Bi amping CLSII

[legarem]

I am wondering if someone tried to bi amp CLSII
This should be easy to do by separating the inputs + and - of the two transformers and feeding each with a different amplifier.
Thanks.

 

[JonFo]

That will not work, as the panel is a single diaphragm with + and - stators.

Even though it has two binding posts, note that they are bridged (dotted blue lines between both), representing the bridge straps one uses when using a single speaker cable. So you can bi-wire a CLS, but not bi-amp one.

The best option is to pair a CLS with a good woofer / subwoofer setup. I'd keep anything below 60Hz away from the ESL using a steep slope (48dB/Oct) in an active XO ahead of the amps.

The setup is as follows:
Use a pair of JBL CBT 1000E (this is the low-frequency extension element with only woofers) for the low-end. This line array of 6.5" drivers produces the same wavefront as the CLS and delivers far-field SPL that matches the panel.
Add a Crown XLS amp to power them.
Use a DBX DriveRack Venu360 to do crossover duties for splitting the highs (>80Hz) to the panels and the low for the Woofer column. It can optionally do a three-way XO, so you can add a true subwoofer (or two).

 

[legarem]

I already have a Descent I sub which works below 60 hz but I don't use any hi pass crossover with the CLS.

 

[JonFo]

I'd suggest using some form of high-pass to reduce the amp load and the panel's stress since you have a sub already. This inline filter is plug-and-play. However, the slope is super shallow (12/dB Octave). The 70hz version might be better, but one would need to try them.
https://www.parts-express.com/FMOD-Crossover-Pair-50-Hz-High-Pass-266-270

 

[legarem]

As my amp has an input capacitor, I could just use a higher value and adjust it to get 60 hz high pass filter. This would be 6 db/oct slope. I suspect they don't use top quality caps in the Parts Express in line crossover. By it's small size, it will probably have an electrolytic capacitor.