Mono block power amps

[john_1983]

I've currently got a NAD C340 used as a pre-amp for a NAD C272 power amp, which drives a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze 6 floorstanders. I play a mix of CD/vinyl/streaming via Tidal.

Is there any point in me adding an additional C272 power amp to mono block them? I understand the principle behind it - an amp per speaker - but would I notice any difference in sound quality?

[Tony1963]

I’ll say that it probably depends.

If your power amp is a bottleneck, then maybe. If it isn’t, it’ll make no difference.

Generally, if your power amp is up to the job of driving ‘your’ speakers in ‘your’ room, then a better pre amp might be a better bet.

If your power amp is struggling, then you might benefit from doubling up the power amps.

I’d go for a better pre amp mostly.

[john_1983]

Thanks for the reply, a new pre-amp is on the list - but a C272 popped up on eBay and got me thinking...

[XB70]

My view - yes.

I can't recall the model NAD amp that I added two NAD powers amps to it (272s).

Shouldn't have any problem driving most speakers (before getting into the esoteric stuff) and great value for money.

Also, I should admit, there is something very cool about a NAD stack as you go down pressing each on button and they all come to life. As was said to me years ago, NAD of that era is what you expect to find on a military control panel in terms of style.

If a good price, grab it.

Edit to add: just saw your speakers. Mine are running Monitor Audio Silver Series

Further edit: the other 'system' is a Yamaha CD-S3000 and a A-S3000 and I have connected them to the Monitor speakers too. The NAD gear does a pretty good performance when the massive difference in price is taken into account

Edited by XB70 on Tuesday 2nd February 10:09

[tonyg58]

I would say no.
Your speakers are pretty efficient and don't look to be a poor load (although there's no indication of actual impedance, just a nominal figure) so there's no need real for extra power.
I (personally) would also be reluctant to buy an old power amp from eBay.

[selym]

I've went for a Croft pre and power combo then stepped up to dedicated monos and could hear a definite difference. These are, as I said, dedicated monos though and different in design to the Croft stereo power amp.

[C n C]

Years ago (1987) my first hifi was a Sugden C28 pre-amp and P28 stereo power amp driving Rogers LS6 speakers.

The amps were a similar price to an Audiolab 8000A integrated but sounded much better, as I found out when I went into Huddersfield HiFi to buy the Audiolab and the guy suggested I also "listen to this".

The following year, I added a second P28 power amp (for just under £200 I think) and switched them both into bridged mono, so one power amp per channel.

Despite the speakers being pretty easy to drive, there was a noticeable improvement in sound quality - better soundstage depth and instrument separation/clarity, as well as loads more capacity/power available.

The power amps are class A/AB so running them as 2 x monoblocks would have meant staying in Class A longer/to higher volumes which may have been a major factor in the improved sound.

I still have the system and listen to it regularly - great sound.


ETA in your case, why not buy the second power amp and try it? If there's no noticeable improvement, I'm guessing you could move it on for no/very little loss. If it improves the sound significantly, then it's a good upgrade for relatively low cost.

Edited by C n C on Wednesday 3rd February 18:18