Amplifier for Monitor Audio RX 8 system

Hi Zd542

"What specs do you look at to find the dimensionality of an amp?"

Not sure if your directing this question to me or Bo. If to me, I never worry about the dimensionality of an amp. I worry about whether it can adequately drive the speakers I will be using. So I look specs at wattage, peak current, damping factor, s/n ratio, etc. I also consider build quality, class type (I prefer A/B over D), reputation, etc.

Dimensionality is nothing more than the soundstage being constructed in your listening environment. The speakers and room itself are far more critical in constructing a deep soundstage than the amp. Processors and room correction is another matter entirely as these can affect the soundstage.

I sold and tested many Monitor Audio speakers. I also did a presentation for Monitor Audio. I test many different amps on Monitor Audio speakers as well. Also at shows you hear them with many different amps. I Always have my own music during shows. I love to test and know what the properties/talents are of speakers, amps, cables, sources etc. I worked for over 8 yeras in audio shops. I also did run a shop for 2 years of time. But consulting is so much more fun to do then the possibilities you have in a shop. It is the freedom I love. We are not talking about preference, we talk about the difference between 2 and 3-dimensional. I use comparing between 2 and 3-dimensional sound to let people hear how much more involving 3-dimensional sound is. What I said before; I never met a person who prefers 2-dimensional sound over 3-dimensional sound after hearing it. I am addicted to music since I was 6 years old. My father gave me a stereo Philips big tape recorder with tubes. I started making recordings from the radio at that age. Music Always has been the most important thing in my life. So you are Always looking for the best sound possible. I worked for over 6 yars in a very big audio shop. Here I could test as much as I wanted. I did compare many brands. From normal prices to highend. I owned expensive highend audio for 14 years of time. I had the freedom and possibilities to lent a lot of stuff in 15 years of time. A palpable image with depth is for every person understandable. I make it as easy and clear for every person. Here on Audiogon you only can read my words. My clients said this week to me; Bobby wenn you let us hear the 3-dimensional sound your words become so much easier to understand. That is true. The reason why I use comparing between 2 and 3-dimensional image is because I want every person to give a higher level in playing there music. I want people to love there set with there music. The reason why I use the words simple is because after all these tests you understand the paterns of the equipment. My focus is Always on the properties/talents of a cable, amp, source, speaker etc. After this you can use them in a set. And you can change parts in a set with other brands to make it more complete. Audyssey and Audyssey Pro used and measured at my way makes it all a lot easier to get a 3-dimensional image. I use differrent brands to get the best 3-d image possible. But there are enough brands of speakers and amps which cab give a good 3-d image.

Thank you for your comments; Paraneer - the A21 is excellent and creates a fantastic combo as paired with my RX 8 speakers.

Let me demo both and I can then make an informed decision -once again - thank you.

In my experience with Monitor Audio -- mostly the RS-6 -- the best sound came from using tubes, which gave a tremendous soundstage and the sense of ease and space between instruments that I've rarely experienced with any other speaker/amp combo.

The RX and RS series are very efficient speakers which allows the use of lower power tube amps. Another option I like was using a McCormack DNA-1 -- very satisfying but different from tubes, more of a clean sound with lots of inner detail, but still buttery smooth and effortless.

Heck, even an old B&K ST-140 sounded decent if you don't have a lot to spend on amperage. Not as much detail and soundstage but still very pleasant to the ear. JHMO.
--Tom in Sacramento

What I said earlier; Monitor Audio is the only brand which make speakers in all there price ranges which can give depth. You will not find any brand which can make even cheap speakers who can give depth. Tubes can create much easier depth than most solid state amps. I sold a lot RS8 and RS6 in the past. I sold the RS8 with Primare. It gave a stunning 3-D image. All the other shops sold 2-dimensional sound for the same money. I had a lot of fun. I did send my cleints to those shops to understand the difference.