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Is it better to get dedicated monoblocks instead of bridging stereo paired amps?

I am trying to decide between MacIntosh MC611 monoblocks or 2 SimAudio Moon Audio 761 amps used as monoblocks (bridge stereo channels). 

I love the Moon audio 761 sound. It is so good. Def. my favorite. The only issue for me is, when you bridge the stereo to use them as monoblocks it lessens the damping factor (only miniscule). And there is a large amount more gain in the bridged operation and probably a slight rise in the noise floor. I confirmed this with tech support. 

I have only heard the 761 as a stereo in person, I have not heard 2 pairs in bridge mode and I won't be able to have that opportunity. 

I guess what I am trying to figure out is... for my use case, am I better off going with the MC611's since they are dedicated monoblocks? I am worried that I will notice the difference with the 761s in bridge mode and be disappointed. My hearing is very sensitive to amp sound characteristics (hence why I enjoy hifi so much).   

dman777

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,779 posts
 

I recommend you get Sim Moon monoblocks. If you like the Moon sound... well the Mac sound is very different. If you want monoblocks... get monoblocks... not a bridged compromise. In high end audio every tiny detail matters. Monoblocks are designed to be monoblocks... not duplicate circuits. If I was dealing with consumer products... then bridging would be an option. 

I've know a number of folks that have compared bridging with monoblocks and concluded they are a compromise. I have experience with monoblocks vs the same designed stereo amps. I prefer monoblocks... not everyone may. 

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