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Maggie 20.1 - Bi-Amp vs. More power

I've been looking at tube amps for my 20.1's. I've read a lot here about 20.1 owners recommending very large amounts of power (300WPC+), others feel bi-amping is required (I'm sure bi-amping with lots of power is the ideal). Before getting to specific amps I wanted opinions on a more theoretical question. Assuming one could find a 175WPC Stereo amp and a 350W Mono block (that sounded the same) which do you think you would prefer, passive bi-amping with a pair of the Stereo amps or single-amping with a pair of the mono blocks? (assume the cost is the same)

My room is fairly large but I don't often listen very loud. I like guitar, piano, rock, jazz, vocals, a little classical.

I realize this isn't quite real world but I'd be interested in what maggie owners thought about this comparison. Thanks for your thoughts.
bmcleod
loontoon
301 posts
 
The 300 watts will better bring out the bass panels.
No contest there, besides, add the 300 watt unit now and if you bi-amp you can go with a smaller amp on the mids and highs.

loon
thomasheisig
568 posts
 
Mono block is the way to go.
Happy listening
d_edwards
204 posts
 
Complete Active;

XTA or Lake technology crossover I'd take 75+75+200 on the amplifiers

Bel Canto or similar 6 channel amplifier will work very very well, reinvent the speaker and in my opinion make it sound excellent.

Right now the 20's are iffy if they can be considered really good in stock form no matter what amplifiers is on it.
plato
1,543 posts
 
I'd go with the two powerful monoblocks over the two stereo amps.

Then, as someone else said, if you wanted to add a nice tube amp on the mid/rreble later on, you could do that.
teajay
1,721 posts
 
Bmcleod, take a look at my posts regarding my system, which includes MG-20R's, and on the Pass Labs 350.5 and XA-100 monoblocks. I believe these posts will give some of the information you are seeking.
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