This is for Georgehifi especially but others can chime in.


I am buying Dynaudio C-1 Platinums and would like an ideal amp. Which would you choose? I prefer solid state. Separates or integrated. If you could recommend a few optimum choices that would be great. Based on my short couple years on here you strike me as very knowledgable on the subject. My dealer wants me on Pass Labs. Incidentally right now I have the Devialet 400 and I’m pretty sure you are not a fan of this type of amp. Any of your wisdom is appreciated. Thanks, Mike

bubba12
Yes, George raises an excellent question.

Looking at the specs and descriptions of the stereo and mono versions of the Stratos Extreme, though, several things suggest to me that the mono version is not bridged, but instead parallels the two output stages and perhaps some of the other circuitry.

Specs which point to that conclusion include the 8 ohm power rating of the mono version being only slightly higher than the rating of the stereo version (a 4 ohm rating is not provided for either amp); both amps are described as stable into 2 ohms; the output current rating of the mono version is twice as great as for the stereo version (yes, I realize that output current ratings are usually meaningless, in part because how long that current can be supplied for is not defined); damping factor is much greater for the mono version than for the stereo version; input impedance is specified as being the same (22K) for both versions of the amp.

I note also that **both** versions have a statement saying "RCA & XLR (bridged) inputs." Not sure what the reference to bridged XLR inputs means.

In any event, while the sonics of many bridged amps can be expected to be significantly compromised driving the 4 ohm nominal impedance of the Dynaudio C-1 Platinum, this appears to be a different (and presumably better) situation.

Regards,
-- Al
   
Manufacturer's thread and lots of discussion of Odyssey amps over on A. Circle.
 I've noticed the same approach by a couple of other manufacturers and also found their stereo amps sound more musical than their comparably power monos.

Yes a few disadvantages happens with bridging a stereo amp, while you get more 8ohm wattage the drive-ability into low impedance's is greatly diminished.
The damping factor (output impedance) of the amp is raised, therefore not having as good control over the bass.
And the other is the distortion of the amp increases, and I believe also the noise.

Cheers George
bubba12

Why not stick with the Devialet 400 which you have, or the Pass Labs you said you could get?

BTW which Pass Labs was it? All are good.

Cheers George