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Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??

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Posted on April 4, 2014 at 21:47:32
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 I have 3 audio buddies who between them have owned 8 pairs of mono blocks...all high end stuff..both tube, solid state, and even hybrids. All them complained of needing repairs on every single pair...the usual..channel imbalances, amp cutting out, and out right channel failure.

Any one else have trouble with monos and throw in the towel?

 

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I've owned MANY pairs of monoamps over many decades and have had problems..., posted on April 4, 2014 at 23:10:37
jeffreybehr
Audiophile

Posts: 5707
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Joined: December 10, 2004
Contributor
  Since: December 13, 2004
 ...with only one amp. I've had more problems with stereo amps.

I LIKE monoamps, perhaps because I believe that speakercable should be shorter than ICs. I currently own pairs of Coincident Frankenstein IIs and Marantz MA-22s, just sold (with their partnering Vandersteen 5As) a pair of McCormack DNA-750s, have had 2 pairs of Marantz MA-24s, pairs of Monarchy SE-160s, c-j Premier 11As, ASL Explorer 805s, ASL Hurricanes, ASL 1006s (one of those had a bad circuit cable), Music Reference EM7-10s, etc.

 

No problems with over 30 years of experience of monoblocs, posted on April 5, 2014 at 02:26:20
PAR
 Counting my active monitors as monoblocs (each channel contains a tri-amp for the three drive units and an electronic crossover)and with 10 years of Naim mono amps before.

Furthermore I have friends with tube monoblocs and the only problem has been with the odd tube failing, which could happen with any such amp mono or stereo.

So I would say that your friends have experienced an unusual coincidence. After all there is nothing fundamentally different about a mono v. stereo version of similar amps that would cause an abnormal level of failures in one or the other assuming that the power supply is adequate.

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 02:56:54
BCR
Audiophile

Posts: 2444
Location: connecticut
Joined: April 7, 2009
 I have QuickSilver Mono blocks that are six years old and never one glitch. I can't see why a Mono amp would be more prone to problems.

 

I've used monoblocs (6 channels) for 15 years and have had absolutely no problems ..., posted on April 5, 2014 at 03:18:38
andyr
Manufacturer

Posts: 12548
Location: Melbourne
Joined: September 2, 2000
 ... so I think your 3 buddies must've bought from an inferior supplier?


Regards,

Andy

 

RE: I've used monoblocs (6 channels) for 15 years and have had absolutely no problems ..., posted on April 5, 2014 at 05:36:20
Frihed89
Audiophile

Posts: 15703
Location: Copenhagen
Joined: March 21, 2005
 Let's see. I have owned Quicksilver mini-mites, a pair of Blue Circle 50W SS monos, Fi Audio 2A3/45 monos, and a pair of Class A, triode-wired PP amps by Abraxas audio.

None of them ever missed a heart-beat.

I like monoblocks, but not for the usual reason (dual power supplies). I like them because they don't weigh as much and because I can use short speaker cables (1.5M max) and reasonably short ICs (1.5M max), and they don't take up shelf space. Finally, it's easier to follow the wiring in case something does go wrong.

Of course some SS monos have pretty "dense" layouts and do weigh a ton. However, I like the simplicity of tube circuits and layout. The Fi monos are the height of simplicity (2-stage) in layout and quite small.

 

I bought my (used) hybrid monoblocks 9 years ago & no problems here., posted on April 5, 2014 at 05:49:18
Raiderman
Audiophile

Posts: 2129
Location: Silicon Valley, California
Joined: March 14, 2003
 Knock on wood! ;-)

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 06:22:48
middleground
 Oh please.

 

I've owned two pair of monoblocks with no troubles at all. nt., posted on April 5, 2014 at 06:23:43
Justlisten2
Audiophile

Posts: 1266
Location: SE PA
Joined: March 8, 2001
 nt.

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 06:29:33
middleground
 I've run monoblocks for 25+ years, Adcom GFA565s and then Bryston 7B-STs, with nary a problem.

You must be a real, what do you call'em, audiophile as your logic is more than tenous!

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 06:57:55
middleground
 It's called audiophile neurosis the "hobby" is predicated on its continued existence.

Set and forget is soooooooo dull!

 

RE: I've owned MANY pairs of monoamps over many decades and have had problems..., posted on April 5, 2014 at 07:27:04
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Thanks for reply. I like monos too..for me the benefits are better channel separation...

 

RE: No problems with over 30 years of experience of monoblocs, posted on April 5, 2014 at 07:28:36
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 To be fair, I would not count a tube failing as an issue..that can happen with a stereo amp.

It may be that there could be environmental issues that have cause the problems...power surges here in the northeast are common..or something similar.

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 07:31:57
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 I personally don't see why either..just reporting.

 

RE: I've used monoblocs (6 channels) for 15 years and have had absolutely no problems ..., posted on April 5, 2014 at 07:32:49
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Could be environmental issues..electrical spikes etc...

 

RE: I've used monoblocs (6 channels) for 15 years and have had absolutely no problems ..., posted on April 5, 2014 at 07:33:41
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Agree with your observations.

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 07:34:46
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Good for you.

 

How does, posted on April 5, 2014 at 08:08:53
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37606
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 and out right channel failure.

a mono amplifier "know" to what channel it will be assigned?

Perhaps your buddies should look upstream for causes of failure.

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 08:19:27
BCR
Audiophile

Posts: 2444
Location: connecticut
Joined: April 7, 2009
 DITTO !

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 08:26:26
middleground
 Like a clam, I am.

 

RE: No problems with over 30 years of experience of monoblocs, posted on April 5, 2014 at 08:29:09
middleground
 Yeah, the power normally surges into just one monobloc...

 

RE: How does, posted on April 5, 2014 at 08:47:01
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 errr.I meant outright channel failure..not particular to the Right channel.

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 08:47:34
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 snarky..you are..

 

Oh, sorry - "outright" failure -nt, posted on April 5, 2014 at 08:50:49
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37606
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 .

 

Are you serious, or just trying to stir up some weekend sillyness?, posted on April 5, 2014 at 09:20:30
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
What crap mono blocks do your buddies buy and where have they bought them?

Or better yet, what other problems to they have in their lives? Some people are just predisposed to having 'issues and drama' in their lives, many of them audiophiles. ;-)

A mono block is no more prone to having problems than a stereo amp.

I have owned the following mono blocks over the years with no issues at all:

AES/Cary SixPacs
Nuforce Ref 9v2
Wyred4Sound SX-500
Bel Canto M300
Bryston 7BSST2
Manley Neo-Classic 250*
Spread Spectrum Technologies Ampzilla 2000 2nd Edition

*Had a bad batch of EL34 tubes but the amps are rock solid.



 

"Some people are just..., posted on April 5, 2014 at 09:29:00
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37606
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 predisposed to having 'issues and drama' in their lives, many of them audiophiles. ;-)

Isn't that the truth!

 

The problem is that you are using them in pairs...., posted on April 5, 2014 at 09:33:35
viridian
 A nice mono system allows ones funds to go for a better amp and speaker. It is surprising how over rated stereo is.

 

RE: Are you serious, or just trying to stir up some weekend sillyness?, posted on April 5, 2014 at 09:34:24
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 errr...drama??? It is just stereo gear.

Why post such nonsense? No need for pop psychology or psycho analysis.

Have a good weeekend.

 

RE: Are you serious, or just trying to stir up some weekend sillyness?, posted on April 5, 2014 at 09:53:51
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
I'm just say'n.....

If these buddies of yours had an unusual number of 'issues' with their mono blocks, I would observe other aspects of their existence. Some people are just victims of life.

Call it bad karma, bad luck, bad attitudes, whatever, but some folks complain about everything and problems seem to follow them everywhere.



 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 10:19:44
Lance Shevchuk
Dealer

Posts: 32
Location: Rochester, NY
Joined: March 14, 2014
 Don't shy away from the mono blocks! They have lots of advantages by having separate power supplies, shorter speaker cable runs, better separation as I think all of these where listed above. Also if you are sick enough you can run dedicated outlets to each amp. Any thing can fail, just buy something with a good track record. I'm sure a quick search here or on google you can find what companies have a higher rate of issues.

Lance
Trust your ears not the review...

 

Hey Viridian ..., posted on April 5, 2014 at 10:40:02
EmailTim
 OT, but I just bought one of your green lasers =).

Great product. Keep up the good work.

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 10:45:36
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Laughing...

 

No worse than a stereo amp...BUT, posted on April 5, 2014 at 12:12:00
morricab
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 9178
Location: switzerland
Joined: April 1, 2005
 There are now two of them so you double your chances for SOMETHING to go wrong.

 

Let's see, posted on April 5, 2014 at 12:27:43
Stale
Audiophile

Posts: 3263
Location: So. California
Joined: August 3, 2001
 Your friend had
8 different pairs
few different manufacturers
tubed
SS
hybrid

Only common point is your friends.

Monoblock are usually build with the same parts, on the same lines with the same people, have the same design as a single channel of the corresponding stereo amp. They should actually perform better as they have separate power supplies i.e. less strain on the same.

Therefore the only reason why would they have more problems is the environment they are used at.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane."

 

FWIW I never had any problems with the Red Dragon Monos...N/T, posted on April 5, 2014 at 14:04:05
musetap
Audiophile

Posts: 31874
Location: San Francisco
Joined: July 8, 2003
Contributor
  Since: January 28, 2004
 N/T
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure



 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 5, 2014 at 14:27:18
standingstones
Audiophile

Posts: 218
Location: Pennsylvania
Joined: February 14, 2005



It's called the Joe Btfsplk Syndrome. There is always a black cloud overhead.

 

No - ran monoblock tube amps for 7 years without a problem, posted on April 5, 2014 at 15:48:50
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I ran a Dynaco MKIII for six or seven years with no problems.

However I did notice, that people that go the monoblock route tend to go BIG, with heavy duty power hungry systems. Higher up the power chain - the higher up the blow out rate.

charles

 

Perhaps I've just been lucky, posted on April 5, 2014 at 16:06:51
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37606
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 VTL MB-450s are pretty powerful and I've had but one problem with either in thirteen year's time - a coupling cap failed and the amp starting munching tubes in one position along with B+ fuses.

Once Bea sent me a new cap, it was easy to install and correct. :)

 

RE: FWIW I never had any problems with the Red Dragon Monos...N/T, posted on April 5, 2014 at 16:41:45
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 I heard those Red Dragons once..very impressive amps.

 

RE: No problems with over 30 years of experience of monoblocs, posted on April 5, 2014 at 17:57:55
PAR
 As I said, tube failure can happen with any amp mono or stereo.

Why would power surges affect mono amps but not stereo ones?

 

RE: FWIW I never had any problems with the Red Dragon Monos...N/T, posted on April 5, 2014 at 21:55:17
EmailTim
 I believe the Red Dragon Monos are ICEPower modules in a box.

 

RE: FWIW I never had any problems with the Red Dragon Monos...N/T, posted on April 5, 2014 at 22:06:57
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Yes, I know they are Class D. Fantastically executed.

 

RE: FWIW I never had any problems with the Red Dragon Monos...N/T, posted on April 5, 2014 at 22:32:30
EmailTim
 I have one of their original stereo versions in Birdseye Maple which was before they went to their current chassis design.

 

RE: FWIW I never had any problems with the Red Dragon Monos...N/T, posted on April 5, 2014 at 22:46:32
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Yes I heard them with the wood enclosures. I just checked the website...lots of changes.

 

I like the idea of giving, for how much is possible, the same "treatment" to L and R signals., posted on April 6, 2014 at 01:59:30
beppe61
Audiophile

Posts: 4705
Joined: January 29, 2004

Hello,
i like very much the mono approach (a very beautiful example in the picture) and if funds were not limited i will go that way.
If i had to design something i would start mono and then duplicating anything.
Mine is only a feeling but i think that if i will get an excellent mono reproduction then duplicating it will give me an exceptional stereo system.
The starting point for me is mono.
For instance i do not like very much when i see the L layout mirroring the R layout.
I like so much dual mono circuits and true mono even more.
Of course is up to you to decide.
Kind regards,
bg

 

I've used various mono block amps..., posted on April 6, 2014 at 12:00:38
mkuller
Audiophile

Posts: 38130
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: April 22, 2003
 ...for over 25 years and rarely had problems with them.

All tubed.

 

RE: I've owned MANY pairs of monoamps over many decades and have had problems..., posted on April 6, 2014 at 14:10:39
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3537
Joined: April 23, 2007
 Jef....you can put a stereo amp between the speakers with short cables too

 

RE: I've used various mono block amps..., posted on April 6, 2014 at 17:01:14
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Yes, I know your a Manley man...)

As a side note, boy am I bummed about Thiel ditching JT's design and vision.

 

Sold the Vandersteens...in favor of what..., posted on April 6, 2014 at 17:56:58
jbrrp1
Audiophile

Posts: 483
Location: Minnesota
Joined: April 24, 2007
 If I may ask? I am a Vandersteen fan running Quatro's and dreaming of 5A carbons. I am curious what other avenue drew you away.

 

RE: Mono blocks..nuthin' but trouble??, posted on April 6, 2014 at 22:59:16
wheezer
Audiophile

Posts: 4309
Joined: January 24, 2001
 What brands and their country of origin?
...I'm not familiar with the "usual" failures?

 

Manley Man...., posted on April 7, 2014 at 06:24:47
jaynemo
Audiophile

Posts: 1881
Location: Connecticut
Joined: February 7, 2003
 So was I, pair of NEO250's, some of the best sounding amps I ever had, however, noisy as hell thru 96 db/W sensitive speakers and run extremely hot. And way too expensive to retube...long gone...

 

Oh just stop it already, "right channel failure", too much!!! LOL , posted on April 7, 2014 at 11:24:00
bjh
Audiophile

Posts: 18614
Location: Ontario
Joined: November 22, 2003
 .


 

RE: Oh just stop it already, "right channel failure", too much!!! LOL , posted on April 7, 2014 at 11:56:23
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 THREE edits to get this trope right? LOL

 

RE: Manley Man...., posted on April 7, 2014 at 11:57:08
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Manley's can be on the "hummy" side...

 

RE: Manley Man...., posted on April 7, 2014 at 12:19:22
jaynemo
Audiophile

Posts: 1881
Location: Connecticut
Joined: February 7, 2003
 That is an understatement....there was always something uncanny about the left channel amp...when first turned on and "charging", man that thing was mechanically noisy...sometimes the whole amp would mechanically vibrate, at a very low level. Really erratic, sometimes it was fine. Did NOT like being powered by a PS Audio AC regenerator..major ground hum. Always floated ground. And the power switch? Major pop thru my Legacy Focus SE's evertime I turned the amps off.They eventually made thier way to Australia via A'Gon!

 

Eureka! I've seen the light!, posted on April 7, 2014 at 18:27:41
Tom
Audiophile

Posts: 2081
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 27, 2000
Contributor
  Since: March 16, 2002
 If you have monoblocks, you double your chance of failure, 'cuz there's TWO of everything.

Stay away!

 

RE: Eureka! I've seen the light!, posted on April 7, 2014 at 19:25:07
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 I listen to one single driver speaker...mono rules.

 

Touché! That's it, indisputable! ... now why the right one goes ... hmmm? what's the logic for that? ;) nt, posted on April 7, 2014 at 19:34:40
bjh
Audiophile

Posts: 18614
Location: Ontario
Joined: November 22, 2003
 .


 

why stop there?? ....., posted on April 8, 2014 at 09:04:14
wangmr
Audiophile

Posts: 2410
Location: Downtown
Joined: November 29, 2012
 two lovers/wives is double trouble, too.....

roger wang.

 

Thank you, Lou Rawls. nt, posted on April 8, 2014 at 09:27:15
Tom
Audiophile

Posts: 2081
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 27, 2000
Contributor
  Since: March 16, 2002

 

don't know the name, sorry (n.t.a.), posted on April 11, 2014 at 06:28:14
wangmr
Audiophile

Posts: 2410
Location: Downtown
Joined: November 29, 2012
 .

 

RE: Are you serious, or just trying to stir up some weekend sillyness?, posted on April 11, 2014 at 12:07:33
sudz1234@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2956
Joined: February 20, 2011
 Maybe they had those cheap Chinese one's they advertise in Audio Advisor.

 

RE: Sold the Vandersteens...in favor of what..., posted on April 11, 2014 at 13:00:06
SgreenP@MSN.com
Audiophile

Posts: 3537
Joined: April 23, 2007
 I am using 5A's and listened to the 5A carbons.....I would buy the carbons, but to update my 5A's doesn't seem worthwhile to me. The difference is oh so small...truthfully, they sound the same to me. A change in cable, or electronics will bring greater rewards. Regarding the Quatros....you can get the carbon update (if not now - soon) so that the middle and highs are the same as the 5A carbons...just a bit less bass.

 

20 years, no issues. (mt), posted on April 15, 2014 at 06:18:49
-æ-
Bored Member

Posts: 788
Joined: May 9, 2013
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 1999
 I said empty.

If you aren't quite noticing or accepting what is really going on in the present,
but are responding based on your thoughts or feelings about what ought to be,
then you are apt to collide with what is really going on.

 

RE: 20 years, no issues. (mt), posted on April 15, 2014 at 08:19:57
Sprezza Tura
Audiophile

Posts: 4585
Location: New York City
Joined: August 24, 2012
 Thanks for feedback. Ultimately, it seems my pals were just victims of bad luck. Except for two of everything to go wrong, I agree with many posters here there is no reason monos should be more prone to failure unless there is a flaw in the design.

 

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