7 Channel amp Vs. 7 monoblocks

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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2008
    Yes, it was my first real serious system & that was what was recommended to me at Spirit Sound 18yrs ago, back when they sold Polk speakers. I only wanted to spend around 2000.00 total on my new system.

    So I got my RTA 8T's the Rotel RB850 50wpc amp, the matching 850 preamp/tuner, the Rotel RCD855 cd player, & the Onkyo tape deck that is in my signature. All I kept from my older system is my now 27yr old Sony Turntable also, in my signature.

    I thought it sounded great, even better than my older system. I had no clue that amps came in higher wattage or that it could make an even bigger difference to my speakers until I joined this crazy joint in 2004!
    venomclan wrote: »
    You owned an amp of only 50 watts?Venom
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,329
    edited March 2008
    In my opnion mono blocks are for audiophiles. Having everything seperate is nice. If you where going to put each amp close to the speaker , that would be cool but not practical.

    5 or 7 channel amps are the way to go always. I also feel 2 channel amps are fine even for audiophiles. Mono blocks are just like having a 454 big block in your muscle car.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited March 2008
    mantis wrote: »
    In my opnion mono blocks are for audiophiles. Having everything seperate is nice. If you where going to put each amp close to the speaker , that would be cool but not practical.

    5 or 7 channel amps are the way to go always. I also feel 2 channel amps are fine even for audiophiles. Mono blocks are just like having a 454 big block in your muscle car.

    LOL, so which amps do you think are not for audiophiles? You did leave out 3 and 6 channel amps, why no love for them? :confused:
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,228
    edited March 2008
    FWIW, I have 3 monos and I am looking at ditching them for a single 5-7ch amp.
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited March 2008
    If you blow a channel on the Earthquake you can just remove the one channel and send it in.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • john22614
    john22614 Posts: 214
    edited March 2008
    How about seven wall plugs and one amp?
    B&W 804s mains
    B&W HTM4 center
    Polk PSW 1000 sub
    Outlaw 990 Pre Amp
    Anthem MCA 30 Amp
    Monitor Radius 180 surrounds
    Audiosource Stereo Amp for surrounds
    Denon 2910 Universal DVD/SACD Player
    Comcast DVR
    Pioneer Elite 42" Plasma 940 HD
    Harmony Universal Remote
    Blue Jeans interconnects and biwires
    Itunes Air Express
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  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited March 2008
    I have never heard them but what about the fact Outlaw monoblocks operate in G/AB modes? That would steer me towards the multi-channel amp.
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited March 2008
    MADGSF wrote: »
    I have never heard them but what about the fact Outlaw monoblocks operate in G/AB modes? That would steer me towards the multi-channel amp.

    I used them once for two channel and they sounded grainy and harsh IMO. For HT surround channels they are great though and I would use them again in that capacity. Not the front stage though.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited March 2008
    Be different, go for the 7 mono blocks, gear is cool and there's lots of "wow" factor when you have guests over.

    Wiring....no big deal....a few strategically placed tie wraps and careful placement of the wires and you're done. It's not that you have to fiddle with the wiring everyday, once it's done, it's done.

    Joe
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2008
    I'm sorry but buying gear just so you can have a WOW factor when guests come is just....lame.

    It should be about getting the best out of your equipment & making the wisest decisions for what you want to accomplish. That does NOT include a WOW factor.

    A seven channel amp will get the job done very nicely & only take up one outlet. Leaving you with another/others that can be put to better use.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • SlowcarIX
    SlowcarIX Posts: 887
    edited March 2008
    how about an icepower 7 channel amp? they are efficient and robust (i shorted the speaker banana jacks a few times as i forget they are on - makes a big spark and still alive and well)

    for ~2600, you get 3 X 500W and 4 X 250W
    http://www.d-sonic.net/
    my 7.(1x4) HT setup
    TV - Mitsubishi WD-65734
    AVP / Amp - Onkyo PR-SC885P / D-Sonic 2500-7
    Front - Emerald Physics CS2
    Center - JTR Triple 12LF
    Surround L/R / Back - Polk RTi4 / Polk FXi A4
    Sub - 4 X Hsu ULS15 playing nearfield
    DVD / CDP - Sony PS3/40GB / Sony SCD-XA9000ES
    Belkin PURE AV PF60 / UPS
    Buttkicker

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60612
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited March 2008
    SlowcarIX wrote: »
    how about an icepower 7 channel amp? they are efficient and robust (i shorted the speaker banana jacks a few times as i forget they are on - makes a big spark and still alive and well)

    for ~2600, you get 3 X 500W and 4 X 250W
    http://www.d-sonic.net/

    D-Sonic is good stuff, I back up Slow's suggestion. On another note, Shannon W. runs 7 monos, you might find them displayed in his showcase, and they look good in his rack. Do a search and Im sure it will come up. I love the mono amps Outlaw offer. They are capable of big things.

    for the price this adcom may serve you right

    http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=30357
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Hiccups
    Hiccups Posts: 10
    edited March 2008
    I've had a good number of responses. Thanks folks. :)
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  • vonnie123
    vonnie123 Posts: 326
    edited March 2008
    What is the difference in current draw between the 7 channel amp and 7 monoblocks. Will you need additional dedicated circuits? Just a thought.
    [
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  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,623
    edited March 2008
    Not to mention the expense of the 7 sets of interconnects you'd have to buy because ofthe7 monoblocks........factor that into the overall cost of mono vs. 7ch.........
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,806
    edited March 2008
    brettw22 wrote: »
    Not to mention the expense of the 7 sets of interconnects you'd have to buy because ofthe7 monoblocks........factor that into the overall cost of mono vs. 7ch.........

    He will need 7 single interconnects. Makes no difference if they are mono or in a single chassis.
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  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,623
    edited March 2008
    brainfart........nm........
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2008
    LOL! Have another cup of coffee Brett!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited March 2008
    I was thinking that having seven special aftermarket powercords, would make it sound better than one alone.
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  • speakergeek
    speakergeek Posts: 555
    edited March 2008
    You can still get the 7500 from Outlaw...
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited March 2008
    SlowcarIX wrote: »
    how about an icepower 7 channel amp? they are efficient and robust (i shorted the speaker banana jacks a few times as i forget they are on - makes a big spark and still alive and well)

    for ~2600, you get 3 X 500W and 4 X 250W
    http://www.d-sonic.net/

    Your price or your spec is off, the 3x500 + 4x250 is $3k, the 3x500 + 2x250 is $2590. When you can get a 5x100 for <$1k these will really catch on, Rotel is almost there with their $1199 RMB-1085.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • SlowcarIX
    SlowcarIX Posts: 887
    edited March 2008
    Gaara wrote: »
    Your price or your spec is off, the 3x500 + 4x250 is $3k, the 3x500 + 2x250 is $2590. When you can get a 5x100 for <$1k these will really catch on, Rotel is almost there with their $1199 RMB-1085.


    i was refering to the d-sonic m1250-7 for $2575:
    8 ohms - 3x250w + 4x125W

    and since hiccups is driving 4 ohm LSi
    the power doubles - 3x500W + 4x250W
    my 7.(1x4) HT setup
    TV - Mitsubishi WD-65734
    AVP / Amp - Onkyo PR-SC885P / D-Sonic 2500-7
    Front - Emerald Physics CS2
    Center - JTR Triple 12LF
    Surround L/R / Back - Polk RTi4 / Polk FXi A4
    Sub - 4 X Hsu ULS15 playing nearfield
    DVD / CDP - Sony PS3/40GB / Sony SCD-XA9000ES
    Belkin PURE AV PF60 / UPS
    Buttkicker

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60612
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited March 2008
    My b. Usually the 8ohm spec is quoted but we are talking about LSi so your right.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited March 2008
    Nuforce is coming out with a 7 channel amp...should be cool.
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  • djlogix
    djlogix Posts: 115
    edited March 2008
    There was a salesmen @ Magnolia (although informative and a cool guy) trying to make a selling point for McIntosh versus my interest in the Emotiva XPA-5 with the whole balanced versus unbalanced thing. I guess he's using a Yammy AVR as well, but confessed he's not familar with the Emotiva.

    Damn I need a drink.
    I should've listened way back in 2008, they told me I'd go broke... they were right
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited March 2008
    venomclan wrote: »
    Nuforce is coming out with a 7 channel amp...should be cool.

    If I recall correctly it was 4k for that 7ch, a little pricey imo. I can't wait for the >$1k 5ch icepower amps, shouldn't be to far away.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2008
    LOL! Salesmen! Stick with the more reasonble Emotiva. Mostly what you would be paying for is the Mac name!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • john22614
    john22614 Posts: 214
    edited April 2008
    Outlaw makes some nice amps
    B&W 804s mains
    B&W HTM4 center
    Polk PSW 1000 sub
    Outlaw 990 Pre Amp
    Anthem MCA 30 Amp
    Monitor Radius 180 surrounds
    Audiosource Stereo Amp for surrounds
    Denon 2910 Universal DVD/SACD Player
    Comcast DVR
    Pioneer Elite 42" Plasma 940 HD
    Harmony Universal Remote
    Blue Jeans interconnects and biwires
    Itunes Air Express
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited April 2008
    www.gemstoneaudio.com

    400w/ch x 7

    call Jerry for a 15 days in-home money back trial and check it out yourself.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 29,405
    edited April 2008
    If the only thing a salesman can come up with to make you decide between Mcintosh and Emotiva is balanced and unbalanced, he's a moron.

    Mcintosh is your last piece of gear. Its something you can pass down to your kids and they can pass to their kids. They hand make everything in their amps, from the circuit board to the transformers. Hand pick the capacitors and everything. And they will still service it twenty years from now.

    Mcintosh is a REAL amp.

    Period.

    To compare it to Emotiva on any other level other than amplifying a signal is crazy.

    Also, I'd take 7 Mono Blocks over a 7 channel amp anyday of the week. If a channel breaks, Im out an amp, not all of my channels. And 7 power supplies has gotta be better than two big ones! :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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