On 23 Feb 2007 16:23:02 -0800, wrote:

I've tried two scenarios.

I connected the front pre-outs of the receiver to my NAD stereo amp,
and then the speakers connected to that. The cd player is connected
through the receiver. Sounds great - exactly like it does when playing
directly into the stereo amp itself (to my ears anyway).

This is the sensible option.

I also tried the bi-amping option. The nad driving the HF crossovers
and the Receiver driving the LF crossovers. I did this via an input on
the NAD so I could tweak the volume of the HF level, as it has 60
watts per channel as opposed to the receiver's 85 watts. I was very
impressed actually - sounds good - but I haven't really listened to
enough to decide which is best yet.

This sounds like a terrible idea!

If you want to share the speakers betwen two amps, then either go with
your first option or buy a switch to physically connect each speaker
cable to the speaker as required.

You're quite right in assuming that wiring the two amps in parallel to
the speakers is a VERY BAD IDEA! You're driving one amp into both
speaker and the output power transistors of the other amp. At best it
will cause distortion, at worst it will take out the power amp stages
in both amplifiers.

Steve

The Doctor Who Restoration Team Website
http://www.restoration-team.co.uk