Music Reference RM Mono?

My feeling, rightly or wrongly, is that well designed stereo amps do, for all practicle purposes, separation as well as monoblocks - with much of the theoretical advantage being more part marketing than real improvement, except in the case of poorly designed gear with poor cross talk performance. Of course, you do need monoblocks for high power tube applications - got to put all those tubes somewhere:) I too am using light loading, can't here much (any?) difference so if it is easier on the tubes, less distortion and more linear output, why not. Roger's repsonse to me had nothing to do with mono versus stereo, simply said I might (might) get more bass output if I went with the RM200, he was not leaning towards a move to the mono option - but, I have not heard it, so....

One of the best things about mono's is that they are much lighter and you don't need a crane to help you move high power SS class A or Tube amps around. For lower power though, stereo will serve most folks well, except for the few that have associated equipment and listening skills that will easily reveal the marginal increase in benefits from monos, such as power supplies, and channel separation.

I have no experience with the RM10s, but I had a similar situation when I went from a single Monarchy SM-70 Pro to using two as monoblocks, driving 90dB Von Schweikert VR-1s in an 18x14 room.

The monoblock configuration was better in every way. The best way to describe it would be "effortless". The additional headroom makes for better bass, more vivid midrange, and smoother highs, all without changing the fundamental sonic characteristics that I loved in the Class A SM-70s.

I believe that the reason for the difference is that the two channels don't have to compete for the power supply. As for you, the ability to play 3dB louder was a non-factor for me, and I think that most of the monoblock advantage would remain even if the monoblocks only made the same power as the stereo amp channels.

For me, it was revelatory. I'm guessing monoblock RM-10s would produce the same results.

David

I sort of feel that way too (I do use Atma-sphere monoblocks as well, in the colder months:), and also us various Quicksilver monoblocks). My hesitation with pulling the trigger is that like Clio9, the manufacturer was very hesistant to make any such claims for the benefits of going mono; which gives me pause since it would be an easy sale for him. Boy.....

I think Roger is a scholar and a gentleman, having owned one of his EM7s at one point. However, I'm guessing that amp designers don't necessarily have the same priorities as we crazy audiophiles, hence his very practical answers to your and Clio09's questions.

If you're already using monoblocks, then you already have a pretty good idea what the answer is for you.

David