2 part question:

[FNG212]

What are the advantages of 5 monoblock amps compared to 1 amp with 5 channels? I can only think of 2: more headroom (possibly) and ability to replace component if one fails than replace 1 block that still has 4 working channels.

That being said, are there any monoblocks that are cheaper to buy 5 of than a multichannel with the same available power for the same money? I would like to keep it below $1k with 250wpc (4-ohm) for 5 channels. If anyone can give me ideas that would beat the Emotiva XPA-5 I would love to hear it. I do not know where/how to research amps specifically; it seems there are a lot of companies out there I have never heard of. I have not made a final decision about my receiver upgrade yet -- if someone has a combo suggestion I am open (<$1k budget for receiver also)

Thanks guys.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Your best bet is to look in the used market, like Audiogon and Videogon.
Check for those older Mono block Marantz amplifiers.

The Emotiva XPA-5 multichannel amp is hard to beat at only $799.

Finally, the best Primo Receiver for less than 1k, is probably the Onkyo TX-SR876 that sells for only $899.99 (FREE SHIPPING) at accessories for less.

* Here: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR876BLK/Onkyo/TX-SR876-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-black-FREE-SHIP-/1.html

Bob

Note: If you want a Combo, go for Onkyo PR-SC886P (or PR-SC885P) with Emotiva XPA-5.
If you want 7.1-channel, just add an Emotiva XPA-2, to make it a Trio.

 

[MatthewB.]

Your best bet is to go with monoblocks for each channel. The reason is you can place the amp very close to the speaker and hence less distance for the speaker wire to travel with the monoblock so close to the speaker.

Multichannel amps also have to share some components where the monoblock is dedicated truly to that one channel. It's also less strain on the oulet with one channel being driven instead of the power requirements with one outlet having to power five or 7 channels.

Granted the difference in sound quality is very small, but you almost defeat any ground loops or line interferrence with monoblocks.

Now I say some multichannel amps not all, because some are designed to have seperate transformers and amps for each channel in one case, but again there are some components that do need to be shared.

If I could do it over I would go with monoblocks, but I use three stereo amps in one setup, a stereo amp in my office setup and a six channel amp in my master bedroom setup.

 

[FNG212]

Thanks MatthewB,

Do you have any recommendations on a good monoblock for $200-$300?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Remember that if you're using a full 7.1-channel speaker setup, you'll need seven (7) AC receptacles (close to your speakers).

That is if you go with seven Mono blocks. Not worth the trouble in my book.
Just get the Emotiva XPA-5 for $799. and if you really need more power for your two front mains, get the XPA-2.

*** By the way, with your Klipsch speakers, the XPA-5 is overkill. Get the UPA-7 for only $599.

Bob

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks MatthewB,

Do you have any recommendations on a good monoblock for $200-$300?

If you are buying three or less, it's a bit past your price point. They're within your budget if getting 5 or more.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/promo_pages/promo_2200.html

Otherwise, they do pop up on classifieds with some frequency if you wanted to save even more. Their warranties are 5yr transferrable.

 

[PeterWhite]

Has there ever been a proper double blind test comparing a receiver with good specs, like an Onkyo 805, with any set of high end "price no object" monoblocks, all connected to speakers which don't present a load any of the amps weren't designed for, and using speaker wires of the proper gauge for the distance and speaker impedances?

 

[mtrycrafts]

Has there ever been a proper double blind test comparing a receiver with good specs, like an Onkyo 805, with any set of high end "price no object" monoblocks, all connected to speakers which don't present a load any of the amps weren't designed for, and using speaker wires of the proper gauge for the distance and speaker impedances?

Not sure. There is a Spanish web site where there seems to be a lot of DBT going on but never really checked for this.
On the other hand, there is one on line of a famous case between a Yamaha integrated amp, about $300, versus two monoblocks, Pass Aleph 1.2, with 3 golden ears but couldn't identify their own amp in their own room with their own speakers I would feel comfortable with that to draw a parallel to todays Onkyo or most any others. Speak is you really want to read that post

 

[mtrycrafts]

.... It's also less strain on the oulet with one channel being driven instead of the power requirements with one outlet having to power five or 7 channels.

Granted the difference in sound quality is very small, but you almost defeat any ground loops or line interferrence with monoblocks.
...

That outlet thought applies only if they are all on their own breakers. Otherwise, same breaker, same load or, maybe more as you now have 7 inefficient power transformers instead of one.

And, your ground look definitely can increase with that 7 extra components attached to the same preamp, etc.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Onkyo TX-SR805 THX Ultra2 A/V Surround Receiver.

Hey FNG212, just look for a refurb Onkyo TX-SR805 A/V receiver,
(it runs between $400 and $600 max.)

Cost = Extra minimum.
Value = Out of this world.
Performance + Power = With your Klipsch speakers, are you kidding me?

Bob

 

[walter duque]

My poweramp requires 5500 watts under test conditions. That's hard to get from a 110 volt 15 amp breaker. With mono blocks you cant get the most out of your amps by running them on individual circuit breakers. All in one they starve for electricity. It's like your trying to wash your car with little waterpressure.

 

[nibhaz]

One technical advantage of monoblocks that has not been mentioned thus far is zero crosstalk between channels. With that being said, I wouldn’t consider it a major benefit. The XPA-5 is pretty hard to beat, and I doubt you would be disappointed, if you choose to go that route.

 

[Lordoftherings]

If you have a power amp with 10,000 watts per channel , it would still be limited by your AC current power supply from the wall outlet of your home.

So, you'll never get that 10,000 watts, unless you wire your house with some major power supply circuitry of very high voltage.

* Dr. Frankenstein did it, by using a kite attached to a wire rod flying in the sky on a night of thunder and lightening. Can you?

 

[CraigV]

If you have a power amp with 10,000 watts per channel , it would still be limited by your AC current power supply from the wall outlet of your home.

So, you'll never get that 10,000 watts, unless you wire your house with some major power supply circuitry of very high voltage.

* Dr. Frankenstein did it, by using a kite attached to a wire rod flying in the sky on a night of thunder and lightening. Can you?

You could use a Tesla Coil

 

[Lordoftherings]

And a Big one too.

You could use a Tesla Coil

This is great Craig, you always come up with great appropriate pictures.

* There are two movies that I really love, from what your picture reminds me off;
one: "The Prestige", and two: "Young Frankenstein".