Mono blocks for Revel Salon 1’s recommendation?


I have been looking to upgrade my Krell KMA 160 mono blocks.  I have a Krell KRC -HR and an Oppo Modwright player.  I want to stay with mono blocks and thought I would stay in the late 90’s to 2010 range with something class A…but with all the new smaller amps out there etc, just wondering if I am missing something.  Thought was I needed a high watt/high current mono to get the best out of the Revel’s but not sure looking at some of the newer stuff.  Budget is 10k.  Thanks in advance.  I listen to mostly blues and rock.

lanjett

I had the Revel Salons 1's for 5 years and used Bryston 7B-SST monos with them. Not a great combo on top but I had a lot of good times with that setup.

However, if I had the Salon 1 today and wanted mono blocks I would wait for the Schitt Audio replacement of the Tyr monos. I have the $2000 Schitt Wotan stereo amp, and it is better than the 7B-SST in almost all respects. The bass on the 7B-SST was amazing, not sure if the stereo Wotan is the same level. The fact that I am not sure is a win for the Wotan. 

This summer Schitt will release the upgraded Tyr mono amps, and I think it will have some resemblance to the Wotan. I would have no issue using the Wotan on the Salon1, the Tyr likely will be even better and not break the bank.

My other amp, the stereo CODA #16 would be even better than the Wotan (and likely the new Tyr), but it is hard to find used (under $10k).

My Salon 2's loved my Audionet Max amps.  Used I have seen them between 13 and 18k.  They are amazing.  The Audionet Amps can be had for under 10k, but the Max is the sweet spot in their line.  The Salons love power and current.  An awesome combo.

I don’t have the mono blocks, but I second @fastfreight’s Audionet recommendation. Not the Max, but these are available right here on Audiogon:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbed8c-audionet-amp-solid-state

 

Looking at the specs on those, it is important to note if you are using balanced connections that the input impedance is quite low for XLR. As long as the output impedance of your preamp is below 300 ohms, you will be okay. If you go unbalanced there is a lot more room to move with 37kohm input impedance. 

Nice Stereo System.  Hard to justify the word "upgrade" from those Krells.   If they are working to spec., it will be difficult to improve the sound.  Those amps were the grail for many people when they came out.  If you are bored with the sound, then, you could try tube mono amps and start a whole new phase of tinkering.   I am not sure I believe all the rave reviews of the new Class D mono amps.  If you have other reasons for making the change, ie. size, weight, heat, cost of electricity, age, etc..., then, you have many options....

Note: The way things are going, Class A looks to be going extinct in the future... If it was me, I think I would have those Krells checked out for a possible recap and bias and call it a day.