Why Monoblock Amps are Better than Two Channel Amps!

[@cheapaudioman]

Do monoblock amps destroy regular amps? Kind of but it's not that simple Fosi Audio V3 Mono amzn.to/4eVbGOP (affiliate) Outlaw Audio 2220 Monoblock amzn.to/3Nz9uAo (affiliate) Emotiva A1 Monoblock bit.ly/3zEDNQp (affiliate) Emotiva DR1 bit.ly/4eOIHfD (affiliate) Schiit Tyr bit.ly/40cwIEe

[@mrpmj00]

My NAD C298 class D sounds better than even my Class AB $1500 Parasound 2250v2 --- source=Apple Music lossless

[@DEFKNIGHT]

Well you know there's dual mono amplifiers like Orchard Audio's Starktrimson Ultra 2.0 GaN Fet amps. They don't HAVE to be two separate blocks!

[@TriAmpMyFi]

@@DEFKNIGHT . Starktrimson Ultra amplifier's equipped with a pair of GaN Fet transistors share a common switching power supply. By definition, it is not a dual mono amplifier. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@DEFKNIGHT]

@@TriAmpMyFi incorrect. Each amplifier in the Ultra has their own power supplies. Check out the specs on their site.

[@bobhopfner3812]

I started with one Schiit Rekkr, but while 2W was great so I thought 4w would be even better, so I got a second Rekkr. Just a bit more oomph on my desk.

[@jeffgass89]

Happy anniversary Randy! So very glad your channel is still around! Cheers to the future and many more subs!

[@TonyParker2634]

🎉Thanks for what you do, Happy Anniversary 😊😊

[@Themanthatisi]

I still have a pair of B&K M200 Sonata Monoblocks, from 1990. B&K was a rival to Adcom in the day, made in Buffalo, NY. They still sound amazing and never needed repair. I paid 2k for the pair, 34 years ago….

[@colmandonnelly1550]

Hi well done on 4 years. I'm currently running PS Audio M700 mono blocks, I auditioned several others at up to twice the price & I felt they were unrivaled. I find them neutral, precise & very fast. Love them!

[@BouldersBloom]

@@colmandonnelly1550 same boat as you! Needed a tube pre to bring out some love but the m700s exercise incredible driver control.

[@jbpandit]

Happy KZbin-versary Randy! You are awesome! Keep it up, always great to see your videos!

[@jasonarsenault3791]

Congrats on the 4 years! Thanks for the quality content. Informative. Hilarious. Best combo.

[@markwalker2285]

Bought a pair of the V3 monoblocks on Kickstart and have been running them pretty much 15 hours a day out on my front porch stereo system and haven't had any issues. I checked their temperature with an infrared temperature gun and found them to run about 108°. About to go by and check it out. I switched out the op amps and put in a Sparkos and a Muse O2 combination and they sound phenomenal. Enjoy your channel have.I been watching it for about 3 years now and I've got loads of useful information and enjoyment from it. Thanks!

[@blinkingmanchannel]

Another great video! I will let you know how it goes when I do my very strange combination of speakers... 😮 I'm gonna see if I can restart the clock on my fosi purchase from Amazon. I'm taking too long to figure out how to spec the Dayzee. I've never gotten bespoke... anything really. That is fun too. But my timing is messed up, so I gotta figure out how to "burn in" the fosi boxes... Do i just leave them on for a while or what? Another search topic... ... WILL the Dayzee let me control volume with the Wiim Ultra? I'm assuming yes. (...all i want for Christmas is for Geshelli to design a pre-amp that plays nice with their DACs...) Also, if you get bored, how can I relatively painlessly pull out a signal for the powered sub? Seems like a simple 🤪 math problem but I am not sure how to start... (easy for me to say right?) Cheers mate!

[@packman03]

Love the channel and appreciate your light hearted approach in a sometimes way too serious hobby. Here is a thought for future video that I think would really help people: You have experience with more combinations of components than 99.9% of us will ever see so you are in a fairly unique position to talk about the trade offs and pairings. For instance I learned that for my speakers, a 300wpc Emotiva XPA2 really showed up my 80wpc monoblocks because my speakers benefited from big, beefy power way more than the signal separation of the lower powered, slightly more expensive monos. And it really made a spectacular difference in the authority and room filling sound of those mini-towers that I did not expect. The second biggest improvement I have experienced behind buying my actual speakers. I’d love to hear how these amps would pair with some of your favorite speakers. TY and thanks for the videos.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thanks so much for this detailed review of monoblocks. My own system is built around 3 Marantz monos with a Fozi V3 stereo amp for surrounds, and I am enjoying my music with great input and advice from you, Sir. Thank you for rekindling my musical experience. Take care, my friend.

[@danielrose-tt7os]

"Modulation" means adding information to a carrier. In the radio world the modulation is the music (demodulation is removing the music from the carrier, when you mix two signals you get the sum, the difference and the original two, this is the basic concept behind how a radio transmission works, this concept is called "heterodyning" in some cases the technique is know as "superheterodyning"), Here they are talking about no unwanted signals placed on the DC voltage "signal". So, what is being said is a clean DC signal or power source.

[@Ylojaketz]

Followed you since the first channel episode. Congrats man! I have been mono-blocking for 10 years. Have tons of power merely to allow for peak undistorted dynamic transients in classical pieces. I do class D. I’m happy of the flexibility it affords also.

[@CorneliusHolden]

I'm currently running two fosi ZA3s in mono with an aiyima t1 pro preamp and a geshelli j2, it sounds freakin great!

[@Ferryberg1]

Awesome! Which speakers do you drive them with? I have a NAD C338 and I’m wondering if I should upgrade

[@nathanaelcole8466]

I'm running two ZA3's with a SMSL M300SE DAC (balanced) and my record player on the RCA side. Laptop into the DAC among other things and powering Emotiva B1+. I did some op amp swaps (noticed the biggest improvement on the sub actually) and it does sound very good.

[@amok281]

I have a pair of Meridian 105 monoblocks (probably made around 1980-1985) bought 3rd hand in 2010. Had a failure this year so had them repaired and refurbished by Rosewell Amplification, who do amps for the Artic Monkeys, they are of course old but still sound very good.

[@museric2007]

I believe I’ve actually had a coffee with 93% of your videos.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Happy Anniversary! Congrats my friend.

[@williambaker3912]

Hey Randy, you missed another great offering from Emotiva in the monoblock category. The XPA HC monoblocks (Picked them up on the used market. I'm cheaper than you.) I am running the Schiit Freya+ into these powering Klipsch LaScala speakers and 2 RSL Speedwoofer 12s. This setup rocks my soul! Love your stuff!!!

[@Artemis_Prix]

I had almost went that route as well...I too have a Freya+ and Klipsch speakers (Heresy IVs). The only thing that gave me pause was the fact you can't use that specific model of Emotiva monoblocks in a bi-wired setup because there is only one pair of speaker terminals. I use very thick wire for my bass terminals and thus I need the second set of terminals to drive my mid and tweeter using much thinner wire (keeps the aeiry and holographic character of the music without top end roll off which is what a thick wire will do). As a result, I went with a BHK250 instead.

[@EvenHarmonics]

Seem to provide the energy (current in this case) to give low sensitivity speaker much better dynamics

[@1165mac]

I got three Outlaw monoblock amps for my LCR and couldn’t be happier with the sound and performance of my home theater. I’m tempted to get two more for the surround channels, but it may be overkill.

[@MetalGreggNY75]

Randy my mom works for a continuing care retirement community called Kendal On Hudson located in Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow NY (in the Hudson Valley/Catskills of NY State). The apartments and office buildings are built on property owned by The Rockefeller.

[@shreddherring]

I wasn't aware that monoblock amps could be differential, thats very interesting indeed. I recently picked up an old high end dvd audio player, that uses differential dacs (2 per channel) which really pulls down the noise floor, and lets the fine details and nuances through. The idea of using the same approach with the amplification as well, is very appealing

[@jeremyglover5541]

stereo amplifiers can also be dual differential.

[@LeDechaine]

Lol, "big old metal donuts" for the win. About old Pioneer amps, my main amp is a good old Pioneer Elite A35-R. Smooth and detailed (and not V-shaped). Happy anniversary, and happy Halloween!

[@oohmeconkers1968]

I ran Rotel RB960BX’s for damn near 30 years. Bit rough around the edges but handled all the various speakers and different sources I had over that period. Pretty reliable until noisy, crackly volume controls finally got the better of me. I decided to go back to an integrated amp (Cambridge Audio), reason being modern features (Bluetooth) ease of use and overall good looks. My health has been poor too so the integrated amp solution is ideal. I also needed to upgrade my CD so i bought the Cambridge CD transport. Can’t say i miss the Rotels to be honest but I do get why the pre/power route is popular. I had mine running both bi-amped and as a mono per channel depending on what speakers were in place!! Well done on 4 years and looking forward to 4 more at least 🎉🎉🎉😂

[@Woofy-tm8si]

I love my outlaw 5-channel amp! It's nearly 20 years old and it's been used every day since it arrived. I also love my Emotiva PA-1 Monoblocks that use Icepower 300AS1 modules and sound great!

[@amazoidal]

I also have an Outlaw 5000 and it's Great. But I need to replace the 975 Pre-pro but nothing like it out there with just 5 or 7 channels.

[@C0ffeeKing]

I have a pair of schiit vidars running in monoblock and it’s a day and night difference compared to just 1. Everything opens up and seems effortless and 3 dimensional. The soundstage is deeper, the clarity is better, highs are smoother, bass is deeper and cleaner, etc.

[@s.daniel9224]

Same here with my vidars….. In my kitchen system, I run 2 Gjallarhorn’s. I don’t think I’ll ever go back.

[@bilguana11]

Another choice is to buy two of the same stereo amps that are bridgeable into mono for great power. The ELAC Alchemy DPA-2 will do just this with a push of the front panel MONO button: in mono mode, the amplifier can deliver up to 650 watts into 8 ohms.

[@whocares0503]

I saved my pennies for monoblocks and went new school! I went with Orchard Audio premium monoblocks using new Gan-Fet Class D technology. Super clean and revealing 150w. Lots of awesome reviews. Give it a review. I am sure Leo, the owner will lend you out a pair!

[@DustinDonohue]

Surely Randy has reviewed Orchard Audio?! Easily one of the best deals in HiFi, I know it was for me as they were my first new amps I ever bought.

[@whocares0503]

@@DustinDonohue Leo's amps are EASILY one of the best deals in audio and blow AGD's versions away in Price/Performance...

[@s.daniel9224]

I’m hearing good things about outlaw. I’m a class AB fan and hesitant on class d. My experience is that they’re thin. Are the outlaws much better? Thanks for the advice.

[@whocares0503]

@@s.daniel9224 usually I would agree. Gan-Fet Technology on the Orchard Audio technology changed my mind. You can read any number of reviews too. I heard them for awhile at demo before I put my money down. Just my 2 cents! You have to do what you think best for you. No wrong answer there!

[@ThatAnalogDigital]

@@L0st-n0foundfosi v3 are toys compared to the OA mono blocks. Sorry

[@bradthurkle7217]

4 years yes mate been right with ya since day dot. Lot of things have changed since then. Had 3 difent jobs , built a house 4 more grand kids 🤭bless. Love ya channel mate im always learning☺️

[@alwayspushing2031]

I am rolling on 7.4.4 system dual Outlaw 2200's and in my 2 channel setup dual V3's and have been very happy with both.

[@samuellord8576]

One big benefit of separating the boxes for each channel with Class D amps is that you maintain an extremely low output impedance with shorter speaker cables. That lowers distortion apart from power storage, current, and reduced crosstalk benefits mentioned Vertical biamping is a good route, especially if you are using affordable (but good) amp channels.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Something for every budget, love it! Also, I am wondering if the reviewers that are having trouble with the V3 mono blocks, were pushing them too hard or using them in an unrealistic situation? I would say that it could’ve fit into the lemon law, but it is strange that it was more than just one set.

[@surge1604]

I have a dr1 for each of my revel F228 be’s and couldn’t be happier. Pre amp is xsp1 gen2. Great value.

[@burakoztimur8054]

I'm running my f228be with kinki studio ex m1 -pontus dac- iris ddc-roon rock server. I'm wondering how it sounds with tube amps and mono blocks amps which has around 350 and above watt per channel in 8 ohms

[@surge1604]

@@burakoztimur8054 id imagine that the tubes would give the revels a sweeter sound, although Ive never heard tubes on them.

[@burakoztimur8054]

@@surge1604 let me know if you can listen with tube amps or another options. I also put isoacoustic gaia isolators under the speaker and I think I works maybe not night and day difference but especially bass region tighten up

[@surge1604]

@@burakoztimur8054 i likely wont get the opportunity to try tubes in my system… i like the idea if the isoacoustics. Ive looked into and have heard some AB tests that i could appreciate. Id have to get my room properly treated(which are in the plans) before i went that direction.

[@burakoztimur8054]

@@surge1604 I have physical room acoustic and I also experienced digital room correction stuffs like dirac and Manuel room correction by rew program they have the magic I think. I experienced also hqplayer and roon rock server etc etc

[@34332]

Question: using monoblocks reduces or zeroes crosstalk in amplification. However, wouldn't a pre-amp (or WiiM) introduce some crosstalk, therefore taking away much of the mono amps benefits?

[@Hirnlego999]

Yes, but since 2.0 setting doesn't mean headphones then it's utterly pointless

[@alwayspushing2031]

Dual B Stock Outlaw 2200's are a killer price with free shipping compared to the dual Emotiva's.

[@1165mac]

I have three of those for my LCR and loving it. Better price than Emotiva and I don’t believe any less in quality.

[@alwayspushing2031]

@@1165mac I was going to go three but decided to bi-amp the center from the Emotiva a11 since I had available channels, but to my ears (mind you 30 years in an auto plant) I hear no difference at all and yes a substantial savings over the Emotiva.

[@nathanaelcole8466]

Fosi customer service is top notch. Only negative is the simple fact of working in different time zones and it took a while to get things ironed out on the trouble shooting. I ended up with a good product and an extra power supply so picking up the second ZA3 to run them in mono was a no brained.

[@Hi-FiChess]

You could add the Schiit Vidar 2 and Aegir 2 to the list since they can be used as monoblocks. I think most of us in here do run them as monoblocks if we can't afford to go with the Tyr.

[@djg6015]

Would love to see a chi fi company make a dedicated preamp/ monoblock 3 piece set with a flexible preamp with controls and inputs reminiscent of traditional preamps, plus the newer style inputs, and no volume controls on the monoblocks.

[@WeaselJuice]

I run a pair of Schiit Gjallarhorn’s as monoblocks into a pair of Martin Logan B100’s. They easily drive these 4 ohm bookshelves to 90 db’s which is how loud I prefer my music. Amazing sound quality for the price ($600/pair). Highly recommend Schiit products!

[@Zimmy_1981]

😮 nice system. Oh Schit thst's a good deal for them

[@kenhappen2u]

My buddy has the outlaw 2020 and they are amazing sounding and powerful for the price . I'll be getting myself a pair mono blocks and a nicely paired preamp within the next year

[@nigeltrigger4499]

The specifications of the Topping B200 monoblock are insane!

[@airsickgrove]

Big Up 4th anniversary for ya C.A.M.🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@morgande]

I 100% agree on monoblocks. I’m running the poor man’s Fosi ZA3 monoblocks using their balanced inputs. Upgraded to a Schitt Saga 2 preamp and my source is a WiiM pro+ with an IfI SMPS. It’s freaking fantastic. I WILL be adding a Geshelli J2S (Possibly a J3 Pro) before years end. From there I’ll be slowly doing OPAMP rolls until I find my sweet spot. Long term I would love to have some differentially balanced monoblocks to compliment my Saga 2 but that’s down the road.

[@Ferryberg1]

Congratz on the 4 years Andy! Got a question, could you please try the Fosi monoblocks on the Dali’s? I have their predecesor and otherwise would love to hear (minimum) amp recomendations

[@Corndog642]

I replaced my tube monoblocks with Schiit Tyrs. Major upgrade to my system!

[@alainbesario6679]

Hi corndogs I am contemplating on these monoblocks. I want them to drive my LRS+ using schitt kara preamp which I currently have. Can you elaborate its SQ TY

[@Corndog642]

@@alainbesario6679 Tyr sounds very dynamic, has a big, deep soundstage, and excels even at low level listening. They should be plenty adequate for LRS depending on your typical listening levels.

[@jeffsoard5056]

Glad to hear I'm not the only one with Fosi failures. Two BT30 amps and one phono amp all had different RCA inputs go bad. Main, Sub and MM out. I think they have some manufacturing issues. Of course all failed after the Amazon return period ran out. It's really a shame because they sound incredible for the price but be cautious like you said. Unfortunately for me mine failed too late to return. Also they are hard to get into to check the solder connections. I had surgery on my right hand recently and literally cant get in to see anything. You have to uncouple the nuts on the RCA's to get the housing off. I now have PTSD when I think about purchasing new equipment. I am running an older Yamaha AVR that sounds different but is just as good in it's own way and it's rock solid. The Fosi amp used with the tube preamp did sound better though. I want to buy their monoblocks but now I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole. Fosi's tagline is HIFI made fun, well.....not so much for me right now. I just hope they recognize and fix their issues because they could be the company that re-invigorates the hifi market and returns it to the glory days of the 50's-70's when everyone wanted a good 2 channel stereo system.

[@mocomike01]

"everything destroys everything" 😂 love the included "this is hyperbole"

[@ginom407]

Great choices in a wide price range! Thanks Randy! 👍👍👍

[@michaelwright1602]

For giggles I went and bought a pair of the Fosi ZA3 amps, I thought of them more of a novelty, or something to have on hand if another amp goes bad. Well, I have the ZA3 monos powering a pair of Magnepan LRS+ speakers. Now this is audiophile sacrilege according to my buddy, but I am running the LRS+ along with a pair of Fyne Audio F500SP speakers, and sometimes with a pair of Zu Audio DW6 Supremes. The ZA3's volume is purposely lower than the volume of the Fynes. The sound mix this setup brings to the table is nothing short of incredible. Immersive and dynamic is all I can say, and I never thought I would be running a setup like this, but it sounds so cool!

[@cheapaudioman]

That’s so awesome

[@billschwanitz669]

I'm curious did you test any amplifiers that can be bridged to mono? For instance the GJALLARHORN can be run mono with balanced inputs.

[@bobtowncarguy82]

I really like Emotiva products, and the Outlaw products also seem like good value for money. I currently have the Emotiva 2 channel power amp, and I play it hard and doesn't get hot.

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. Someone might have already said this, but Geno's surname is Geshelli, brother. That's where the name of the company comes from and they're all Geshellis: Geno, Sherri, Rachel, Grandpa Joe, etc. 😁😁

[@michaellatta]

Power supply modulation means a single power supply switching between multiple channel or splitting its power dynamically.

[@Lewis-jn8ry]

In reference to the modulation. The way my smooth brain understand's it is when modulation takes place you add information on to the wave by amplification. We do this in telecommunication and then demodulate it on the other end and remove as much noise as possible when we stepp the signal down for componets to actually use what ever signal we're sending. In the case of home theater, having one AVR that does everything creates extra nosie because it's being asked to handle amplification for multiple devices and it can't clean the current as well and some of that nosie or signal information get's through. If there's any electrical or telecomuncations experts in the comments, I'm generally curious if I am in the ball park with my understanding of modulation?

[@thomasdix8453]

I use monos in my system, you are 100% on point, Randy

[@johnshaw359]

One of the technical benefits of monobloc is to place the amps next to each speaker and use long XLRs and short speaker cables.

[@mikecampbell5856]

I always recommend that you look for an amp that responds down to 10 HZ or lower. If your amp only has a freq response down to 20 HZ, phase shift can begin at 40 HZ. At 10 HZ the phase shift will occur around 20 Hz and is not a problem.

[@davidorrick63]

Hey Randy always enjoy your reactions is there any chance you will get the new B 200 mono block from topping thanks and have a great weekend

[@stevezeidman7224]

Very funny, as usual! Love the music.

[@Navarre-i1j]

Congrats, Randy, on becoming 4 years old! Have a lollipop! ;) I'm an electronics engineer and I understand the gobbleygook in play. The signal running through a wire actually exerts power OUTSIDE the wire, resulting in inducted 'noise' that's picked up by wires that are close. Most of that *could* be filtered out but that adds expense. Or heavily shielded (ground shielded) wires could be used, but that's more expensive too. Alternatively, all the wiring could be on separate sides of the case, a grounded metal partition between the channels, sort of like having multiple monoblocs in a single case. Also adds expense, so why not just make monobloc amps? No doubt a lot of the more expensive, 'cleaner' integrated amps are doing those things with varying degrees of success.

[@new-kids-on-the-block]

you really need to try the bx2 advance paris please try it out we would love that!

[@ChuckYoung-l9g]

Congrats on your anniversary! Quick question: do dual-transformer amplifiers like the ones from Advance Paris sit closer to standard amps or monoblocks?

[@annebokma4637]

If a stereo amp is built dual mono for everything they are in between monoblock and stereo amp. The shared box is the only thing that can influence them both.

[@daveg6092]

I'm rocking 2 x Schiit Vidar's. Love them!

[@MojoMagic977]

You have the original Vidar’s or the newer Vidar2’s ?

[@s.daniel9224]

Same here.

[@daveg6092]

@@MojoMagic977 I've got the newer vidar 2's

[@is3commander]

@@daveg6092Dave they are musical and you’re not thinking to replace them? ;)

[@BostonMike68]

Randy has notes, a static x t and a Wayne Static hair do nuff said

[@itisjustacomment]

I bought Cyrus Mono's X 200 needed work. Sadly, you need a pre - and enhanced sound power supply, but you don't need them, but its sounds better. It sounds amazing as a result for under 2k £

[@dedskin1]

power supply modulation is between amp and power supply , when an amp sucks current , power supply drops voltage . That is intertalk , same as other things .

[@BMWBuilds]

Love this review. Maybe toss in some topping b200s into the mix 😮😊

[@chaosapiant]

I have a real dumb question: how do audio sources plug into mono-blocks? Like one white RCA into one block, and red into another? Or is the two male RCAs/XLRs/Whatever split into however many blocks you have? What about a subwoofer?

[@richbrown5852]

Choke filtering comes after the diodes to smooth out the power supply filtration from ac to closer to pure dc, which can bring the noise floor down, as whether half or full bridge supply rectification...there are still some ripples which isn't particularly quiet...and this is before the pre control or power amplifier sections. For what it's worth, I bought pair of 400w monoblock toob amps for £600 each brand new...and absolutely will never sell them. Awesome amps with headroom for days

[@tckoppang]

What about running the Vidar 2’s in mono block mode? I haven’t seen anyone comparing those against a single Vidar 2 or against other monoblocks. I’d love to know!

[@hugodabron3556]

Capacitor vs choke Filtering. I'm not sure what a choke is. I would guess it's about filtering out DC (power supply) from the AC analogue signal. The Capacitor/choke would have to be in the signal chain to explain a difference I think. Alternating Current which makes up the analogue signal in music passes straight through a Capacitor (sort of)

[@hugodabron3556]

DC is blocked. However with miniaturisation DC could affect the opposite side of the capacitor due to the electromagnetic / electric field. I could be wrong just a guess. Someone more knowledgeable please elaborate?

[@schemkesa]

Don't have monoblocks but separate amps for main speakers. Dynamics and control is the word. More available current for your speakers to be dynamic

[@RedSinter]

So, Randy... don't forget to tell us which ones are also Op Amp Swappable that would be sweet.

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

I used to have SMSL ao200 and then bought 2 Fosi V3… oh boy they now made my Dali Spector 2 dance and breathe. Clear better separation specially when listening to vinyl but with more color, more vivid presentation. For me monoblocks are the way to go. AO200 is good, 2 fosis v3, better. The pitfall is that they get really hot but fosi says it’s normal because the chasis helps heath dissipate through your fingers jaja

[@james-5845]

Would LOVE if you were able to got in a pair of both Advance Paris mono blocks and review them. The X-A220 evos and the big boys X-A1200 monos. I know we're getting away from "cheap" but you love the AP stuff and no one has put any light on the monos yet so could be a great Segway off this video for those of us in that market. Much thanks! 🍻

[@Carl-bd1rf]

Ya, it is amazing you make a living doing this, you said it not me.

[@evan7123456]

You can get slightly older versions of the Emotiva XPAs for $500/ea used. I use three for my main channels on my home theater. They sound amazing and clean all the way up to volumes that will run you out of the room.

[@troyradley5168]

Question i just got a pair of kef r3 metas what would you recommend to power them and should i bi amp them ? Thank-you

[@stoneager90]

5:50 chokes give you better control of the voltage output on the power rail. Better ±Vout in dynamic loads. Graphics cards use chokes on power rails directly feeding the die's and memory units/controllers because they more precisely supply power to critical components but all kinds of filtering caps between the power inlet and the power stages because of their size.

[@essendon72]

@cheapaudioman Hi Randy. I am really liking your content lately. I think your ideas are really heading in the right direction. Not burning you at all but I watch a few video's maybe 2 years ago and thought you needed to make some positive changes. Hats off to you my friend 👍 Pity you're not in Australia or I'd have a good chat over a coffee 😉

[@danteedee8204]

Power supply modulation - When one channel requires a large amount of current, the dc bus voltage is depressed, lowering voltage and current available to other channels.

[@MrAllanobrien]

I have the outlaw 2220 on 2 different set ups I really like them and feel that they really can’t be beat for the $ I feel like there’s a point of overkill $ wise for the extra performance

[@robby95036]

Can you do a comparison or head to head shootout of Elac B6.2 & polk es20? Lots of people swear by one or the other but there isn’t much head to head info that I can find.

[@alainbesario6679]

Great review Randy congrats happy 4th year. I am considering getting the tyrs to drive my LRS+ maggies. Can you elaborate more on its SQ vs the emotive DR1. TY much randy if you'll ever reach back. Godspeed without you guys we won't get hefty information.

[@mikedowdell-dl2ul]

I purchased the emotiva a1 mono blocks months ago and recently purchased the topping b200 mono blocks and they blow the emotiva a1 mono blocks away. They are less than half the size and weight. They have the same 200 watts per channel but the 4ohm rating is the same. Hopefully cheap audio man you'll get chance to check them out.

[@PhillioDoede]

Topping has some new monoblocks out you should get in. The B100 monoblock that looks like its based on the LA90, and the class B B200 which being class B is obviously something quite different than just about anything else out there.

[@jthelman]

Any opinions on the Topping B200? They are close to the Outlaw's for price and wattage.

[@scottyo64]

I have had my DR1's for nearly 5 years. I bought them to run my maggies and also run them with my Cornwalls. I swear by them and have never looked back.

[@scottyo64]

FYI, they fit fine in the bottoms of my 2 Pangea racks

[@maxpower78-15]

I dont have the monoblocks, but i have an Emotiva XPA DR2. Its amazing. I can only imagine how good it is in a monoblock configuration

[@EvenHarmonics]

Those are fantastic amps you have there. I would have purchased both but Emotiva says they are not good for electrostatic speakers.

[@maxpower78-15]

@@EvenHarmonics thanks. And that is interesting. I guess at least Emotiva is honest. Its decent they didnt encourage you to force a bad fit just to make a sale.

[@roybrockwell585]

I've never tried mono blocks. Do you need a pre amp for separation?

[@jasonromich9919]

Im with Randy on the power thing. Even at lower volumes, 70 db or i think power comes into play. I recently got the micca g2s. I wanted something cheap for my bedroom. I first used s fosi tb10D, They sounded good. I then decided to hook the up to 2 aiyima A07 maxs in mono and there was a difference. The dynamcs at lower volumes were there. The bass and midrange were more present. The interference and crosstalk, no idea, extra power.....good.

[@kyleroy9754]

I would like to get BasX MR1L 9.2 Channel Dolby Atmos® & DTS:X™ Cinema Receiver do I still need a monoblock ?

[@robertgruber982]

Would be great if you could get your hands on the Topping B200 or B100's. Others are raving about them.

[@PioneerDoom7114]

Yes very intrigued to see more reviews and in depth analysis of the B200. Hopefully Topping did some magic with an all B class amp when it comes to crossover distortion which is the common drawback to class B designs. Class B are definitely more efficient then pure class A

[@theedgeofbreakup5192]

I’m considering the Emotiva XPA 2 gen 3 ( 300 watts at 8 ohms) as it is on sale for just over $1000. I’m also considering the Buckeye Hypex ncx 500 at 380 watts at 8 ohms for $950 to pair with my KLH Kendall floor standers. Can’t make a decision…..

[@machone539]

A lot of folks it is NOT just the amps but also the power outlet. A lot of folks DO NOT have enough amps coming out of their power outlets.

[@2wrdr]

PS Modulation: Imagine your right channel just played super loud bass note. As the current is sent out to right channel, it can cause a voltage sag in the PS. Since the left channel shares the same PS, that voltage loss affects your left channel gain thus creating a form of crosstalk in reverse and potentially low voltage induced distortion. This said "PS modulation" of any significance only occurs when you are at or near the limits of PS.

[@stevesmyth4982]

While it's true that the power supply will have some effect on the sound of any amplifier, provided the power supply is adequately rated in terms of Watts and the wiring is sufficiently thick to minimise V drop, there shouldn't be much cross modulation. Given that transformers especially and capacitors to a lesser degree are the most expensive components of an amplifier (heatsinks are also costly but for the point I'm making they don't matter) it figures that amplifier manufacturers will try to minimise the cost of the power supply by using a transformer that will be running close to it's maximum rating when both channels are driven at full output. So for example an amplifier rated at 400 W/channel might have a transformer rated at 1 KVA because transformers dislike and shouldn't be run at their maximum rating because they get hot and the AC secondary voltage will begin to dip on transients. If a transformer rated at 1.5 KVA is installed on the same amplifier then the power supply would hold up much better but the price of the amplifier has just increased by around $150. ($150 is based on my recent purchase of a toroidal transformer rated at 500 VA which cost around $180) A good way to test this would be to connect an oscilloscope switched to AC coupled input with the Y axis sensitivity set to 10 or 20 mV and connected to one rail of the power supply then drive the amplifier hard and look at the oscilloscope to see how much the Voltage changes.

[@NPC-zv8bo]

Been using Outlaw model 2220 monoblocks for front left, right and center...would never go back to 2 or more channel amps for anything other than surround/atmos speakers.

[@mannye]

If you can find the old Crown D-75 amps (1980's -90s) Before they started making them in China, those D-75's were monsters. Configurable to monoblock or stereo. Now, they are pro-amps and come with pro-amp issues (the fans and the heat) but they are built like tanks and are single-rack units.

[@052RC]

A bridged stereo amp isn't a mono block. Its a bridged stereo amp.

[@mannye]

@@052RC Perhaps. But I can tell you those amps sounded good regardless of how pedantic one wants to get with descriptions.

[@jontpt]

A choke is an inductor used as a filter, generally in the power supply. It doesn't store energy like a capacitor...

[@TheTrueVoiceOfReason]

Chokes smooth current, capacitors smooth voltage. This statement applies to power supplies.

[@davidkclayton]

You're absolutely right not a night and day difference in fact you can get with the same money a well-designed two channel amplifier that you would not be able to hear any differences. Everything you said about the technical differences are true. but are they audible not really? The monoblock is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist in here range of our hearing. This is mostly imaginary.

[@052RC]

You're guessing. You can't come up with a single evaluation, test or comparison, done by a credible individual or institution that is based in real science, not junk science, that can back up, "The monoblock is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist in here range of our hearing. This is mostly imaginary.", done on any piece of audio equipment ever made. And if you can't show where you get your information from, then you had to make it all up.

[@Ineedtotakeabreak]

@@052RCYou are the one that needs to present proof.

[@052RC]

@@Ineedtotakeabreak No problem. What claim did I make that you want me to prove?

[@chebrubin]

Get the Emotiva Reference Differential 3 channel if you want to drive 3 x front speakers at 98 DB with mono-block like sound.