I currently use a SN2 HiCapDR to power Tannoy Definition D700s and was wondering if I used a NAP200 to biamp the speakers. What would be be the benefit?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you
Bob Salsbury
I don’t remember why, but whenever this question comes up on the forum the reply is always. With Naim… non no no no no you don’t do it.
The usual is don’t do it. But in the OP’s case the SN2 will be supplying one input on the speakers and the NAP200 would be supplying the other input on the speakers. Obviously the signal supply for the NAP200 will be fed from the HiCap DR. I see no reason this would not work, especially as the D700’s are 6 ohm speakers, so do require sum grunt to get the best out of them. It’s worth a punt and i can actually see this as being a benefit to be honest.
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Thanks for the correction. I don’t know Tannoys at all.
I’m not sure about the obviously, as the SN2 has a dedicated biamp output, which would have shorter signal paths. I guess it’s a matter of trying both.
Biamping is generally considered a waste of time. If adding a 200 to the SN2, it would almost certainly be better to swap the SN2 for a 282 and buy a 250DR. A bit more expensive but still three boxes, and one big one is better than two little ones.
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I said “obviously” because i think the OP is thinking of using 2 amps to supply the hi and low inputs on his Tannoys. In the normal percieved Bi-Amp situation Naim amps just do not work and sound dreadfull. But 2 amps supplying the 2 speaker inputs using the same source (SN2 Preamp) should work fine without any of the usual faff and rubbish sound of bi-amping from one amp.
I fully agree by the way, a 282 and a 250DR would be much much better 
I think you may be confusing biwiring and biamping.
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Passive biamping is of dubious benefit (unlike active). Provided neither or both amps are bridged and that polarity is respected it is unlikely that any harm would arise, so probably no harm in trying if you already have the amps, but I certainly wouldn’t buy an amp for passive biamping.
I’d like to see that wiring diagram 
You clearly mean biwiring!
Years ago I had Rotel power amps and tried biwiring. Made little, if any, difference. However, those amps were bridgeable (just needed a few jumpers moved) - now that did make a huge difference, effectively running one mono power amp per channel. Amp rated 70W stereo, 180W mono into 8ohms.
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The majority of opinions are unfavourable towards passive bi-amplification. However, don’t just rely on preconceived ideas; whether or not there is a benefit depends on the suitability of the passive filters. Results with Naim amplifiers or other good brands may be satisfactory if the filter compartments are actually designed for bi-amplification, with mass separation and fast cutoff slopes. A trial with SN2 and a loaned Nap 200 is necessary for the D700s.
With B&W 802s and 804s, and probably 803s, bi-amplification with two Nap 250s is an excellent surprise compared to two Nap 135 mono blocks.
With Linn Isobarik Bricks, the results in passive bi- or tri-amplification are also excellent, with no complex results with the active.
I found passive biamping worthwhile with non naim kit.
Started with one Rotel stereo amp. Biwiring made no difference.
Added a second stereo amp, passive biamping, which was a step up. The Rotel pre was built to enable this, having multiple pre outs.
However, bridging the stereo amps and running one mono power amp per channel was better still! It just had more slam, and at the time the listening was dance heavy, so well suited.
Opinions with naim are definitely mixed - one dealer told us that passive biamping 2x300DR into ATC50 would add something. Another said change power amp.
Not sure what that means?
I would expect that the difference bi-amping may bring would be less than the benefit of spending the same money as the two amps on one better amp, with passive bi-amping only worth it where there is no or negligible cost, such as already having a second amp, or very cheap secondhand.
Therein lies the rub.
Second 300DR is far cheaper than a 500DR, and also not sure 500DR would get WAF as it upsets racking.
Hi Bob,
I bi-amp with two identical ( non Naim) stereo amps and I find it beneficial. Bi-wiring not so. I have one amp driving the tweeters and one the bass drivers. Alternatively you can do it so that each amp drives one channel only. The two amps in any event must have the same gain.
As others have said, you may get move benefit from a better preamp, power amp or both.
As an aside, the cartridge you have, on your profile, looks very old. There may be a lot of benefit in updating that first, unless it is re-tipped or similar.
Just a thought.
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In my system, passive bi-amplification and tri-amplification are also positive. The success of passive multi-amplification depends on filtering and mass separation, as well as the cohesion of the amplifiers. In fact, a single, much superior amplifier can prove to be just as interesting as two amplifiers, as in the case of active bi-amplification.