but I'd be included to save the money for more music or put towards an upgrade to ADSM.

[BerndS]

(2012-07-04 14:20)charlie1 Wrote:  Personally prefer my Majik 140s single-amped and single-wired with the 4200. Less hi-fi, but more musical (to my ears). Perhaps B&Ws would be different, but I'd be included to save the money for more music or put towards an upgrade to ADSM.

Interesting set-up. Like dual-mono amps. How did you actually set-up the 4200 "single-amped" and "single-wire" with your 140s? Did you bridge channels 1&2 and 3&4 internally?

Would be interested in a response, since I am currently considering a 4200 single-wired to my Spendor BC1 for later upgrade to bi-amping with uprated speakers.

[charlie1]

(2012-07-04 17:44)BerndS Wrote:  Interesting set-up. Like dual-mono amps. How did you actually set-up the 4200 "single-amped" and "single-wire" with your 140s? Did you bridge channels 1&2 and 3&4 internally?

Would be interested in a response, since I am currently considering a 4200 single-wired to my Spendor BC1 for later upgrade to bi-amping with uprated speakers.

Hi, It's not really like dual-mono because there is only one power supply for both channels.

Single-amped means I just use two out of the four channels. Single-wired means I just use K400 cut in two (i.e. K200)

[rumnyc]

is better for one A2200 to passively drive a pair of non-Linn bi-amp ready speakers, or is it better to have a A4400 biamp them given that the dynamik power supply is identical?

I understand that aktiv is a different ball game but i don't have linn speakers.

Or is it unclear and the only way to know is to try? I won't be able to try this exact setup because I can't get either as loaners and the linn dealer carries only linn and PSB speakers.

[wolfmanjack]

A2200: one stereo audioboard-one power suply
A4200: two stereo audioboards as above-the very same power suply.

Only difference inside is that the 2200 is empty of boards one one side while the other one are full.

[BerndS]

(2012-07-04 19:19)charlie1 Wrote:  

(2012-07-04 17:44)BerndS Wrote:  Interesting set-up. Like dual-mono amps. How did you actually set-up the 4200 "single-amped" and "single-wire" with your 140s? Did you bridge channels 1&2 and 3&4 internally?

Would be interested in a response, since I am currently considering a 4200 single-wired to my Spendor BC1 for later upgrade to bi-amping with uprated speakers.

Hi, It's not really like dual-mono because there is only one power supply for both channels.

Single-amped means I just use two out of the four channels. Single-wired means I just use K400 cut in two (i.e. K200)

Just to let you know Charlie1: I have followed this route and am currently running in an AK4200/B, I just had to make use of +2 Summerpromo, with channels 2 and 3 connected to my Spendors. Quite amazingly, I immediately noticed the sound reproduction quality of the 4200 is noticeably superior to the demo 2200, which I was able to listen to at home in my hifi gear as well. So thanks again for this valuable recommendation.

I don´t know yet if and when another step, i.e. replacing my single-wire 35 year old Spendor BC1s (Alnico), will be due and what route to go. Either entirely becoming a Linnie by going Misobarik, bass active or stay traditional and going for a Spendor SP100/R2 or Tannoy Glenair 10 if not being able to struck a deal on a pair of Kensington. Anyhow the AK4200 should be able to pair well with any of these Speakers.