[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?

[Bob Reynolds]

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.

For about $200, you can use a Jensen transformer to convert the output of your CDP to balanced. For about $200, you can use an NHT PVC Pro balanced volume control. So for $400 you can run balanced. Of course, this assumes CDP is your only source.

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

I have no idea what this means.

[bundee1]

It has a high output so I think that combined with the double power in monoblock mode is messing with the sound compared to the 35 watts in stereo mode.

[JLM]

A similar post was recently made around here.  Compare your source (maximum) output rating to the rated (maximum) input rating of the amps.  I run a passive pre-amp and have a similar problem as the source has a quite typical 2.0 volt rated output, but the monoblocks have a rated input of 0.6 volts.  The result is that I can only use about 1/4 of the travel of my volume control.

I've been meaning to pick up a couple of these:  http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/attenuator_tech.html

I'm not sure switching your amps from stereo to monoblock should effect the input rating, but it could.