Config for IRS Betas with two Mc-Amps?

[crwilli]

Hypothetical question -- If I have an MC352 and an MC452, which one would I put where, with the IRS Betas? MC452 on the upper or lower panels? I am currently using my MC352 on the upper panels and an old Threshold S/200 (100WPC - Class A up to 35WPC) on the lower panels with great results. I have not tried reversing them in my latest room config and setup but I started with them the other way and like the Mc on the upper panels better. Less 'sizzle' and sibilance with it. Yes, I will likely play with switching the Mc Amps around just to see what happens but that will be a little bit of a PIA so would like to use the collective insights to start with the expected better config. And yes, I am both psyched and humbled at even being able to ask this question.

[crwilli]

Wow - Can't believe I stumped all the experts here Experimentation it is. Ca n't wait.

[jdandy]

Craig.......I don't know much about the Infinity IRS Betas speakers. Do they use an external crossover that provide independent output level control for high and low pass?

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Craig.......I don't know much about the Infinity IRS Betas speakers. Do they use an external crossover that provide independent output level control for high and low pass?

They do use an external Servo \ Eq controller for the lower panels. I am now using the cross over capabilities of the MEN220 to bypass that piece of 25yr old electronics although that gives up the servo control and perhaps the very lowest octaves --- like below 25Hz.

I am going to start with the 452 on the upper panels as that will allow me to better compare it to the 352 since all my recent \ critical listening has been with the 352 on the upper panels. They are what you hear - presenting everything above ~110Hz. If I don't hear any improvements, I will try the 452 on the lower columns which is what you feel.

Then I will have another glass of wine and repeat

(Maybe I should have posted this in the general Speakers section...)

[Fixxxer]

I asked Mcintosh that question a month ago regarding my RS1b
Here is the reply from Ron.
I think that also goes for the Betas.

Hi John,

See P 5 of the RS1b manual. It says that the crossover will not work correctly with bridged amplifiers. The MC402, as well as all Quad Balanced amplifiers have both speaker output terminals above and balanced to ground, like a bridged pair of channels. Therefore, the MC402 cannot be configured to work properly (or at all) with this crossover.

Regards,

Ron Evans
V P Engineering
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Wadia Digital LLC

[IRSBeta]

My vote initially, would be put the beefier amp on the mid/high towers, because they are the most demanding on an amp (load/phase angle, etc...). I know the bass towers can have a significant demand too, having to drive four 12in woofers per side, but I'd try that set-up first. Like most folks have said when dealing with this audio thing...your ears will let you know which sounds best to you.

Good to hear you've tried the Betas without the servo unit. How's the replacement for it; the MEN220?

[djwhog]

I would chime in and even though the low end likes more power, I just think the 452 is a notch better sounding and you would hear it on the top end IMOP

[crwilli]

Thanks folks. Seems my instinct to put the MC452 on top is consistent. Had a hiccup in sourcing that AMP so it will be a little while before I get to test this. The MEN220 works fine as a crossover fully replacing the servo controller. I don't seem to miss the very lowest octave the servo unit enables with the Betas perhaps because I have such a room resonance <30 Hz so was not really able to allow it to go down that low anyway. The primary benefit and result of the MEN220 into the system has been getting that resonance under control

[lwschwartz]

It seems there are enough Infinity aficionados out there that Ivan may be persuaded to add an Infinity forum to our growing list. This is just the kind of question that Infinity owners would benefit from.

[crwilli]

Funny you should suggest that as I had a conversation on that very idea in the past week.

I think it might be a great idea as someone who would greatly benefit and the more I dig and learn, someone who might even be able to help some folks as well.

Ivan, I promise I didn't put him up to that suggestion.

Craig