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Five Monoblocks vs. One 5-Channel Amp

OK.

So, my quest for the $1,700 HT setup has escalated to the following setup. After listening to a bunch of speakers I chose the Phase Technologies V-12/ V-6/ V-Surround/ HV-1000 combo and the Outlaw 990 Pre-Amp processor.

Yes, I know that I am exceeding my budget by over 100%, but I guess that is just how audio purchases work ;-)

In any case, I am now trying to decide between the Outlaw Model 7500 5-channel Balanced Amplifier ($1,500) or getting 5 individual Model 2200 M-Block Amplifiers ($1,200).

Is there any distinct advantage to getting 5 mono blocks, provided that they will all be sitting in the AV rack and NOT directly besides the respective speaker they will be powering?

Thank you again for your help, I need it ;-)

Oliver
okinaustin
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Well, maybe the exactly-$300 for a balanced rather than the RCA-input amp is 'little' to you, but for me it's $300 thrown away. If there were substantial demonstrable benefits to balanced inputs for HOME-audio gear, 90% of high-end gear would have it, not the 10 or 20 or 30% that does. Okin, make your choice and spend as you please, but I know what I'd do. :-)
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hammergjh
157 posts
 
Go for the monoblocks. They look cooler. ;-)
okinaustin OP
1 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. I guess there is no distinct advantages/ disadvantages to speak of. Since there is more points of failiure, i might just go with the more compact balanced version, rather than the mono-blocks.

And, Hammergjh, try explaining that cool factor thing to my wife..;-)

Thank you again!
hudsonhawk
137 posts
 
Seems like a silly concern, but having just switched from 5 monoblocks to a 5-channel amp, I've noticed that it sure is nice having 4 more outlets than I did before : )
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 posts
 
I'm with Hammergjh, .....monoblocs are where it's at.
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