Help me with my next upgrade.

[bundee1]

I have a pair of Monarchy sm-70 pros that Im using with a passive preamp through RCA cables (not balanced). The pair lets me use them as 70wpc monoblocks. They sound their best running balanced but I cant afford a balanced preamp and cdp now. Im liking the sound from one unit running in 25wpc stereo better.

I think the 70 watts and high gain are overwhelming the passive preamp.

Should I sell the second unit and get a better power cord for the amp?
Should I sell the amp and get an Ah! tube cdp?
Should I keep the second amp until I can afford upgraded preamp and cdp?

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bundee1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think the 70 watts and high gain are overwhelming the passive preamp.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding... Why would the amplifiers come before the preamplifier?

 

[bundee1]

I think Im getting too much volume at lower settings. Its a high gain amp which only needs low signal to get good volume, that is why its ideal with a passive preamp. Im running it in monoblock mode so that doubles the power allowing me a smaller usable volume range before it gets too loud. I think...

 

[infinitesymphony]

Gotcha... I was really just asking about the order of the signal chain, but you answered my question.

Where you upgrade is up to you. If you feel that the second amplifier is unnecessary, sell it, and if you think that your CDP isn't good enough, buy a new one.