2nd generation EIGENTAKT PURIFI 1ET6525SA (successor to the 1ET400A)

[miero]

A dual mono amplifier (with two power supplies inside) causes a higher inrush current when connected to a power socket, which may cause a fuse or circuit breaker to blow. However, separate dual mono amplifiers offer the advantage of being able to connect them sequentially, avoiding the risk of tripping the circuit breaker.

 

[rsg]

Can y'all help out a reformed audiophile? I'd like to try a 1ET6525SA implementation and have narrowed the choices down to the Boxem A series, mainly because I love the casework. But before I pull the trigger, I was wondering if there are any practical reasons to go with dual-mono over stereo. I know the audiophile justification is better channel separation, better imaging, etc., but there are no measurements to back this up in the case of these purifi modules as far as I can find. The price difference is minor, but I would still prefer not to spend more for a vestigial power supply. Am I missing anything regarding stereo vs. dual-mono? Thanks in advance.

If your speakers are full range, large floor standing, power hungry and often go below 4 Ohm impedance AND you listen at high SPLs - then you may want to look at dual mono amplifiers. That said, the boXem A4216/E2M has, according to the product details, 2 x Hypex SMPS1200 power supplies. Having two switch mode power supplies for a stereo amplifier, you're in situation where you can have your cake and eat it too!

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Having dual monos is a step back in usability, because if you have two amps that you need to switch on, one at a time and a walk in between.

I think the discussion was about a dual mono configuration in one box (with one AC cable and one power switch).

 

[terryforsythe]

A dual mono amplifier (with two power supplies inside) causes a higher inrush current when connected to a power socket, which may cause a fuse or circuit breaker to blow.

As with many things audio related, it depends. If a dual mono amplifier is not deffective, the amplifier's power supplies are well designed, and there is not an issue with the electrical circuit or circuit breaker, then a dual mono amplifier should be fine. Just don't use it on a circuit that already is very heavily loaded (e.g., don't put it on the same circuit being used to run heavy appliances).

My first dual mono amplifier was a class A/B Adcom GFA-5802 with two linear power supplies. I used it for over twenty years, in two different houses, without any issues whatsoever.

One of my current amplfiers is a class D Hypex Nilai500DIY Stereo in which I have added a second power supply, upgrading it to be dual mono with one switch mode power supply per channel. I did the upgrade about 6 months ago and have not had any issues.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

If your speakers are full range, large floor standing, power hungry and often go below 4 Ohm impedance AND you listen at high SPLs - then you may want to look at dual mono amplifiers. That said, the boXem A4216/E2M has, according to the product details, 2 x Hypex SMPS1200 power supplies. Having two switch mode power supplies for a stereo amplifier, you're in situation where you can have your cake and eat it too!

There’s no reason any speakers would need dual mono, as long as the amplifier can deliver the required power to both channels simultaneously. It’s simply a matter of choosing an amp that meets the demands.

Monoblocks persist largely because of their high markup, not due to any inherent technical necessity.

 

[terryforsythe]

There’s no reason any speakers would need dual mono, as long as the amplifier can deliver the required power to both channels simultaneously. It’s simply a matter of choosing an amp that meets the demands.

I agree.

Monoblocks persist largely because of their high markup, not due to any inherent technical necessity.

I think that's an over generalization. Again, it depends.

As an example, together two Hypex Nilai monoblocks cost 1/3 more than the stereo version, but output double the power at a 2 ohm load and 75% higher power at a 4 ohm load. But, they output the same power at an 8 ohm load. If you need the additional power at a 2 or 4 ohm load, the monoblocks are worth the money. If you don't need the additional power, or you have an 8 ohm load, the stereo version is the better value.

At the time I purchased my dual mono Adcom GFA-5802, Adcom did not offer any other stereo amplifiers that matched its power output. And, at that time, the GFA-5802 was considerably less expensive than other amplifiers in the marketplace with which it competed.

 

[rsg]

I think the discussion was about a dual mono configuration in one box (with one AC cable and one power switch).

If that's the case, then having 2 SMPS in one box may be the preferred option. The concern that remains is having adequate heat dissipation. What are the speakers being used?

 

[rsg]

Monoblocks persist largely because of their high markup, not due to any inherent technical necessity.

Crosstalk isolation and the ability to put each channel on a separate circuit. The penalty of course are longer cable runs from the pre-amplifier.

 

[PloddyPastard]

Can y'all help out a reformed audiophile? I'd like to try a 1ET6525SA implementation and have narrowed the choices down to the Boxem A series, mainly because I love the casework. But before I pull the trigger, I was wondering if there are any practical reasons to go with dual-mono over stereo. I know the audiophile justification is better channel separation, better imaging, etc., but there are no measurements to back this up in the case of these purifi modules as far as I can find. The price difference is minor, but I would still prefer not to spend more for a vestigial power supply. Am I missing anything regarding stereo vs. dual-mono? Thanks in advance.

I was asking myself the same question - eventually decided against the dual mono mainly due to form factor. Not regretting the choice, the BoXem A 4216/E2 is a great amp. If you have enough space for dual mono, go for it. Even if it is just for piece of mind ;-)

 

[rsg]

I was asking myself the same question - eventually decided against the dual mono mainly due to form factor. Not regretting the choice, the BoXem A 4216/E2 is a great amp. If you have enough space for dual mono, go for it. Even if it is just for piece of mind ;-)

Agree. Having dual Hypex power supplies would be good. For the dual mono go with the BoXem A 4216/E2M for $1702 USD + shipping. It is about $366 USD more than the A 4216/E2. If you want a great true monoblock for a similar price, the Buckeye Amps PURIFI 1ET6525SA Monoblock (2nd Gen EIGENTAKT) for $850 USD/each shipped is a fantastic option. There are lots of great amps out there, but for Class D, in my honest opinion, both Fred at boXem and Dylan at Buckeye are the only people I would buy from at this time.

 

[Rischa]

Thanks to everyone for their input on dual mono. It seems I should be ok going with stereo (single power supply) on the Boxem. I think I will spring for the king size, though, since it's a much better fit for the amp stand (probably doesn't hurt for thermal reasons, either).

 

[Jukka]

I think the discussion was about a dual mono configuration in one box (with one AC cable and one power switch).

My bad, I mixed the terms.

 

[vipersg]

A dual mono amplifier (with two power supplies inside) causes a higher inrush current when connected to a power socket, which may cause a fuse or circuit breaker to blow. However, separate dual mono amplifiers offer the advantage of being able to connect them sequentially, avoiding the risk of tripping the circuit breaker.

I have 2 units of dual mono Purifi 1ET9040BA with dual Hypex SMPS1200, connected to the same circuit and both units are triggered on simultaneously by 12V trigger. No issues at all.