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Monoblocks did not work

Help me with this problem pl. I had one Classe CA-400 driving Dunlavy V'S with all Classe front end. I was very happy with the sound, so happy I refused to upgrade for 3 years. That the power bug hit me. What if I buy another CA-400 and run each as monoblocks. I did, with all other components remaining same( same IC's going to each amp). The result was way worse than expected. Thin , hashy, ambient sound. Power of 800W/ch (into 4 ohms) became 2400 W/ch, still bad sound. What happened? How do I make use of the beast (120lbs) that I have aquired?
nilthepill
snook2's avatar
snook2
608 posts
 
Are you sure your interconnects and speaker cables are consistent with vertical bi-amping. I got better sound with the Aloi's at 30 watts than I did with bigger amps. Bi-amping increased the soundstage immensely.
gregm
3,021 posts
 
Indeed that's strange! Is it something in the architecture? The following link treats bi-amping -- but may be helpful nevertheless: http://www.sound.au.com/bi-amp.htm

I'm sure there is a very simple solution to great sound.
Good luck!
sean
6,229 posts
 
How are you running these amps ? Bi-amped ( vertical or horizontal ) or bridged ??? From the input that you've stated about power output per channel, i'm assuming bridged.

For sake of clarity and those that may not know the different terms, vertical biamping uses one stereo amp per speaker. Channel A runs the bass section of the speaker and channel B runs the mids and highs.

Horizontal uses one channel of each amp for the bass and the two channels of the other amp feed the highs.

Bridging takes the two channels of a stereo amp and converts them into one BIG channel. You then need two amps in order to make a stereo pair.

All three of these arrangements sound different even though your using two identical amps. Bridging typically gives the highest voltage levels possible out of the three different arrangements but usually results in a much harder and thinner sound. Sean
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nilthepill OP
842 posts
 
Sean and Snook2 I bridged each amp to form one big channel. Amps are bridgable. Gregm thaks for the tip, I will be sure to look it up. I should mention that, Classe did recommend Vertical biamp than the monoblocks. But need, Two sets of interconnects (same brand) with Y-splitter at the pre-amp. I bought extra pair of speaker cables same length, same brand. IC would be tricky, since I have to deal with y-splitter. Probably would inquire with the Straightwire tommorow. But I don't want spend extra $500-600 with same results, without proper feedback from Agoners. Thx.
p.s. Let me tell you that my current sound using only one CA-400 is GREAT, but sound stage depth improvement is desired-without moving the speakers!!
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