Monoprice hired me to beta test a new line of high-value amplifiers for them to compete with Emotiva BasX. In this report, I measure the following amplifiers:
- M2100X: 90wpc x 2CH (8-ohm) MSRP: $399
- M3100X: 90wpc x 3CH (8-ohm) MSRP: $499
- M5100X: 90wpc x 5CH (8-ohm) MSRP: $599
In my testing, I measured Frequency Response, SNR, Crosstalk, and Power with ACD into 8 ohms and 2CH driven into 4 ohms.
It was refreshing to see Monoprice take my recommendation to rate the power of these amplifiers before the Knee in the Power vs Distortion curve.
This is very unusual for budget priced amplifiers like these.
Based on my measurements in this report, these are good amplifiers to help take the pressure off of your AV Receiver by powering the height and surround channels so the AVR can deliver more power to your LCRs. The M2100X had the best noise and distortion performance of the 3 models which would make it well suited for a budget 2CH audiophile set up.
Read: 3 Budget Monolith Amplifiers Bench Tested
Deal Alert: At the time of publishing, Monoprice is offering a
special discount on the
M5100X model for only $549!
Note: the M7100X model didn't bench test well so Monoprice is holding off on offering that model for now.
The three amplifiers are a Class AB design with a large centralized torodial transformer and filter capacitors varying in size and amount based on the channel configurations. Two low noise fans fire directly at the single heatsink housing the amplifier power transistors which only engage on power up or under extreme load
