Single Chassis v Monoblock amplifiers

[marty_e]

Hoping someone can enlighten me. What, in layman's terms, do monoblocks offer in sonics that make them more desired than single chassis amplifiers. I do understand that the key difference is that each channel has a dedicated power transformer. In what way does this improve sonics? Thanks for your responses..

[JackD201]

"Supposedly", having independent power supplies allows for better channel separation because the draw on one channel won't affect the other as much. Going from separate blocks to dual mono in a single chassis does the same thing but a tad less effectively. There's also the issue of "contamination" or crosstalk between channels. The extra oomph buys you better dynamic gradations while the lowered or eliminated crosstalk and channel separation buys you a more stable soundstage that is more solid as well as having images better fixed in space.

Execution is still key like it is with anything else. Each m'block has to be as close to identical in specs and actual performance with each other for these gains to be realized hence my liberal use of quotation marks. All in all I think the differences are small enough not to be bothered with unless the source, room and speakers are at a very high level of tuning and performance. Even the benefit of shorter speaker cables will probably go undetected by anyone but the most OC.

I've never had the same amp modules in stereo and in monoblock configuration so I really can't say. For me to compare my past and present stereo amps with my present set of monoblocks would be rather useless. They look darned cool though in a mafiosi or Count Dracula way. The system layout is also more aesthetically pleasing because a stereo off to one side of a rack looks "banlag" and alone in the middle sans rack, "lonely". Monoblocks are like pairs of hounds chilling out just waiting for the sic 'em command.

This brings to mind a funny anecdote from another forum where one guy asks why there are so many amps of two particular power tube types when they look boring and are ugly while some tubes look exciting "because they are big and make nice lights". I swear this is a true story Mart. Another member bashes the guy saying something to the effect that he thought the thread was dumb and that it should be a serious and technical discussion on the sound and not the looks. The OP, a Brazilian with spotty english answers....

Why? Beauty not important to you? You can marry an ugly woman? Surely your wife is beautiful!



Solid supalpal. All the serious guy could offer in reply was "If you want to be happy don't marry a beautiful woman". followed by one of these ---->

I'm still trying to figure out if he has an ugly wife or is unhappy

[rtsyrtsy]

I'm still trying to figure out if he has an ugly wife or is unhappy

Thanks, this made my day!

[skeesix]

sorry double post

[skeesix]

Another advantage is the weight. During the Trodt audio shootout over the weekend, we had to carry amps up and down a flight of stairs. Chucks audio room is on the third floor of his home. The monos where definitely much lighter to carry than the integrated amp I had. Sound wise, it was hard to tell. The Emission Labs 300b tubes can hold it out against any others.

Another aspect to consider is channel balance/output. As Jack mentioned it has to be exactly the same, unless perhaps the pre amps are equipped with a balance control .

The mono s are definitely more expensive. Double chassis, trannies, etc....

Oh by the way, Jack and I have lovely wives

[arnoldc]

Monoblock or not, the tolerances of each channel will dictate the "balance." Channel separation will be influenced by the source anyway. Crosstalk can be introduced by the source too.

To me, you want a monoblock if you want to buy an uber-expensive speaker cable and you want it short, hence the amp is closer to the speaker.

[accastil]

perhaps the most glaring difference ive observed comparing a monoblock from a stereo design is the overall silence and headroom

monoblock design is more quiet. they would also have a larger headroom as compared to stereo design.
the overall outcome is a cleaner sound, more detail retreival, better handling of transient sound.

[arnoldc]

I don't agree. It cannot be generalized.

[Gino]

Wouldn't shorter speaker cables mean longer interconnects? Does this mean there is less "loss" with interconnects?

[marty_e]

Jack napaisip tuloy ako - what if I had monoblock wives... HMMM

Thanks for your replies. While some of the differences are evident i.e. mas magaan, dalawang piraso, shorter speaker cables etc, I likewise am of the belief that monoblocks offer advantages and disadvantages that make them actually not necessarily better sonics-wise than their single chassis counterparts. Empirically, however - there seemed to be a bit more grunt and drive when I once compared an ST-70 to a Mark IV side by side. Yesterday I attempted to compare an Eico HF81 to HF14's driven bya passive linestage but the exercise was futile since the preamp section was vastly different anyway.

[brady]

from a diy point of view, the most impt advantage of mono is lighter weight.

[Jon Agner]

Gino,

that's the basic configuration when using monoblocks, you'll have shorter speaker cables but a bit longer on the interconnects. Signal loss with a longer IC is minimal, when compared to the speaker cable's signal loss.

[Audiogeek]

from a diy point of view, the most impt advantage of mono is lighter weight.

mytrodt845 is a dual mono, single chassis type of amp.
single-ended two tubes pa lang yan.
napaka bigat!
sonic wise, not much difference.

[Gino]

I see. Thanks Jon.

[kabubi]

(redundant post deleted)

[JackD201]

Jack napaisip tuloy ako - what if I had monoblock wives... HMMM

Let me know in advance if you decide to try it so I can get a head start on your eulogy

By the way, I took Commander M to the firing range and she is a dead shot up to 10 meters. Strictly mono for me!

[marty_e]

Brod, my wife once nailed me with a TV remote from that distance. I believe I came from your place that evening . I'll stick to a singe chassis partner and leave the stereo pairs to sounds. I heard about your near win at the Elena Cup. Let's play soon.

Sorry for the OT, btw...

[Nelson de Leon]

Been wanting monoblocks ever since. Aesthetically, they are very macho looking. But they are also very heavy on my pocket. Hence, single chassis na lang. But if budget permits, i would get monoblocks in the future.

[alexg]

from a diy point of view, the most impt advantage of mono is lighter weight.

mytrodt845 is a dual mono, single chassis type of amp.
single-ended two tubes pa lang yan.
napaka bigat!
sonic wise, not much difference.

The 845 tube needs a big OPT and a big power transformer. If the core used is not M6 or Z11, then the core needs to be further oversized!

Try carrying a stereo chassis of one of these!