Talk me out of buying Monoblocks and into a stereo amp instead
I am planning on buying a McIntosh system. It is a system I have been wanting a very long time. No need to suggest any other brand... I am set on this one.
I am going to get the CP 12000 preamp for sure. However, I can’t decide between a pair of MC611’s monoblocks or the MC-462 stereo amp. It seems like for $6k, the mono blocks are not much more in price and I get a lot more audio for the extra $6k.
Talk me out of buying the monoblocks! Tell me your experience if you had both? Do you like stereo amps better after owning monoblocks? Tell me why.
Initially, I went to mono blocks on my main system to split the weight of 100lb stereo amplifiers to 55lb each mono amps. Much easier to swap in/out now. Later realized again the sonic benefit of splitting each channel to its own individual chassis, more transformer capability, and less of a noise mess in each chassis. |
If you are not worried about power, space or cost I would always buy mono blocks. I've been in and out of mono blocks a number of times and always ended up with monos. If you are thinking about it you won't be happy if you dont buy them. Cleanest sound, dedicated power supplies and great flexibility. Buy and dont look back! +1 @gdnrbob |
Why monoblocks? Because they separately amplify the left and right signals without having to be in one box. Because they allow you to use shorter speaker wires, which in turn, will result in less cable coloring. Because using XLR cables (providing the circuitry follows AES standards) between amp and preamp minimizes signal loss. -I don't know if the Mac's are XLR, but going this route, I hope they are. My 2.5 cents... Bob |
1. done with tubes for life? either way that’s quite a commitment to SS. 2. you want or need that much power? 3. you want stereo with short interconnects and longer speaker wires OR mono with longer interconnects and shorter speaker wires? 4. any placement considerations? 5. normally, same power, it is easier to move smaller mono-blocks, however you are going from 450wpc stereo to 600wpc monos, the stereo weighs around 115, the monos weigh 97lbs, what’s another 18 lbs among friends with hand trucks and hernia prevention belts.
|
Far be it from me to talk you out of doing something good for your system. Monoblocks have some advantages. The physical separation of monoblocks offers some SQ benefits. A stereo amp circuit in a single chassis has more crosstalk, usually shares a single power supply, and definitely weighs more. Monoblocks also split the heat between two chassis. Not sure that a single chassis unit offers much benefit over monoblocks if the price isn’t prohibitive, other than perhaps that you only need one space (though larger) and one plug for it. |
