Mono block Sonic difference $5k vs $25k

It’s important to note that the retail to manufacture cost ratio is about 4:1, so an amp that retails $25K gets built for ~ $6.2K and the dealer pays ~ $12.5K for it, vs ~ $1.2K build cost, and $2.5K wholesale cost for an amp that retails at $5K. There are a lot more cost restrictions on an amp that costs $1.2K to make. For $6.2K a lot more money can go into the transformers, tubes/transistors, caps, resistors, switches, chassis, wires, connectors, and knobs, etc....those things can all impact sound. The bigger budget also allows for a more elaborate circuit, if needed.

Sound quality doesn’t always equate to costing more, but it sure does allow the designer to shop for the ingredients of his choice.  A $5k amp should have adequate quality levels of everything, but some compromises certainly had to be made somewhere.

I have always used the Rocky Mountains versus Appalachian mountains

What the heck are these? Speakers?

B

Yes, Great speakers when powered by Pocono mountain amplifiers.

Who makes them? Google doesn't seem to find them.

B

I am fortunate enough to own an Audio Research Reference 160s stereo amplifier ($22K) and my dealer / friend has lent me a pair of Audio Research Reference 160m monoblocks for the last year. So I know them both well.

In the past (up until about two years ago) I have owned top of the line Pass amplifiers for nearly 40 years. I can tell you, both of the ARC amps simply leave the other amps in the dust. If all you want is detail and slam then the Pass x series is for you. But if you want natural, musical, and overwhelming powerful and real sounding amps… these ARC amps are simply incredible.

So, the difference. These are the same exact design… one in two chassis and one in a single. The moment I first heard them I noticed the monos had a wider and deeper soundstage and a bit quieter. My impression has not changed, but the degree to which the monoblocks are better continues to be bigger and bigger. Over time I realize how much better they are. Layer after layer i hear Draper and more emotionally into the sound. They are so musical. I occasionally swap them, favoring the monos, by a long ways.

So someone that doesn’t really know my system would be really impressed with either amp… but over time be more and more blown away by the monoblocks.

Since, our systems (at least mine) tend to be for a long time… most of my components stay for ten to twenty years. Absolutely worth the high quality amp… and the mono blocks.