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 - You don't mention what speakers you are using. I'm suprised no one has mentioned it yet, There is one thing that happens when you bridge a stereo amp. The amp will see the speaker impedience load to be one half of the rating. I.e. 8 ohm speakers are seen as 4 ohm, 4 ohm as 2 ohm, etc. This can be a real problem if the impedience drops to 2 ohms or less. It is not an ideal situtation when that happens. So that alone may make your choice for you. - Jeff |
And you can always go with two stereo amps and bi-amp the speakers if you want the "monoblock" aesthetic (and I use that word very loosely). It isn't always about power or wattage. Amp design and their inherent "sound" usually more important, which you have already determined. You like the Sim Audio's sound and the 761's are a dual mono design. So technically they are monoblocks stuffed into the same chasis. And in the end, if you were to buy the McIntosh, which have a much different sound, would you be content or still wanting or yearning for the SimAudio's? - Jeff |
