2. amps-preamps
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Running monoblocks in parallel to increase watts??

Is it possible to run monoblock amps in parallel so as to effectively increase their output wattage to each channel?? I have a set of monoblock amps now that are 100 watts per channel, and want to get a second pair of monoblocks so as to maybe have 200 watts per channel. They are tube monoblock amps, so will this effect impedence values etc??

I know this may take a special interconnect and speaker wire or at least the use of a splitter (or adding another set of output rca's on the preamp) to send the preamp signal to the pairs of amps (2 monoblocks for each channel = 4 monoblocks total) for each respective left and right channel. I assume that the output of the amps will have to "tie" together again (like biwire cable) in the run of speaker wire going from the four amps (2 per channel) to the speaker terminals?

If this possible, would I effectively be achieving 200 watts, or only like 150???

Thanks!

Robert
red2
rwwear
2,865 posts
 
I see nothing wrong with someone asking us our opinion even if we are not all experts. And I don't claim to be. But is it not correct that bridging is very simular to balanced and is why you have more gain with a truly balanced design.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,753 posts
 
Bridging is definately balanced. That is why you see bridge-able transistor amps with balanced inputs that only run in balanced mode. But there is no association with greater gain, although it is possible to achieve greater gain with less noise when running balanced.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>I see nothing wrong with someone asking us our opinion even if we are not all experts<<

OK I'll buy that but are you willing to compensate the inquirer for any problems your "opinion" causes?

In this particular case the potential for serious and/or expensive damage to speakers and amplifiers exist if faulty "opinions" are followed.

I suggest you follow Harry Callahan's advice in the movie Magnum Force:
"Man's gotta know his limitations"
red2 OP
79 posts
 
Thanks for the insight and discussion. I think I'll stay with what I got since I am not technically inclined to feel confident in the safety of this application. Lots more too it than I thought.

One of the few problems with AGon is its lack of a stronger more refined search engine. I hope maybe they are working at improving it.

Thanks to everyone for their time and input, especially Ron at Atma-sphere (was it him??) who is busy building amps and working on his own stuff I am sure.

R.
rwwear
2,865 posts
 
Audiofeil you must not have read my first post. If you did read you didn't comprehend it.
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