2. amps-preamps
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Do high dollar mono blocks truly improve the Sound Quality over the mid tier amps

I'm currently running a pair of Classe Delta Mono"s to drive my Wilson Alexx V's.  IMO they sound wonderful with plenty of power.  I've been considering upgrading these amps to the next price/quality level.  My biggest concern is whether I'll get the level of improvement in SQ that will move the needle.  I'd love to hear from folks who have made this move in their systems or heard comparisons at shows or dealers.  

skinzy

Showing 2 responses by helomech

helomech
1,769 posts
 

Mono blocks are only advantageous if you are switching to them from an amp that had high levels of crosstalk. A competently designed, high-power stereo amp can be just as good or superior. 


 

 

helomech
1,769 posts
 

 

 

A popular audiophilism is that the shorter the speaker cables the better. Do you think this is a significant issue? Thanks.

IME that is true to an extent. For instance, using 8’ 16 gauge VS a 25’ 16 gauge cable. But a 10’ length of 14 gauge cable is not going to present a significant LCR difference VS a 5’ length of the same cable.

IME, it’s better to put the same money into a higher power and/or better quality stereo amp, just so long as it has decent crosstalk performance, which will be the case for nearly any modern solid state amp and most tube amps as well.

The vast majority of audiophiles are using speakers that in my opinion/experience are undeserving of a high end stereo amp, let alone high end mono blocks. If there’s anything I agree on with Kevin Deal of Upscale Audio, it’s his claim that most audiophiles are using amps with capabilities that exceed their speaker quality.

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