2. amps-preamps
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Monoblocks or upgrade to larger amp?

I have a Plinius SA 100 Mk.III amp with a Audio Research REF 1 pre-amp, Meridian 508.28 CDP, Dynaudio Contour 3.3 speakers using NBS Monitor I ic's and Monitor III speaker cables. I love the sound on this system. However, I'm considering upgrading the amp to either the Plinius SA 250 Mk IV, or get another SA 100 MK.III and use both amps as monoblocks. What do you all think would be the better way (sonically) to go? And why? From what I understand using monoblocks provides a "cleaner" stereo separation and better soundstage. However, will upgrading to a more powerful amp provide greater detail?
rosstaman
tom_nice
387 posts
 
Unless I missed it, no one has yet mentioned the advantage of short speaker cables (with a longer interconnect) that monoblocks offer. I found that to be a major improvement in a fairly controlled experiment: monoblocks in place, 7' and 18" speaker cables, both Stealth UR, compared. With all the other advantages already mentioned, I'd go for monoblocks.
sqjudge
96 posts
 
One possiability is to get the 250 and see if does the trick. Before getting rid of the 100 try using it with an active crossover just driving the top end and the 250 on the bottom. It could be the best of both ideas. Chris
rosstaman OP
455 posts
 
The Dynaudio's only have one set of input terminals, so bi-amping isn't possible.
Post removed 
sean
6,231 posts
 
Going from 100 wpc to 250 wpc would be an appr. increase in power by 3.75 db's. In theory, this may not seem like much. In reality with power hungry speakers, it can make a WORLD of a difference.

When i changed amps in one system using "power hungry speakers", i went up 1 db and it made a very noticeable difference. While most would say that 900 wpc would be enough for ANY speaker, i was still able to drive the amps into compression. Replacing the biamped pair with one amp rated for 1200 wpc made a world of difference in terms of "never running out of steam" and the increase in "ease of reproduction" and "liquidity".

Keep in mind that a low sensitivity reading at 1 watt does not necessarily make for a "power hungry speaker". Even though some speakers are not real efficient at low levels, they can play quite loudly with just a bit more power into them. Other speakers may take a boatload of wattage to play at that same level. My findings and experience are that the more complex the crossover is, the more power it will take to "rock the house". Much of the power that the amp is generating is "eaten up" by heat in notch filters, impedance compensation networks, etc...

As such, the Dynaudio speakers use very complex crossovers with a lot of parts in them. Much like the speakers i'm using in my HT system, they will "drink an amp dry" if you give them the chance to. Sean
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