I'll never forget the magic of being a kid and running a cd player through my Dad's ancient amps from the 70s, warmth and clarity together. Still chasing that sound even today~
Some of the sounds we chase that we remember from childhood can never be obtained. In part because of our aging ears and in part because of our changed perceptions over time. Not that you shouldn't try, warmth, richness and clarity all at the same time is what most everyone wants :)
There was something magical about a listening room at Pacific Stereo with receivers and speakers with 12" woofers. I'd be fine with a system like that today, even though I realize there have been a lot of advances since then. I think it's because we like what was around when we were young.
@@zackw4941 While we might agree on this, I think most in the hobby do not. OCD HI-FI guy on youtube had a video on this, where he talked about how audiophiles have been tricked into believing in parlor tricks with audio; namely, that simply increasing resolution and detail for analytical listening is the be all and end all game for a true audio experience. Warmth as a word carries very negative connotations, like "muffled", "undetailed", the list goes on. Of course, it can cut both ways, I think he also said the best DAC he heard costs around 24000 dollars so there is that problem, ha! Rabbit holes within rabbit holes.
@@chungang7037 It can be hard to have your cake and eat it too. "Warmth and richness" come from a bump in the low mids. As well as individual notes or sounds feeling fat, hefty and satisfying. Resolution comes partly from more energy in the highs and is much easier to obtain with a "lean and clean" signature. Getting a balance where you feel you have the right balance of both, let alone the best of both, is where we go crazy. It probably has a lot to do with our perception of system synergy, too.
I really enjoy your channel Paul. I found moving to mono blocks had a huge difference in soundstage, clarity and separation of the instruments/singers.
@@andrewjackson9417 while that may be true, I’m sure they’re also designed to address the shortcomings that Paul discusses here. Otherwise, why wouldn’t they just sell the stereo amps to cover both application? Right?
@@dannyfannyfoodle But wouldn't bridgable stereo power amps also be designed from the ground up to be bridged to mono. Bridging has been around for decades, it's not new technology.
@@andrewjackson9417 I agree, it’s been around forever, but I had no idea of the limitations, particularly related to impedance. Maybe it was just a feature that was added on to give more flexibility and sell more product. So not an “afterthought”, but maybe not a ground up design either. I have no reason to doubt Paul and I wish I knew more about electronics, but now I have more questions!
There's no problem bridging the amp I think it's capable built in with a switch, if it's from the same manufacturer the monoblock shouldn't be a problem but just contact them to make sure
I must have missed something - I think this individual simply wants to go to monoblocks as opposed to a single stereo amp, not bi-amp. The info Paul is forwarding in regards to bridging this particular brand of amplifier is priceless and should save this guy from buying a second, and only hopefully at best, close to matching model.
Did I miss something here? The guy asked about going from a single amp to monoblocks. Disregarding the advice on bi-amping, Paul then says he's not a fan of bridging (to monoblocks, although he doesn't use that word). Doesn't that mean Paul is saying he doesn't like monoblocks? If so, he's contradicting himself, as he's said more than once that he considers monoblocks to be a superior configuration. Slightly confused...
I own a pair of PrimaLuna evo 300's and thats whtat they were made to do. Making the upgade path from stereo to dual mono that much easier. Jauquin needs to contact his local shop or call PrimaLuna themselves
Yes, the letter even states that the PL 300 can be switched, so what's the problem? Did Paul totally overlook that detail? --- it's an important one at that.
Great question. I guess if the gent really likes the existing amp, buying another could make sense. I'd be skeptical that it would make enough difference to justify the investment. I wonder if an amp made for stereo is as good in mono as just buying a monobloc.
While bridging may have shortcomings (which I had no idea about), and bi-amping is unnecessary, wouldn’t that be the best path forward for this individual? If his speakers are biampable, he gets the benefit of more power (and same sound signature) without having to scrap his existing amp. He must like it if he’s asking about buying another. It would be helpful to know what speakers he’s using.
WTF?? Paul, you just had a major senior moment. He did not ask about bi-amping, he was asking if he should buy a separate EVO 300 and run them both in MONO mode, or whether he should ditch the Prima Luna's and get a different pair of monoblocks! Biamping has nothing to do with his question!
Hi Paul, are all amps bridgable? Can I invert the phase of one channel by splitting the signal and connecting one channel's positive signal to the amp's negative input and vice-verser? I tried on my sub amp but it didn't work. It has enough power to drive my 15-inch sub on a single channel but I need to utilize all available power.
I’m a little confused. I recently found this channel and, in a 5yr old video I watched yesterday, Paul said monoblocks are better. Wouldn’t that imply you’d want one amp for each channel? How does this video correlate with the other one? It seems something was left out or lost in translation.
Paul is losing it. The guy writing in did not ask if he should biamp his speakers. He was simply asking if he should get another power amplifier that's identical to what he has and run it in mono. Then Paul goes on to say the Prima Luna was not designed to be put in mono and bridged? Well of course it was. If they didn't design it to be implemented that way they wouldn't make the mono switch an option and make sure it's designed internally up to Snuff. Holy cats these videos are declining in informational value.
Yup. Paul’s out to,lunch on this one. Paul goes down the rabbit hole of biamping which is a form of biwiring speakers. When you Biamp you use TWO amps to biwire one speaker using either passive (speaker has two terminals for each amp connection with a terminal jumper removed) or active (separate) crossover methods. What this kid wants to know about is bridging his amp (flipping the switch on the back of his amp from stereo amp to bridged which makes it a type of mono block amp). That amp would power one speaker. Then all he has to purchase is another mono block to power his other speaker separately. It’s doable but the sonic characteristics would most likely be different with two different types (& even models) of amps powering his speakers.
I'd be more concerned that a new EVO 300 and a 4 year old EVO 300 won't be truly identical. Parts suppliers change, and circuits get small modifications all the time, meaning that you're unlikely to have two identical amps.
I have a couple Harman Kardon Citation 16's that I was thinking of changing the interior jumpers to use them as mono blocks. Are you saying that isn't a good idea? Thanks Paul !! It was an absolute pleasure to meet and talk with you, your wife, and your team during AXPONA 👍 I was the blonde headed mullet that was in your room every day 😉
@1:53 "So I don't see a need these days for bi-amping." Having a stereo is not a "need". It is a "want". Perhaps our host meant that he does not see a valid purpose for bi-amping? However: Our host narrowly limited his rationale to the history of amps, where full range amps were not plentiful. He is telling the truth -- but not the whole truth. He is being deceptive, by omission. Why? My guess is he does not sell the equipment that is required for bi-amping. Paul knows that bi-amping, when done right, is beneficial. Of course he knows. The benefit to bi-amping is to dedicate two amps (one for each speaker) for the grunt work (the heavy lifting) of pushing out bass notes. Then, your remaining amps will have less lifting to do to produce the mids and the highs. Any amp will sound better, in the mids and highs, when they have little, in the way of bass notes, to deal with. It is why Vandersteen's higher end models, including his flagship reference speakers, are all bi-amped. They include built-in amps, dedicated to the bottom end. They reduce the bass by 6 db on your main amps that will produce the mids and the highs. The result is more focused voices and instruments. Bass notes give your amp's power supply a workout. And the power supply is a major cost in the price of the amp. The power supply is a major contributor to the sound quality of your amp. But even the best amps, with the best power supplies, benefit in the mids and highs from not dealing with bass. If bi-amping is not done properly, the result will not be ear friendly. But when done properly, your stereo will sound better. Paul knows this. I give him 3 Pinocchios.
In plain english - and with many question marks to it: bridging not that good, because you double the voltage (which you may not need) but you keep max current (??) and double the amp‘s output resistance, so more power (more voltage headroom) but not necessarily more control?? Might still work out where amp output impedance is very low from the start (ot not so relevant), and if you drive speakers of relatively high impedance and low efficiency such as bbc monitors.. thoughts anyone?
@@mistafizz5195 I still do not believe the suggested procedure is so bulletproof that anyone watching a video of suggested test would exclude any messing with it, prepared cards, edited video, whatever. I suggest you go to your hifi dealer and ask for a trial example of a good usb cable. It‘ll not be cheaper for you anyways, unless of course despite you believe my video, you wouldn’t hear a difference (in your system, with your ears, playing your music). Or would you be happily spending 400€ for a cable where only I hear its advantages? Plus I am too busy a person, and I simply do not want to make a video, but I enjoyed toying with the idea and thinking of a concept for it. For your special service: here is another video (credible or not) with A/Bin 2 USB cables: if you focus on sibilants, the “SSS”, you find a reliable identifier: more S with the Signature, and a bit more dull and grainy with the Reference. Or was it the other way round?? ;)
Gerard Stroh*** Hi Paul McGowan*** I am A Big Audiophile And I Run 7 Poweramps In My Stereo System Infact It Is A Super Loud PA Stereo System*** I am Not A Fan of Class D Digital Poweramps and I Perfer Class A or Class AB Poweramps Paul McGowan!!! I Use Pro QSC RMX Poweramps and I Know That Mono Block Poweramps Are Better!!!! My Stereo System is 10.000Watts of RMS Real Power Wattidge and Not Peak Power*** I am Thinking About Bi-amping My Front Stage Speakers Because It Sounds Better At High Valumes Plus It is Better For Your Mids and Highs!!! I Don't Have To Crank it Up Because My Audio System is Very Clean Sounding and My Poweramps Are The Heavy Built Ones that Cost Good Money!!!! My Speakers Have the Homemade DIY Look and My 15 inch Woofers are 98 Db at Around 600 Watts Each and They Have the MM Surround and Not The Foam on Low Wattidge Speakers!!! All of My Sub Woofer Speakers are 1200 Watts at 4 ohms at 98 Db and Those Are My Wallsize Sub Woofer Speakers!!! My Dayton Audio 21 inch Sub Woofer Speaker is A 2000 Watt Sub Woofer Speaker is A 100 Pound Speaker Magnet With A 5 inch Voice Coil at 4 Ohms and I Use A QSC RMX 2450a Poweramp on Bridge Mode at 2400 Watts At 2 Ohms and It Does Not Get Hot or Struggle at All*** My Records Sound So Awesome and It Feels Like you Are At The Concert**** My 3 Tweeter are Big Pro Audio PA Horn Speakers Crossover around 3.000Hz*** My Mids Are 2 8 inch Mid Woofers are High Powered 240 watts at 96Db at 600Hz!!! I Love My Audio Stereo PA System!!! I Love Your Videos Paul McGowan PS Audio**** Bye!!!
I would like to hear a clarification on why using this stereo amp that is designed to operate in mono is not ideal for running as a mono block. Is he saying it is better to get an amp that is designed from the ground-up to be mono only? If so, some time spent addressing this specifically would be very informative.
I'll never forget the magic of being a kid and running a cd player through my Dad's ancient amps from the 70s, warmth and clarity together. Still chasing that sound even today~
Some of the sounds we chase that we remember from childhood can never be obtained. In part because of our aging ears and in part because of our changed perceptions over time. Not that you shouldn't try, warmth, richness and clarity all at the same time is what most everyone wants :)
There was something magical about a listening room at Pacific Stereo with receivers and speakers with 12" woofers. I'd be fine with a system like that today, even though I realize there have been a lot of advances since then. I think it's because we like what was around when we were young.
@@charleswilliams8368 My speakers have 12" drivers. The magic is real :)
@@zackw4941 While we might agree on this, I think most in the hobby do not. OCD HI-FI guy on youtube had a video on this, where he talked about how audiophiles have been tricked into believing in parlor tricks with audio; namely, that simply increasing resolution and detail for analytical listening is the be all and end all game for a true audio experience. Warmth as a word carries very negative connotations, like "muffled", "undetailed", the list goes on. Of course, it can cut both ways, I think he also said the best DAC he heard costs around 24000 dollars so there is that problem, ha! Rabbit holes within rabbit holes.
@@chungang7037 It can be hard to have your cake and eat it too. "Warmth and richness" come from a bump in the low mids. As well as individual notes or sounds feeling fat, hefty and satisfying. Resolution comes partly from more energy in the highs and is much easier to obtain with a "lean and clean" signature. Getting a balance where you feel you have the right balance of both, let alone the best of both, is where we go crazy. It probably has a lot to do with our perception of system synergy, too.
I really enjoy your channel Paul. I found moving to mono blocks had a huge difference in soundstage, clarity and separation of the instruments/singers.
Joaquin in Phoenix?
OMG 😂
Lmao 😂😂
Nobody walks in Phoenix.
@@patrickbranin5243 I've heard you don't even see Christopher walken in Phoenix.
Hey Paul he's not talking about biamping, he's talking about using an amp for each side of his stereo signal.
Paul also says he doesn't like bridging, but in a previous video says PS Audio monoblocks are internally bridged stereo amps.
Listen to the end. I had the same impression, it then he discussed the question of bridging the Primalunas. I had no idea that’s how bridging works.
@@andrewjackson9417 while that may be true, I’m sure they’re also designed to address the shortcomings that Paul discusses here. Otherwise, why wouldn’t they just sell the stereo amps to cover both application? Right?
@@dannyfannyfoodle But wouldn't bridgable stereo power amps also be designed from the ground up to be bridged to mono. Bridging has been around for decades, it's not new technology.
@@andrewjackson9417 I agree, it’s been around forever, but I had no idea of the limitations, particularly related to impedance. Maybe it was just a feature that was added on to give more flexibility and sell more product. So not an “afterthought”, but maybe not a ground up design either. I have no reason to doubt Paul and I wish I knew more about electronics, but now I have more questions!
Most of you don’t remember Clayton .. they only had 50 watts of class A. Finest amps I have ever heard..
There's no problem bridging the amp I think it's capable built in with a switch, if it's from the same manufacturer the monoblock shouldn't be a problem but just contact them to make sure
I’ve watched Paul for years he’s brilliant
I must have missed something - I think this individual simply wants to go to monoblocks as opposed to a single stereo amp, not bi-amp. The info Paul is forwarding in regards to bridging this particular brand of amplifier is priceless and should save this guy from buying a second, and only hopefully at best, close to matching model.
Did I miss something here?
The guy asked about going from a single amp to monoblocks.
Disregarding the advice on bi-amping, Paul then says he's not a fan of bridging (to monoblocks, although he doesn't use that word).
Doesn't that mean Paul is saying he doesn't like monoblocks? If so, he's contradicting himself, as he's said more than once that he considers monoblocks to be a superior configuration.
Slightly confused...
Bi amping gives you more control of your low end, there is big differences in recordings it nice to have the control to boost or cut the low end.
I own a pair of PrimaLuna evo 300's and thats whtat they were made to do. Making the upgade path from stereo to dual mono that much easier. Jauquin needs to contact his local shop or call PrimaLuna themselves
Yes, the letter even states that the PL 300 can be switched, so what's the problem?
Did Paul totally overlook that detail? --- it's an important one at that.
@@thecarman3693 , i think he completely misunderstood the question.
Great question. I guess if the gent really likes the existing amp, buying another could make sense. I'd be skeptical that it would make enough difference to justify the investment. I wonder if an amp made for stereo is as good in mono as just buying a monobloc.
Wow, thank you Paul for this explanation, I didn't know that! 👍
Another member of the Amplifier of the Month club.
Unless I'm mistaken ... the BHK amps are bridged internally.... btw the speaker load appears half when connected in BTL configuration... be careful !!
While bridging may have shortcomings (which I had no idea about), and bi-amping is unnecessary, wouldn’t that be the best path forward for this individual? If his speakers are biampable, he gets the benefit of more power (and same sound signature) without having to scrap his existing amp. He must like it if he’s asking about buying another. It would be helpful to know what speakers he’s using.
WTF?? Paul, you just had a major senior moment. He did not ask about bi-amping, he was asking if he should buy a separate EVO 300 and run them both in MONO mode, or whether he should ditch the Prima Luna's and get a different pair of monoblocks! Biamping has nothing to do with his question!
He did not answer the question
great channel glad i found it ur so kind and pleasant
Hi Paul, are all amps bridgable? Can I invert the phase of one channel by splitting the signal and connecting one channel's positive signal to the amp's negative input and vice-verser? I tried on my sub amp but it didn't work. It has enough power to drive my 15-inch sub on a single channel but I need to utilize all available power.
Paul, are you saying you don’t like mono blocks?
I’m a little confused. I recently found this channel and, in a 5yr old video I watched yesterday, Paul said monoblocks are better. Wouldn’t that imply you’d want one amp for each channel? How does this video correlate with the other one? It seems something was left out or lost in translation.
Paul is losing it. The guy writing in did not ask if he should biamp his speakers. He was simply asking if he should get another power amplifier that's identical to what he has and run it in mono. Then Paul goes on to say the Prima Luna was not designed to be put in mono and bridged? Well of course it was. If they didn't design it to be implemented that way they wouldn't make the mono switch an option and make sure it's designed internally up to Snuff. Holy cats these videos are declining in informational value.
He lost *it* long ago!!
Yup. Paul’s out to,lunch on this one. Paul goes down the rabbit hole of biamping which is a form of biwiring speakers. When you Biamp you use TWO amps to biwire one speaker using either passive (speaker has two terminals for each amp connection with a terminal jumper removed) or active (separate) crossover methods. What this kid wants to know about is bridging his amp (flipping the switch on the back of his amp from stereo amp to bridged which makes it a type of mono block amp). That amp would power one speaker. Then all he has to purchase is another mono block to power his other speaker separately. It’s doable but the sonic characteristics would most likely be different with two different types (& even models) of amps powering his speakers.
I'd be more concerned that a new EVO 300 and a 4 year old EVO 300 won't be truly identical. Parts suppliers change, and circuits get small modifications all the time, meaning that you're unlikely to have two identical amps.
Interesting point. It's an expensive amp so maybe send it in for a service/update?
Great video
I have a couple Harman Kardon Citation 16's that I was thinking of changing the interior jumpers to use them as mono blocks. Are you saying that isn't a good idea?
Thanks Paul !! It was an absolute pleasure to meet and talk with you, your wife, and your team during AXPONA 👍 I was the blonde headed mullet that was in your room every day 😉
@1:53 "So I don't see a need these days for bi-amping."
Having a stereo is not a "need". It is a "want".
Perhaps our host meant that he does not see a valid purpose for bi-amping?
However:
Our host narrowly limited his rationale to the history of amps, where full range amps were not plentiful. He is telling the truth -- but not the whole truth.
He is being deceptive, by omission. Why? My guess is he does not sell the equipment that is required for bi-amping.
Paul knows that bi-amping, when done right, is beneficial. Of course he knows.
The benefit to bi-amping is to dedicate two amps (one for each speaker) for the grunt work (the heavy lifting) of pushing out bass notes. Then, your remaining amps will have less lifting to do to produce the mids and the highs.
Any amp will sound better, in the mids and highs, when they have little, in the way of bass notes, to deal with.
It is why Vandersteen's higher end models, including his flagship reference speakers, are all bi-amped. They include built-in amps, dedicated to the bottom end. They reduce the bass by 6 db on your main amps that will produce the mids and the highs. The result is more focused voices and instruments.
Bass notes give your amp's power supply a workout. And the power supply is a major cost in the price of the amp. The power supply is a major contributor to the sound quality of your amp. But even the best amps, with the best power supplies, benefit in the mids and highs from not dealing with bass.
If bi-amping is not done properly, the result will not be ear friendly. But when done properly, your stereo will sound better. Paul knows this.
I give him 3 Pinocchios.
And another swing and a miss...
As long as Paul gets to swing the bat he’s happy.
In plain english - and with many question marks to it: bridging not that good, because you double the voltage (which you may not need) but you keep max current (??) and double the amp‘s output resistance, so more power (more voltage headroom) but not necessarily more control?? Might still work out where amp output impedance is very low from the start (ot not so relevant), and if you drive speakers of relatively high impedance and low efficiency such as bbc monitors.. thoughts anyone?
Hey you still there??
Why ask for a procedure if you're not gonna follow through?
@@mistafizz5195 I still do not believe the suggested procedure is so bulletproof that anyone watching a video of suggested test would exclude any messing with it, prepared cards, edited video, whatever. I suggest you go to your hifi dealer and ask for a trial example of a good usb cable. It‘ll not be cheaper for you anyways, unless of course despite you believe my video, you wouldn’t hear a difference (in your system, with your ears, playing your music). Or would you be happily spending 400€ for a cable where only I hear its advantages? Plus I am too busy a person, and I simply do not want to make a video, but I enjoyed toying with the idea and thinking of a concept for it.
For your special service: here is another video (credible or not) with A/Bin 2 USB cables: if you focus on sibilants, the “SSS”, you find a reliable identifier: more S with the Signature, and a bit more dull and grainy with the Reference. Or was it the other way round?? ;)
@@gioponti6359 listen bro I already told you I doubt you would lie about that type of shit
@@mistafizz5195 so you‘re getting rude because no-one does a video for you?
There is really no benefit to biamping unless you’re using active low level crossovers.
Joaquin in Phoenix....really? haha
Gerard Stroh***
Hi Paul McGowan***
I am A Big Audiophile And I Run 7 Poweramps In My Stereo System Infact It Is A Super Loud PA Stereo System***
I am Not A Fan of Class D Digital Poweramps and I Perfer Class A or Class AB Poweramps Paul McGowan!!!
I Use Pro QSC RMX Poweramps and I Know That Mono Block Poweramps Are Better!!!!
My Stereo System is 10.000Watts of RMS Real Power Wattidge and Not Peak Power***
I am Thinking About Bi-amping My Front Stage Speakers Because It Sounds Better At High Valumes Plus It is Better For Your Mids and Highs!!!
I Don't Have To Crank it Up Because My Audio System is Very Clean Sounding and My Poweramps Are The Heavy Built Ones that Cost Good Money!!!!
My Speakers Have the Homemade DIY Look and My 15 inch Woofers are 98 Db at Around 600 Watts Each and They Have the MM Surround and Not The Foam on Low Wattidge Speakers!!!
All of My Sub Woofer Speakers are 1200 Watts at 4 ohms at 98 Db and Those Are My Wallsize Sub Woofer Speakers!!!
My Dayton Audio 21 inch Sub Woofer Speaker is A 2000 Watt Sub Woofer Speaker is A 100 Pound Speaker Magnet With A 5 inch Voice Coil at 4 Ohms and I Use A QSC RMX 2450a Poweramp on Bridge Mode at 2400 Watts At 2 Ohms and It Does Not Get Hot or Struggle at All***
My Records Sound So Awesome and It Feels Like you Are At The Concert****
My 3 Tweeter are Big Pro Audio PA Horn Speakers Crossover around 3.000Hz***
My Mids Are 2 8 inch Mid Woofers are High Powered 240 watts at 96Db at 600Hz!!!
I Love My Audio Stereo PA System!!!
I Love Your Videos Paul McGowan PS Audio****
Bye!!!
He wants to go stereo with two mono amps as I understand his query ( EVO 300 bridged to mono X 2 ).
I would like to hear a clarification on why using this stereo amp that is designed to operate in mono is not ideal for running as a mono block. Is he saying it is better to get an amp that is designed from the ground-up to be mono only? If so, some time spent addressing this specifically would be very informative.