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Finally taking the leap to Monoblocks

Thought I'd throw this one out there. In light of my 4B-ST being sick, I thought I would go ahead and start preparing for the next stage in my audio evolution. Upon its return from Bryston, I plan on moving the 4B-ST over to my home theater system and eventually pairing it with the new 6B-ST. Anyway, I'm looking for advice on some monoblocks to replace the 4B-ST in my audio system. I thought of the 7B-ST, which I can get a good deal on. I can also get a good deal on some used Aragon Palladium amps. I've auditioned the Palladiums, they are so nice. I've never listened to the 7B, but I know what the 4B can do. Anything else out there that I need to listen to? I need something that will outlast all my other components, including another speaker upgrade. I would like to spend less than $5000, but I'm willing to listen to anything.
argent
audio4fun
34 posts
 
You should take a listen to Jeff Rowland Model 7's. They last a lifetime & the sound is surperb. Power? 350 watts RMS into 8 ohms, 700 watts into 4 ohms. They are hard to find but in your price range. Try to find the ones with the latest updates.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
i really like the pair of electrocompaniet aw60ftt stereo amps i'm using vertically biamped, to my monitors. this equates to 120wpc, 220 into 4 ohms. these amps retail for $2k ea; even less used/demo/closeout. if this isn't enuff yuice, ewe can look for the aw180 monoblocs - retail $7k, again less for used... and, if ya really need to go nuts :>) there's a pair of $17k (or is it $15k?) electrocompaniet nemo monoblocs adwertised here recently for $6k obo...

doug s.

garfish
1,840 posts
 
Hi Argent; I'm in the process of going to McCormack DNA-2 bi-amps. I could have them converted to monos but those buggers put out an incredible 1200 wpc with the channels bridged.

BUT, both the DNA-0.5 and DNA-1's can be converted to monos by SMc Audio. If you found a pair of .5s they could be upgraded to level B or A and converted to monos. I'm looking into doing this with .5s (they put out 400 wpc bridged). Factory monos that I would consider are the Bryston 7Bs as you mention. And if I could afford it ($7K I think), I'd look hard at the new Classe' CAMs-- about 350 wpc. I like the looks of them, but haven't heard. Either STPH or TAS recently did a review of the Classe's. Good Hunting. Craig.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Just to throw a hornets' nest into the equation here, i have REAL problems with a big dollar SS monoblock that is rated for the same amount of power at 8 ohms that it is at 4 ohms. If i remember correctly, that's what the literature that i read about the big Bryston's stated. Please correct me if i'm wrong. Sean
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argent OP
245 posts
 
Sean, I think you might be wrong about the Bryston. You are referring to the 7B right? I think from the Bryston homepage it says 500 watts at 2 or 8 ohms, and 800 watts at 1 or 4 ohms. I think on the 7B you can have the output stage operate in series or parallel. One of these settings helps you to drive insanely low ohm speakers without tearing up the amp. If this analysis is not correct someone please enlighten me.
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