Monoblock amplifiers

[MrBoat]

It was a defining audio milestone for me, when I realized just how immune to specific 'neutral' amp type/tricks all of my neutral speakers and good recordings actually are. They essentially have the capability to be audibly flawless depending almost entirely on recording quality, once all the known standard basics are implemented.

Even one of the recent $100 budget class D amps makes them shine.

 

[JorisU]

I also have noticed that modern budget amps can surprise you with their performance.

 

[Golfx]

I wonder if there are any class D amps that use linear power supplies for that reason? It seems logical to use a switching power supply with a class D amp that uses pulse width modulation. That would yield very good efficiency, but as you mentioned, switching supplies have their limits and some of these monoblocks have very big current demands.

Some of these start to get into the audio bling territory though. The AGD amps are works of art but at least they have specs to match.

I think ATI Class D use linear power supplies.

Class D Amplifiers - Amplifier Technologies Inc.

www.ati-amp.com

 

[Eppie]

I think ATI Class D use linear power supplies.

Class D Amplifiers - Amplifier Technologies Inc.

www.ati-amp.com

Yes, it does mention that on the product page, thanks.

 

[philly]

Regarding dual mono block designed amps. I have order this one from apollon https://apollonaudio.com/product/purifi-1et9040ba-eigentakt-dual-mono-premium-amplifier-apollon-pet1200-dm/

It presents all the internal quality of two separate monoblocks but puts them in a single case. I chose the dual mono strictly because it would fit in my open rack whereas the two monos would be too wide side by side.

Others buyers into really “stretched” audiophile logic use separate mono blocks to sit on top of each driven speaker to reduce “unnecessary resistance” derived from longer speaker wires. Using instead longer XLR interconnects. I am sure some instrument could measure that but not my ears.

I like the specs of this amp. honest opinion guys... do you think it's worth me returning my Anthem Str, which is still within the return period, And getting the Apollon 9040? Esp., due to it being class D??

 

[Golfx]

I like the specs of this amp. honest opinion guys... do you think it's worth me returning my Anthem Str, which is still within the return period, And getting the Apollon 9040? Esp., due to it being class D??

Yes. No other amp has these beach measurements—none. Of course you realize I just ordered these to replace my Hypex Ncore NC1200 monoblocks. Builds take about a month. A cheaper build (but same specs) is also available from March Audio from Australia. I ordered one to drive my center channel speaker.

P801 Mono-Block Power Amplifier - March Audio

The P801 is March Audios new flagship mono block power amplifier. Based on the new Purifi 1ET9040BA module, this simply elegant product is milled from solid aluminium with a tough anodized treatment. Exceptional fit, finish and build quality. Class leading technical and subjective audio...

marchaudio.com

 

[philly]

Yes. No other amp has these beach measurements—none. Of course you realize I just ordered these to replace my Hypex Ncore NC1200 monoblocks. Builds take about a month. A cheaper build (but same specs) is also available from March Audio from Australia. I ordered one to drive my center channel speaker.

P801 Mono-Block Power Amplifier - March Audio

The P801 is March Audios new flagship mono block power amplifier. Based on the new Purifi 1ET9040BA module, this simply elegant product is milled from solid aluminium with a tough anodized treatment. Exceptional fit, finish and build quality. Class leading technical and subjective audio...

marchaudio.com

Ok thanks

 

[lovinthehd]

I like the specs of this amp. honest opinion guys... do you think it's worth me returning my Anthem Str, which is still within the return period, And getting the Apollon 9040? Esp., due to it being class D??

You have an excellent amp now....why would you change for another?

 

[JorisU]

Yes. No other amp has these beach measurements—none. Of course you realize I just ordered these to replace my Hypex Ncore NC1200 monoblocks. Builds take about a month. A cheaper build (but same specs) is also available from March Audio from Australia. I ordered one to drive my center channel speaker.

P801 Mono-Block Power Amplifier - March Audio

The P801 is March Audios new flagship mono block power amplifier. Based on the new Purifi 1ET9040BA module, this simply elegant product is milled from solid aluminium with a tough anodized treatment. Exceptional fit, finish and build quality. Class leading technical and subjective audio...

marchaudio.com

I've heard that March Audio offers great solutions. How do you compare their amplifiers with other brands, such as those offered in the higher price segment?

 

[Golfx]

I've heard that March Audio offers great solutions. How do you compare their amplifiers with other brands, such as those offered in the higher price segment?

Specs are specs. They recently extended their warranties to 5 years. Apollon has a reputation for high quality builds over on Audio Science Review. But, I know I could not hear the difference.

 

[philly]

You have an excellent amp now....why would you change for another?

Good point I was kind of leaning in that direction myself. thanks for talking me off the ledge! you know this hobby, it's a relentless pursuit of perfection, there's always some other candy out there we want. but I need to be content as well and just enjoy...

 

[lovinthehd]

Good point I was kind of leaning in that direction myself. thanks for talking me off the ledge! you know this hobby, it's a relentless pursuit of perfection, there's always some other candy out there we want. but I need to be content as well and just enjoy...

Only thing I could think of is perhaps you wanted to save some money on the amp, the ones being discussed are all quite good, so I'd pick on power myself (and I'd consider your current amp powerful enough for any speakers). Amps are not an area for improvements generally, nor electronics in general....speakers/subs and your room are where the gains are much more tangible....

 

[Will Brink]

Anthem's page says "Inside, the STR Power Amplifier uses two colossal transformers"

It says the transformer in my STR integrated is "massive." It's really not, especially when you consider the power ratings and compared to other brands of similar $. Regardless, both separate and integrated STR seem to live up to their ratings and over excellent performers, so I don't care.

 

[lovinthehd]

It says the transformer in my STR integrated is "massive." It's really not, especially when you consider the power ratings and compared to other brands of similar $. Regardless, both separate and integrated STR seem to live up to their ratings and over excellent performers, so I don't care.

Well it's been a while, but don't remember if power amp/integrated let alone particular model. A single power supply can be quite adequate for a 2ch amp. The STR line does seem to be somewhat honest about spec and perform fairly well altho at somewhat of a premium price compared to others. Audiophilia is strange.

 

[Will Brink]

Well it's been a while, but don't remember if power amp/integrated let alone particular model. A single power supply can be quite adequate for a 2ch amp. The STR line does seem to be somewhat honest about spec and perform fairly well altho at somewhat of a premium price compared to others. Audiophilia is strange.

It's not cheap to be sure, but I can't think of anything similar for less $ either. One could buy say a Buckeye class D amp and a MiniDSP HSD for comparable capabilities with room correction, DSP, etc and plenty of power on tap. That would cost less. I admit I still like my A/B amps, but will consider Class D if I ever decide to change it. The new Topping mono blocks look like a grear deal also.

 

[Swerd]

Which transformer is bigger? Massive or Colossal?

 

[highfigh]

It says the transformer in my STR integrated is "massive." It's really not, especially when you consider the power ratings and compared to other brands of similar $. Regardless, both separate and integrated STR seem to live up to their ratings and over excellent performers, so I don't care.

Marketing BS- they use words that exist to mean something other than the definition. If they meant that the transformers are heavy, they were correct.

 

[Will Brink]

Marketing BS- they use words that exist to mean something other than the definition. If they meant that the transformers are heavy, they were correct.

They don't appear any larger/heavier than other brands. If anything, looked smaller than I expected for the power ratings. The unit itself weighs less than most for the size and power rating. It's an excellent integrated amp with overall good measurements and tech I think is very valuable, such as ARC Genesis, base management/DSP, etc, so no complaints from me, just an observation. I will not lie and say larger tansformer and heft would not add to the cool factor for almost 5k price tag.

 

[highfigh]

They don't appear any larger/heavier than other brands. If anything, looked smaller than I expected for the power ratings. The unit itself weighs less than most for the size and power rating. It's an excellent integrated amp with overall good measurements and tech I think is very valuable, such as ARC Genesis, base management/DSP, etc, so no complaints from me, just an observation. I will not lie and say larger tansformer and heft would not add to the cool factor for almost 5k price tag.

And that's why it's marketing BS- they're NOT heavier, but they were called 'massive'.

 

[MrBoat]

And that's why it's marketing BS- they're NOT heavier, but they were called 'massive'.

Everything now is sensationalized. I mean, 98F is no longer hot enough. They instead put emphasis on the "feels like" temperature. As someone who has worked outdoors in FL. and in an open air welding shop his whole life, I can tell you that 98F has always been hot enough. It still feels like 98F always did. But these dorks who go from their AC'd house or office, the 50ft or so to the AC'd car, to the next AC'd destination, swear it must be hotter than it actually is.