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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
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Provided the channel separation and power supplies are equivalently good then, as far as the sound goes, it makes really no difference monoblock or 5 channels....
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
I believe the Outlaw 200W. monoamp is of an operating class other than AB, that is, it uses 2 powersupplies and switches on the 2nd only when 'needed'. I have read that it sounds not quite as good as a normal Class-AB or especially as a Class-A amp. I'd go for one of the Outlaw multichannel amps.

Any particular reason you chose the balanced-input poweramp? In the opinion of many respected high-end-equipment designers, balanced circuitry is a waste of money. Of course, others disagree. I would AGAIN choose the 200WPC-times-SEVEN amp with RCAs; I believe it's just a little more than the $1500 amp you mention. One never knows when one may 'need' those extra 2 channels. :-)

Be sure to check Outlaw's 'B-stock'; last time I looked, those items were maybe 10% less expensive. I think my 770 was about 15% less, and it looked perfect when it arrived.
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