2. amps-preamps
  3. 993318197

Monoblocks or upgrade to larger amp?

I have a Plinius SA 100 Mk.III amp with a Audio Research REF 1 pre-amp, Meridian 508.28 CDP, Dynaudio Contour 3.3 speakers using NBS Monitor I ic's and Monitor III speaker cables. I love the sound on this system. However, I'm considering upgrading the amp to either the Plinius SA 250 Mk IV, or get another SA 100 MK.III and use both amps as monoblocks. What do you all think would be the better way (sonically) to go? And why? From what I understand using monoblocks provides a "cleaner" stereo separation and better soundstage. However, will upgrading to a more powerful amp provide greater detail?
rosstaman
sean
6,231 posts
 
All things being equal and so long as their is no question about the sonic differences amongst the amps, the Dynaudio's will always work best with the most power. If you aren't going to actively bi-amp, i would stear towards whatever gave you the most power per channel WITH the sonics that you were looking for. Sean
>
tom_nice
387 posts
 
Unless I missed it, no one has yet mentioned the advantage of short speaker cables (with a longer interconnect) that monoblocks offer. I found that to be a major improvement in a fairly controlled experiment: monoblocks in place, 7' and 18" speaker cables, both Stealth UR, compared. With all the other advantages already mentioned, I'd go for monoblocks.
sqjudge
96 posts
 
One possiability is to get the 250 and see if does the trick. Before getting rid of the 100 try using it with an active crossover just driving the top end and the 250 on the bottom. It could be the best of both ideas. Chris
rosstaman OP
455 posts
 
The Dynaudio's only have one set of input terminals, so bi-amping isn't possible.
Post removed 
More to discover