Mono Block tube amp or Stereo Tube amplifier?

Larry,

I already have a preamp and a solid state amp (McIntosh C2200 and MC402 respectively), and I see the the Onix SP3 is an integrated amp, therefore I would not need it. Can you recommend another Tube amplifier in the Onix price range?

My experience has been that the big game animals of audio usually recommend mono blocks.

Start with why you want tubes. Then think about how much you can spend. Personally I believe that tubes are for acoustic music. I see no reason why anyone would benefit from reproducing heavy metal at 95 db with tubes. That is SS territory. Tubes are for sensual, subtle sounds.

If you still think you want tubes, or if you now see bi-amping with SS works better for you, the rules are the same. Two chassis cost more than one. Monos enable you to shorten speaker runs. Monos, even if they share a chassis will have separate power supplies allowing for better separated channels. Then there are layout implications, bragging rights and forum topics.

Remember, though, that bi-amping is not a goal but a means to reaching one's goal. Unless you need to do it, don't bother.

Almandog in your current setup I would always look at keeping things simple therefore, a sweet midrange/treble stereo tube amp is preferred IMO. If your truly going to commit to a tube amp you really have to select an amplifer that will help bring synergy and sonics you truly want in the midrange/treble area. I agree, tube rolling will allow you to change the sonics for Legacy Audio 20/20 (nice speaker BTW).

I wonder how much you really gain with MONO amps in the midrange/treble in your current setup. Most great MONOS will cost a lot so look at price/performance ratio hence, stereo tube amp may be a better cost alternative. Tube rolling alone for my two MC275 run in mono...$800 plus to do it right.

The key here is the external crossover which has to deal with two different amplifiers and the potential gain mismatch. The independent output-level controls will have to balance the levels between the woofer and midrange/treble amplifiers.

Almandog, The Onix really is more a power amp than an integrated. I use a preamp in front of it and it sounds great.