Monoblocks vs Bi-amping

"...I would think bi-amping would be superior since the each amp would see a more stable impedance profile"

Hello,

Spectron claims that their amp is stable to the load up to 0.1 Ohm so this should not be concern to you.

I own B&W 802N and drive them with two Spectrons. Of course, as suggested above I tried them in both configurations. Unquestionably (for me , at least) monoblock configaration was much better then bi-amp stereo. No slightest question about it. If your speaker impedance is more gentle then extremely difficult 802 then you will be even better off.

Somebody above mention that minimum impedance of your speakers is 3.5 Ohm. If true then its great. The problem with speakers is that practically no customer asks and no speaker and amplifier manufacturer alike volunteer to describe... the speaker impedance PHASE behaivor and amplifier ability to deal with it. Its ain't easy...the demand for delivered power increase substantially.

Good Luck
Rafael

"Since you have to buy 2 of these Amps and they're not cheap, does it make any sense to look at other high-end Monoblocks, that don't require Bridging, or Bi-Amping? "

Hey Rich, why to discuss things you have no idea about ???

Spectron does not require bridging or bi-amping !!!! Brian wants to use two of the amps. Eacch Spectron runs very well in stereo mode and it was produced as a stereo amp. Excellent sound. I used it for two years before I went to two amps.

It just happenned that as designed this amp can run also in FULLY BALANCED monoblocks - without a single additional switch or op-amp. it has two phase "in/out" switches - one per channel. No other amp or preamp has this features. At best - phase in/out for both channels. It was done to control phase which on many recordings is simply mixed. I know it because I can hear and I use these two switches extensively - to "focus" sound presentation.

Since you can switch one channel's phase then by sending the same signal into amp's two channels you have on output two signals equal in amplitude but with oppose phases - you continue it to your speakers and that's all. No other amplifier in the world can do it..

".. I wasn't suggesting that Spectron requires it"

Hello Rich,

I am terrible speller but ...I can read. Read again your statement:

".....does it make any sense to look at other high-end Monoblocks, that don't require Bridging, or Bi-Amping? "
... see again this word: "REQUIRE"

Moreover, neither did you or any other contributor (as far as I could note) to this thread mention immensely important, I would say vital conditions of bi-amp versus monoblocks. For example, if Brian speakers use active crossover then he MUST use bi-amp, he has no choice or if monoblocks operation is in FULLY balanced mode (FULLY as in from amp input to the speaker binding posts) - which change immensely sound presentation - and please, not to confuse with balanced input which require XLR. I use my amps in full balanced mode using single ended RCA inputs (just two of them: "plus" and "minus" thus fullfilling definition of "balanced").

From Spectron web site (note that in first phrase instead of power outputs they mention efficiency of speakers):

"Regardless of the efficiency of the speakers, balanced mode of operation doubles the slew rate and bandwidth by virtue of the out of phase transmission. This also suppresses the noise and buzz originated upstream from the amplifier. The other major advantage of fully balanced mode in Spectron amplifiers is that transmission of both positive and negative signals (in each amplifier) is maintained separately from the amplifier's input to the speakers binding posts. Assuming that the signal path electronics are matched, all of the intrinsic amplifier distortions arrive at the speakers with practically identical amplitude but with opposed polarity and essentially cancel each other. The result is a largely noise and distortion free sound transmission, leading to a spectacular improvement in three-dimensionality and resolution of detail in the music"

And, if yourself would try two Spectrons first as two stereo amps and then as two monoblocks you would HEAR, HEAR immense improvements in the sound, like huge veil is removed and instruments are razor sharp located, and with their IMPROVED palpability "look" like a statues within huge soundstage etc etc. Anyone with two ears would hear it.

I am not alone - see reviews of other owners of monoblocks on-line, see professional reviews - by now may 10, look on their awards - just Best Sound at CES alone should say something.

I describe Spectrons only because original questions was directed at these amps and I use them for five years. You and others so far did describe other amplifiers (may be better, I don;t know) other situations for sure etc. Brian ask simple question - deserves simple answer.

If you want to compare Spectrons to other amplifiers in identical mode of operation (i.e. stereo vs stereo and mono vs mono), particualrly fully balanced mode then you MUST compare part tolerance first of all. As Spectron web site stated (see above) that if parts matching is excellent then distortions are canceled and thus if there is mismatching then new resulting distortion could be equal or worse or much worse then original stereo distortions. So go ahead, compare - this forum is all about it - just apples with apples, please.

Good Luck
Rafael