Please recommend some Monoblock Amps

[JasperJ]

Hello all,
Would love some advise of a couple of non-tube based monoblock amps. My budget is up to 18k. I am open to new or used.

Current system built -
Pass XP-20 pre
Technics SL G700 mk1 CD/SACD/Network
Kinki Studio stereo EX-M7(replacing with some monoblocks)
PureAudio Project Trio w/Coax - biwire/amp able
Rega P6 - tweaked out
All cabling Harmonic Technology

I listen most to CD/SACD, Dowloaded digital music, vinyl. Was looking for neutral with sliver of warm.

For reference, of my taste, my theater/multi SACD/DVDA is
Bryston B9^2
Cary Audio Cinema 12
Arcam FMJ 139 universal
Cambridge Audio CXU universal
Tannoy XT 8/6/C
All cabling Harmonic Technology
-would describe this as fairly neutral with a touch toward analytical.

 

[NekoAudio]

If you already know you like Bryston, why not get Bryston monoblocks? A pair of 7B3 monoblocks would fall within your budget.

 

[stephen_volker]

You should check out AudioNet. With an 18k budget you could get used AudioNet Amp monos and have money to spare on some very nice stuff. I used to run the APL DSD SR Mk II DAC with an Innuos Zenith SE server. It was pure liquid digital with detail to match.

 

[JasperJ]

You should check out AudioNet. With an 18k budget you could get used AudioNet Amp monos and have money to spare on some very nice stuff. I used to run the APL DSD SR Mk II DAC with an Innuos Zenith SE server. It was pure liquid digital with detail to match.

I though I ran though the A's already...thanks for the heads up on AudioNet. Never heard of them will check out.

 

[JasperJ]

If you already know you like Bryston, why not get Bryston monoblocks? A pair of 7B3 monoblocks would fall within your budget.

Yeah, was on my list to circle back with. Have a dealer by me that has Chord, Bryston and Pass so I was going to do a comparison on those. I have not been in the market to look at new gear in about 15 years so. Moved a few years ago to a place that I could set up a secondary system and have always wanted to go the open baffle route and did not want to be brand loyal, or keep an open mind on newer gear.

 

[stephen_volker]

I'm really curious. Why only monoblocks? There are some incredible stereo amplifiers these days.

 

[JasperJ]

I'm really curious. Why only monoblocks? There are some incredible stereo amplifiers these days.

Not totally rational lol, but I was able to acquire some nice, but short speaker cables and have the xovers detached. I do have a piece of furniture to house my gear and it is all filled up now(current amp sideways next to the furniture with extra long cable runs), so I would have to buy something else. I also am at the point I actually have the budget to get a pair.

 

[stephen_volker]

Not totally rational lol, but I was able to acquire some nice, but short speaker cables and have the xovers detached. I do have a piece of furniture to house my gear and it is all filled up now(current amp sideways next to the furniture with extra long cable runs), so I would have to buy something else. I also am at the point I actually have the budget to get a pair.

Makes sense to me!

 

[tmallin]

Having used Bryston monoblocks (7B ST and 7B SST)years ago, the more recent versions should be fine.

Other options I've used and found sonically yet better than the Brystons I had are:

Sanders Magtech Monoblocks
Sanders Magtech stereo amps (which sound better than the Sanders monoblocks and still have PLENTYy of power)
Audio by Van Alstine DVA M225
Benchmark AHB2 run in mono

The Benchmarks are what I currently use and I have absolutely no complaints. See my discussion at this link.

 

[Long Live Analog]

Gato PWR-222 mono blocks

 

[mxk116]

The Parasound JC1+ might be a consideration. Plays well with Pass Labs preamps and can be had in the preowned market well below your budget.

 

[Tuckers]

Atma-Sphere Class D monoblocks

AGD Gran Vivace monoblocks

 

[AudioLibertarian]

Symphonic Line Rg4 MK5 from Germany . Imho far better than those on your list.

 

[mxk116]

Hello all,
Would love some advise of a couple of non-tube based monoblock amps. My budget is up to 18k. I am open to new or used.

Current system built -
Pass XP-20 pre
Technics SL G700 mk1 CD/SACD/Network
Kinki Studio stereo EX-M7(replacing with some monoblocks)
PureAudio Project Trio w/Coax - biwire/amp able
Rega P6 - tweaked out
All cabling Harmonic Technology

I listen most to CD/SACD, Dowloaded digital music, vinyl. Was looking for neutral with sliver of warm.

For reference, of my taste, my theater/multi SACD/DVDA is
Bryston B9^2
Cary Audio Cinema 12
Arcam FMJ 139 universal
Cambridge Audio CXU universal
Tannoy XT 8/6/C
All cabling Harmonic Technology
-would describe this as fairly neutral with a touch toward analytical.

Now that I took the time to learn a bit about the high efficency PureAudioProject speakers you are using the Parasound JC1+ might be overkill in the power department. On the other hand, the JC1+ is a remarkably refined amplifier that runs in Class A up to 25 watts. The more I think about it I certainly would enjoy giving that combination a listen.

Please keep us posted as you narrow the field.
Threads of this type provide the vicarious experience of new equipment acquisition without the cost; much appreciated!

 

[DasguteOhr]

Phantastic sounding mono amps with external power supply 10k€ pair

A4e – Valvet – High End Verstärker (amplifiers)

 

[Rumpole]

Now that I took the time to learn a bit about the high efficency PureAudioProject speakers you are using the Parasound JC1+ might be overkill in the power department. On the other hand, the JC1+ is a remarkably refined amplifier that runs in Class A up to 25 watts. The more I think about it I certainly would enjoy giving that combination a listen.

Please keep us posted as you narrow the field.
Threads of this type provide the vicarious experience of new equipment acquisition without the cost; much appreciated!

Many of the recommendations above might have more power than needed for the PAP Trio w/Coax. The Pass XA-25 is a great option and is often used by PAP at shows (they often use the Pass INT-25 which is the XA-25 with a simple preamp included).

 

[thedudeabides]

I also am at the point I actually have the budget to get a pair.

Just because you can does not mean you should. And one reason you are considering mono amps is because you have two short pairs of speaker wire with crossovers? Does not seem at all rationale to me and just because they are "nice" does not guarantee that they wii sound good in your system. And you can always sell them and use that money elsewhere in your system. But that is a whole different discussion.

As others have said, you can get a very good used or new stereo amp within your budget. One can argue you get better price / performance value going with a stereo amp versus monos. And if you have a dealer that will permit you to audition Pass Labs (and other brand) amps, I would suggest you try that first. Pass has many wattage, sonic flavor, class options to choose from, built to last and maintain value on the used market.

Finally, sounds like you may do some speaker upgrading in the future. As you know, whatever speakers you end up with will have a very substantial impact on your amplifier purchase. Cart before the horse? Just a thought.

 

[gestalt]

Many of the recommendations above might have more power than needed for the PAP Trio w/Coax

Agree here. For your speakers you should focus on purity instead of a more traditional high power design. The Valvet suggestion above is a good one, and you might also consider the Konus Audio Robusto 3000 monos (http://www.konus-audio.com/robusto.html). 33 watts/channel, class AB, alive.

Heads up that I import Konus into North America.

 

[JasperJ]

Phantastic sounding mono amps with external power supply 10k€ pair

A4e – Valvet – High End Verstärker (amplifiers)

Ah these are quite interesting. I was originally headed this way but could not see to find much lower watt ss amps that were not over 20k. Will add to the list for sure.

 

[JasperJ]

Just because you can does not mean you should. And one reason you are considering mono amps is because you have two short pairs of speaker wire with crossovers? Does not seem at all rationale to me and just because they are "nice" does not guarantee that they wii sound good in your system. And you can always sell them and use that money elsewhere in your system. But that is a whole different discussion.

As others have said, you can get a very good used or new stereo amp within your budget. One can argue you get better price / performance value going with a stereo amp versus monos. And if you have a dealer that will permit you to audition Pass Labs (and other brand) amps, I would suggest you try that first. Pass has many wattage, sonic flavor, class options to choose from, built to last and maintain value on the used market.

Finally, sounds like you may do some speaker upgrading in the future. As you know, whatever speakers you end up with will have a very substantial impact on your amplifier purchase. Cart before the horse? Just a thought.

Yeah I hear you. Was weighing the selling off cabinet, cables etc to fit around a new amp vs look for a couple of nice monos and keep what I have.

Admittedly I was looking for some suggestions that would be outside what I could source locally as that is slim. I am keeping an eye on the used market and hoped to get some advice from those who have been into more recent gear. But will definitely audition some Pass amps.

I am really satisfied with the PAP trios, so I do not see myself moving from them any time soon. They are, if one wants, a tweakers paradise, but have found them to be quite nice out of the box.