Finally taking the leap to Monoblocks


Thought I'd throw this one out there. In light of my 4B-ST being sick, I thought I would go ahead and start preparing for the next stage in my audio evolution. Upon its return from Bryston, I plan on moving the 4B-ST over to my home theater system and eventually pairing it with the new 6B-ST. Anyway, I'm looking for advice on some monoblocks to replace the 4B-ST in my audio system. I thought of the 7B-ST, which I can get a good deal on. I can also get a good deal on some used Aragon Palladium amps. I've auditioned the Palladiums, they are so nice. I've never listened to the 7B, but I know what the 4B can do. Anything else out there that I need to listen to? I need something that will outlast all my other components, including another speaker upgrade. I would like to spend less than $5000, but I'm willing to listen to anything.
argent
You'll get a plethora of opinions re many monoblocks in this price range, and I'll defer to the experience/expertise of those who respond. I will say I'm VERY intrested/curious about monoblocks purported to be coming out around the fall designed by CTC for Parasound. This has signigicant potential, IMOP, given what Bob Crump, John Curl and Carl Thompson are capable of doing when they put their collective talents together, and all for around 5K if memory serves me correctly. This could prove to be a giant killer, I guess/hope we'll see.
You should take a listen to Jeff Rowland Model 7's. They last a lifetime & the sound is surperb. Power? 350 watts RMS into 8 ohms, 700 watts into 4 ohms. They are hard to find but in your price range. Try to find the ones with the latest updates.
i really like the pair of electrocompaniet aw60ftt stereo amps i'm using vertically biamped, to my monitors. this equates to 120wpc, 220 into 4 ohms. these amps retail for $2k ea; even less used/demo/closeout. if this isn't enuff yuice, ewe can look for the aw180 monoblocs - retail $7k, again less for used... and, if ya really need to go nuts :>) there's a pair of $17k (or is it $15k?) electrocompaniet nemo monoblocs adwertised here recently for $6k obo...

doug s.

Hi Argent; I'm in the process of going to McCormack DNA-2 bi-amps. I could have them converted to monos but those buggers put out an incredible 1200 wpc with the channels bridged.

BUT, both the DNA-0.5 and DNA-1's can be converted to monos by SMc Audio. If you found a pair of .5s they could be upgraded to level B or A and converted to monos. I'm looking into doing this with .5s (they put out 400 wpc bridged). Factory monos that I would consider are the Bryston 7Bs as you mention. And if I could afford it ($7K I think), I'd look hard at the new Classe' CAMs-- about 350 wpc. I like the looks of them, but haven't heard. Either STPH or TAS recently did a review of the Classe's. Good Hunting. Craig.