2. amps-preamps
  3. 1209804496

Monoblocks to consider?

Hi,

Current system:

* Audio Aero Capitol;
* Joule Electra LA150 MkII;
* Dave Berning ZH-270,
* Merlin VSM-Mxe

I'm sort of considering monoblocks to replace the Berning - I know there are a few members here (especially SBanks) who have moved to Atma Shere monoblocks.

I'd like to canvas views on what amps I should be listening to. I'd like the amps to have just a touch more bottom end slam, if this is possible with my pre and speaker combo.

Thanks,

MontyW
montywoo
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Merlins require a subwoofer to provide bottom end slam. Without one, the speakers lack bottom end weight, IMO.

I'd suggest adding a sub (or two) rather than changing your amplifier.
usblues
1,216 posts
 
Agree with Tvad.You might get a little more bottom with a different amp,but you would lose out on what the Berning is giving you on the top/middle area's.I also have Merlins,good luck,Bob Of course this is just an opinion you realize.....I have heard the Berning with these....
loki1957's avatar
loki1957
90 posts
 
Odyssey mono extreams. They have caused me to sell off all my Jadis amps that I've had for 12 years and really love.
tweak1
870 posts
 
Definitely check into Wyred4Sound. I am using the K 500s on my Magnepan 3.5R mid/bass panels. Underwood HiFi sells them. He advertises here.
oneprof
147 posts
 
What's your budget? You may consider getting a second 270 somewhere and monoblocking them, very easy to do, or, if you can afford it, the new Berning monoblocks are available. I had multiple 270's, and the new monoblocks are just in a different league. I still have my MX's too, I should hook up the Bernings to them to see what they'll do.
One other thing--how old are the tubes in your Audio Aero? I just had mine replaced after 3 years (I leave it on standby most of the time), and wow, what a difference. Of course, I also added an Elrod cord to the AA, but regardless of what caused it, there was an immediate increase in bass.
More to discover