2. amps-preamps
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Are monoblocks the way to go?

I'm upgrading my system piece by piece. I recently bought an Ah! Njoe Tjoeb CD Player and an Eastern Electric MiniMax tubed Preamp. I would next like to upgrade my Adcom Amp to a tubed Amp and I'm considering going with Monoblocks. While auditioning Preamps, I was very impressed by a pair of Quicksiver 100 Mono's - exceptional build quality and value. I had originally been leaning towards the Cary Rocket 88. I have vintage Klipsch Heresy speakers that I plan to keep. My goal is to create a system that is very transparent with a lifelike 3D soundstage. I need no more than 25 wpc since the Heresy's are 96db/1watt/1m. Any opinions on Mono's vs single amps? Thanks.
mootsdude
twl
3,251 posts
 
There are some strong points to monoblocks. However, in the medium price range, you may be just as well off with a stereo amp. A well-made stereo amp can be just as transparent as monoblocks. The main advantage of monoblocks is reduced crosstalk, and that can also be achieved to a very good degree in a stereo amp.
mootsdude OP
51 posts
 
Gthrush1,
I'm not familiar with the Coincident speakers. I'm assuming that horn driven speakers tend to be less transparent and hold their strength in dynamics and speed. I've had the Heresy's for 20 years and have grown to like them but after hearing a pair of Vandersteen's matched with Quicksilver Mono 100's, it became evident of the Heresy's weaknesses. By the way, I am thrilled with the Ah! Tjoeb CD Player and Eastern Electric Preamp. Check out this Pre - there's quite a buzz on the net over this little gem.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
FWIW, your amp selection should be made after you determine what kind of speakers you want to drive. They are interdependent. I agree with Gthrush regarding speakers - unless you have highly revealing speakers I doubt that you will gain from the benefits involved in using mono amps. Also, while the Vandersteens are excellent speakers in their price range and are easy to drive, I'm not sure I would call them all that revealing. For revealing speakers add Silverlines to your list for audition.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Monoblocks, tube or otherwise, really have only two advantages over a stereo amp

1. You can put the amplifier right next to the speaker, eliminating the cost and reputed sonic degradation due to speaker wires.

2. A high powered stereo amp, particularly a tube amp with two massive output transformers, can be too heavy to handle.

If the stereo amp is well designed, the shared power supply and circuit proximity of the two channels is not a problem.
troutki
40 posts
 
The Rogue gear is nice too.
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