B&K M200 Sonata Monoblocks vs. Monarchy SE-100 Delux

The system these monoblocks will be used in is as follows.FT Audio LW1 passive pre-ampNordost Solar Wind interconnects throughoutRCD-971 CD-playerTransparent Music Wave Plus speaker cableNHT 2.9 speakersThe speakers are a 6 ohm nominal, with drops to ~3 ohms. In overall terms, it's a fairly easy load for a decent amp. They do require current, and the B&K M200's are rated 150 amps (peak-to-peak), or about 75 amps of usable current. Thanks for all the information so far in regard to this choice!

Depends on the speakers you are driving. Are they a simple/steady 8 ohm load or do they swing mercilessly from 12 ohms to 2 ohms?

John Gale used the B&K's in his May 1999 review of the Thiel CS2.3 Loudspeakers in SoundStage! magazine:

"When the CS2.3s were first installed, I drove them with some aging B&K M200 mono amplifiers, rated at 200 watts each but certainly not current powerhouses. The performance was certainly presentable, but a relative softness in the bass and a sense of "topping out" in the dynamics left a nagging feeling. Inserting the Bryston 4B-ST amplifier (review in the works) dramatically changed the presentation. Dynamics, coherency and imaging all improved under its control."

While this really doesn't tell you a lot about how they will compare to the Monarchy's, it may imply a trait of the M200's. Of course, any relevence to you is reliant on how your speakers compare to the Thiels in difficulty to drive.

If i remember correctly, the M-200's were capable of appr 75 amp peak output. This should make it a measurably beefier amp than the Monarchy, which probably sounds mellower and smoother overall. Depending on how tough the speakers are to drive and what overall sonics you are looking for, it looks like you've got your work cut out for you... : ) Sean
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monarchy is known as being a giant killer.