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 3 responses by pindac

I have been demo'd ESL's I am familiar with as a model, that were modded to be direct coupled to Power Amp's. These ESL Speakers were indelible and I have not heard a better ESL from any Brand experienced in use. 

I suppose this could be called a Active ESL.

I have not heard non-Active Cabinet Speakers converted to Active so it is difficult to make any further comments on betterment as a outcome.

A post made in previous threads follows:

"  

I feel like I have left out a recommendation of a Low Powered SS Power Amp' that has thoroughly impressed me during demo's in a variety of Build Models, which I made known recollection of experiences had on this forum.

 The Neurochrome Modul 65 has been in use in my Local HiFi Club as a SS Amp' demonstrator for quite a few years. This Amp' had been used in comparisons to both Valve Power Amp's - Valve Integrated Amp's and the same in SS.

It has been used driving Quad ESL's both Vintage and Modern, as well as much kinder loads for a Speaker.

Where it really showed it strengths, was at a time when it proved quite difficult to separate its presentation qualities during a comparison to a EAR 899 Power Amp.

With the resident 899 in the system used, the system Value is close to £50K

With the Modul 65, the system Value is closer to £40K

Neurochrome Amp's are today my top of the list consideration for Amp's when I retire from using my system that is totally Valve Orientated. 

FYI, In a £200K System with a Soulution Power Amplification and a value of approx' £150ish K with the Neurochrome Modul 686 as the comparison Power Amp', the system was just as impressive with the 686 included. some from the short term demo' received made their preference for the 686 known. The system owner was usually an outspoken individual, which following the demo' was not too outspoken, "

       

An Ad in the Link is from earlier in 2024, a very similar Spec' is on sale in the UK for £2K.

This Model Type and Spec' of Amp' will stand 'toe to toe' with Amp's up to 20 X this Value. I have been present and witnessed this this occur with the lowest and highest of the Neurochrome range. The lowest has stood 'toe to toe' with £8K Branded Valve Power Amp's.

There will be substantial funds reserved if the Neurochrome route to Power Amplification is adopted.

Such savings of funds do enable options to be considered to max out on the most desirable upstream supporting devices. Possibly even used sale item Speakers can be discovered, where careful selections are with the potential to create a ' Out the Ball Park' system for the price of Branded Off the Shelf Power Amplification.

If a device is bought from a Competent and Skilled Amp' Builder, there is nothing not to like about such a methodology to attaining a very impressive Power Amplification for a system.