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Bryston - Stereo or Monoblock

To monoblock or not to monoblock.....that is the question.  I know some prefer the sound of a single amp running in stereo while others see the virtues of running monoblock amplifiers.  From what I can ascertain it would seem the primary benefit (assuming you can get the same power per channel running a single amp) is the benefit of shorter speaker cables.  

I have monoblock Shitt Vidars now running a pair of magnepan 1.7's.  It's sounds great.   I'm thinking of upgrading the speakers to either 3.7's or really taking the plunge and going directly to the 20.7's.  I've been told the same amp can run all three just as effectively (if you have an amp that can effectively run the 1.7's then they will run the 20.7's) but thinking of upgrading here as well.  Mainly Bryston.  Question is whether I should go with a monoblock configuration running 900W into 4 ohms or buying a larger single amp that has the same power output per channel?  

Appreciate your thoughts & insight.  
mvrooman1526
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
if you have the room, get the mono blocks and never look back.


gdnrbob
4,441 posts
 
The best part of monoblocks is that you run short speaker cables.
If supported, use Balanced interconnects between pre and amp.
Then use as short a speaker cable (under 6 feet) as possible.
That way you minimize cable artifacts that affect sound reproduction.
And, considering that you are using Maggy's, I would think about adding subwoofers.
I have heard good things about Vandersteen subs and Maggy's, as well as Audiokinesis subs.
Nothing like taking all that power demanding base notes and handing them off to a powered sub.
Bob
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Bryston - Stereo or Monoblock
To monoblock or not to monoblock.....that is the question.

If they are basically the same topology.
If the stereo has two transformers stay with it, if it has one transformer and shares one secondary winding for both channels, then the two monoblocks "could" sound better.
If the stereo has one transformer but two separate secondary winding’s, then it "could" be as good as the monoblocks

BTW just in case, do not bridge stereo amps, you end up making what was a good stereo amp into a mediocre higher wattage amp, that has many flaws compared to the stereo amp.

Cheers George
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