Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Mono blocks + m80

The original poster asked if it would ruin his sound stage for home theater by adding mono's, that is what I was commenting on. Of course, there is a world of difference in quality, quantity, and power when you step up to high end amplification, contrary to what some believe on paper.

I don't believe on paper.

>>The original poster asked if it would ruin his sound stage for home theater by adding mono's, that is what I was commenting on.

D'oh !!

Never mind

I pretty much wanted to know if running Mono Blocks on the m80's would change/throw off the timber matching with the VP150/QS8? I do have Avia and SPL Meter.

No it wouldn't as long as you stay with solid state amps.

I don't think amplification itself can alter the timber matching, after all it is an amplifier. If you turn on DSP or EQ stuff in your receiver, now that is different as your altering the original source.

Monos with the M80s are the way to go if you can swing it. For stereo listening its tough to beat single channel amplifiers, with dedicated power supply and isolated circuitry.

Besides the dynamic headroom you'll get from the extra power, you virtually eliminate any chance of channel crosstalk. Two monoblocks are usually lighter and easier to handle than one stereo amp. Monoblocks can be placed closer to the speaker. In addition, it's better to keep speaker cables as short as possible. If you use balanced cables, there will be noise rejection along the interconnect runs to the amp.

All these benefits usually mean a better soundstage, heightened dynamics and greater resolution. However, a well designed powerful separate stereo amp will easily hold its own against a monobloc pair.

Alex, I think that most of us thought that you were referring to an imbalance in sound level because of a more powerful amplifier(that's what I thought). As far as timbre goes, any competently designed amplifier is transparent and won't audibly affect the timbre of the speakers, so you should have no concern in that respect either. The only difference would be an ability to play the peaks at a slightly louder level, and that may or may not be significant for your use.

John, are you recommending this over A1400?

What is the main application and what is the amp it is replacing? According to the OP its mainly HT so an A1400-8 would be the best choice. In a dedicated 2 channel it depends on which mono blocs. In my 2 channel the A1400-8 held its own against a pair of mono bridged Bryston 4BSSTs.