Amps for Dali MS5/CS4 - Monoblock/DR2/DR3?

[wyliec2]

I have LCR compprised of Dali MS5s and a CS4. These are 4 ohm nominal with the MS5 having a minimum of 3.3 ohms. Power handling is 500 watts and 350 watts respectively.

I don't think I've every given them enough power to really sing (pun!).

While these are in my dedicated theater room, I do listen multi-channel SACD and multi-channel/ATMOS concerts - I'm very focused on musicality. Processor is Marantz AV8805a.

I've been looking at possibly 3 x monoblocks - XPA HC-1 or XPA-1 Gen3 but unclear as to advantage/disadvantage of each, particularly with current draw.

Also considering XPA-DR2 + monoblock for center or XPA-DR3 for the LCR combination. I do get concerned with current draw against a single power supply.

I have multiple 20-amp circuits available to feed discrete monoblocks.

TIA for any thoughts or suggestions!!

FWIW - long-time Emotiva customer - my LPA-1 is still going strong along with other XPA Gen3 and BASX amps.

[leonski]

Power 'handling' is a mythical number, especially when the method to get that value is not specified.

You can talk 'peak' or RMS, in general....though there maybe another method?

Speakers also warm up in use....being only maybe 2% to 3% efficient....even for higher efficiency types......

Copper RISES in resistance as it warms. This makes things worse.

And while the 3.3 ohms is low....it isn't THAT low and any capable 4ohm rated amp should be FINE. The problem

may occur if at that same range of low impedance, you are confronted with huge phase angles......where the speaker

appears as a capacitor or inductor TO the partnering amplifier....I see NO available measured data.....


What's more important? How loud to you generally listen and the size and composition of your room.....

Your DALI speakers? Normal in most regards. I'd personally subtract 3db from the sensitivity, since the 2.83 volts specified is

actually 2 watts at the speakers (also) specified 4 ohm impedance.....


I'd PERSONALLY go for fewer / better watts. 200 a side is probably plenty......If I had REAL deep pockets?

Something from the class 'A' end of the Pass Labs amps......Buy for a LIFETIME....

And BTW? I LOVE the Cherry Finish.......

[ttocs]

The HC-1 uses the same components as the XPA-1 but in a small case with no expansion slots.

The XPA DR-2 will give you a bridged version of the XPA-1 or HC-1, but both channels will share one power supply. So this to me would be an upgrade in one sense, but a step back in another when sharing a power supply. If this were a dual-mono configuration, then it would be more attractive.

Which amp type will sound better with your Dali speakers? Dunno. But if you buy two HC-1 amps and one DR-2 amp, then you can do a direct compare using your Left/Right Main Speakers. Then, return one HC-1, or, return the DR-2 and get another HC-1.

I use a HC-1 for my Center speaker and love it!

I have a bunch of 20A circuits for the A/V stuff. Each important amp gets its own circuit.

Your concern with the 2 channel amp sharing a single power supply is something I also think about. I used to use a multi-channel amp with a single power supply for my main L&R speakers. I now use a dual-mono amp and the soundstage is better, the sound is sweeter and crystal clear. Big fan of each channel getting its own power supply.

[leonski]

Better watts are BETTER. Buy another 'same name' amp and just get more of the same.

Why would 400 watts work when you were not satisfied with 200? that's all of 3 db.

Look at any of a dozen OTHER brands. Rotel? Anthem? NAD? Pass Labs? McIntosh?

Parasound? Marantz? Martin Logan?

If yo are SERIOUS about this? And I'd say your DALI says you are......I'd ask what amp was used

when you auditioned themI? You didn't 'buy by review'? did you? IMO, not a good idea.

Haunt a DALI forum and ASK what people are most happy with.

Near any REAL brick and mortar stores? If a drive to 'em? Make appointments with any who

carry DALI. Drive up with wife. Spend the night. LISTEN. Have a good dinner. Listen some MORE.

Bring your favorite tunes.

I just went and listened to KLIPSCH Forte IV speakers. Really really NICE. And quite a change from my

Magnepans. MY next step? Take MY amplifier up to the store for a listen. The Forte is pretty high in

sensitivity so my 125 a side amp SHOULD be fine....I run ONE of 'em per panel, now, with a sub covering the

lowest octave...call it 50hz DOWN....

[SteveH]

Nov 29, 2023 22:16:10 GMT -5 ttocs said:

I have a bunch of 20A circuits for the A/V stuff. Each important amp gets its own circuit.

Your concern with the 2 channel amp sharing a single power supply is something I also think about. I used to use a multi-channel amp with a single power supply for my main L&R speakers. I now use a dual-mono amp and the soundstage is better, the sound is sweeter and crystal clear. Big fan of each channel getting its own power supply.

I agree with you 100%. I am a true believer of monoblocks for the main left and right speakers. For thirty years, I used two stereo amplifiers in bridged mono for my main left and right. In 2018, a technician buddy of mine asked me if I would mind exercising a pair of Denon monoblocks that he repaired. Because I live alone without rules, he asked me to work them hard and try to break them. I exercised them for three months and they were awesome. When he came over to take them back, I shed some tears. Those Denon's were half the rated RMS of my bridged mono amps, and they sounded so much better. Whether I was using my bridged mono amps or the Denons, the family room lights and would dim with the bass and occasionally trip the 15-amp breaker in the service entrance panel. That is when I added six 20-amp branch circuits, ordered an RMC-1, two DR-1s, a Thirteen 1-6S (for the center and all the surround/Atmos), two S10 subwoofers and retired my Carver system, except for the main speakers. I have never looked back, the sound is superior, my lights don't dim, and the breakers don't trip.

I vote for the Monoblocks!!!!!

[SteveH]

Nov 5, 2023 11:28:02 GMT -5 wyliec2 said:

I have LCR compprised of Dali MS5s and a CS4. These are 4 ohm nominal with the MS5 having a minimum of 3.3 ohms. Power handling is 500 watts and 350 watts respectively.

I don't think I've every given them enough power to really sing (pun!).

While these are in my dedicated theater room, I do listen multi-channel SACD and multi-channel/ATMOS concerts - I'm very focused on musicality. Processor is Marantz AV8805a.

I've been looking at possibly 3 x monoblocks - XPA HC-1 or XPA-1 Gen3 but unclear as to advantage/disadvantage of each, particularly with current draw.

Also considering XPA-DR2 + monoblock for center or XPA-DR3 for the LCR combination. I do get concerned with current draw against a single power supply.

I have multiple 20-amp circuits available to feed discrete monoblocks.

I would go with DR-1 monoblocks for the main left and right and then purchase one of the XPA build your own amplifier with one high power module for the center channel. I purchased two DR-1s for the main left and right and then purchased an XPA Thirteen 1-6S so I have one high power channel for the center speaker and then six lower power stereo modules for the all the surround and Atmos. I vote for two monoblocks for the two mains.

[leonski]

Bridged amps have gotten some bad press.......
I run a stereo amp for each panel......with the speaker crossover at about 600hz......I think that's near the 50:50 power point.....Especially with the sub coming on about 50hz or so....removing the bottom octave from the main amps....

If the speakers are easily biamped? Might run ONE sterep amp per speaker. And you don't need massive power. Don't forget that DOUBLE the power is only 3db and probably not enough to be worth bothering with.

I've seen some pics of Steve's rewire and THAT was a change well-worth doing. Kudos for having 'multiple 20 amp circuits'......at your disposal.....

My house is only a 100 amp service. I have ONE drop to the stereo for only the amps, but simply not enough box room for the ultimate distribution system.....


Steves post sort of confirms that 'better watts are better'.......
go listen to some stuff....

[leonski]

I'll drop the whole thing.
This was really a 'bias confirmation' question.....and not really a question.

I hope Wylie enjoys his new set of mono blocks.

I DO wonder, however, if any Dali treads exist anywhere where amps are debated.....Just wondering.