I do not think it is financial at all. They are working in those specialized fields in the first place for other, non-financial reasons, especially those 3 guys. But, people tend to see things in terms of their own specialty, especially if they have labored there for years.
A lot of stereo amps also have shared power supplies. This causes the voltage rail to modulate the other amp at the peak.
One channel can induce distortion into the other that would otherwise not be distorted.
Sorry, missed this... Not really the right thread for it, but Amir has already provided some info. I had a long post someplace on WBF but rarely visit there these days. There are some advantages to monoblocks but of course implementation is a huge player in the benefits you might actually receive (and hear). Below are some quick off-the-cuff comments. Note these are somewhat subjective because they depend upon how manufacturers implement the designs.
Pros:
Cons:
- Completely independent chassis so any signal crosstalk is likely not between amplifier channels.
- Generally bigger power supplies with more charge storage so may offer greater long-term dynamic headroom.
- No voltage modulation (crosstalk) between channel power supplies. A big signal in one channel dragging down the rails does not affect the other channel.
- Easier thermal management with independent heat sinks and such, and monoblocks often have more room for cooling since only one channel is in each box.
- Facilitates placement near speakers using very short speaker cables (and thus longer interconnect cables). The speaker side is usually much more sensitive to cable interactions (amp out impedances are low, but speakers can be rather nasty loads).
- Monoblocks tend to utilize the best of manufacturer's components and design concepts since they are usually only sold to higher-end customers. How audible that may be varies widely (for the most part I'd guess not much but YMMV).
- They look cool and you can tell all your friends how dedicated you are.
Next I suppose we'll have to discuss vertical vs. horizontal bi-amping...
- No sharing of power supplies generally means greater overall SWAP (size, weight, and power) and greater heat dissipation.
- Can still have crosstalk at the source or through the power lines (not a really a con, more just a comment, and not likely IME/IMO).
- Need added space for the amplifiers, natch, and space around them for cooling, additional power outlets, etc. May need a platform behind the speakers (I would not place an amp on the floor, carpeted or not, due to risk of additional dust from floor and heat build-up especially if on carpet).
- Potential for ground loops if they are placed on different outlets from each other and/or the preamp, or from the longer/extra interconnects and power safety ground connections.
- Longer interconnects (if required) may be more susceptible to picking up hum and noise (usually not a problem, just get a decent -- NOT expensive -- cable, and route appropriately).
- Higher cost (extra power supplies, chassis cost $$$ -- and IMO since they are on the upper end of most lines manufacturers can exact a premium).
- Lower WAF.
HTH - Don
Number 7 on the pro column renders the rest of the two lists irrelevantSorry, missed this... Not really the right thread for it, but Amir has already provided some info. I had a long post someplace on WBF but rarely visit there these days. There are some advantages to monoblocks but of course implementation is a huge player in the benefits you might actually receive (and hear). Below are some quick off-the-cuff comments. Note these are somewhat subjective because they depend upon how manufacturers implement the designs.
Pros:
Cons:
- Completely independent chassis so any signal crosstalk is likely not between amplifier channels.
- Generally bigger power supplies with more charge storage so may offer greater long-term dynamic headroom.
- No voltage modulation (crosstalk) between channel power supplies. A big signal in one channel dragging down the rails does not affect the other channel.
- Easier thermal management with independent heat sinks and such, and monoblocks often have more room for cooling since only one channel is in each box.
- Facilitates placement near speakers using very short speaker cables (and thus longer interconnect cables). The speaker side is usually much more sensitive to cable interactions (amp out impedances are low, but speakers can be rather nasty loads).
- Monoblocks tend to utilize the best of manufacturer's components and design concepts since they are usually only sold to higher-end customers. How audible that may be varies widely (for the most part I'd guess not much but YMMV).
- They look cool and you can tell all your friends how dedicated you are.
Next I suppose we'll have to discuss vertical vs. horizontal bi-amping...
- No sharing of power supplies generally means greater overall SWAP (size, weight, and power) and greater heat dissipation.
- Can still have crosstalk at the source or through the power lines (not a really a con, more just a comment, and not likely IME/IMO).
- Need added space for the amplifiers, natch, and space around them for cooling, additional power outlets, etc. May need a platform behind the speakers (I would not place an amp on the floor, carpeted or not, due to risk of additional dust from floor and heat build-up especially if on carpet).
- Potential for ground loops if they are placed on different outlets from each other and/or the preamp, or from the longer/extra interconnects and power safety ground connections.
- Longer interconnects (if required) may be more susceptible to picking up hum and noise (usually not a problem, just get a decent -- NOT expensive -- cable, and route appropriately).
- Higher cost (extra power supplies, chassis cost $$$ -- and IMO since they are on the upper end of most lines manufacturers can exact a premium).
- Lower WAF.
HTH - Don
What? No M2s sitting out in the middle of the room toed in to the ears of a single chair? Two couches facing each other instead of the speakers? Clearly Dr, Toole is married...
