Highly regarded amps, Class A operation (first 15 watts) Mosfet design. FS here is basically two stereo amps that can be bridged and used as mono amps.
Very flexible, can be used in following ways:
single amp as a stereo amp, SE only
both amps for biamping, SE only
both amps as bridged monoblocks, SE and XLR
Using the balanced XLR inputs yields "true" balanced operation. By all accounts, running the monos this way with a true balanced source is how these amps
really shine, and reportedly compete w much pricier balanced amps. Absent a balanced source, I use them as SE bridged monos, and they are very good indeed, and hang with my $10k speakers.
Quite attractive, very solid build quality with quality parts. Designed and built in California, USA.
Sequential serial numbers: 035109 and 035110. I'm second owner bought locally, so they've been shipped only once. Great condition, barely a mark on them. A true 9/10, but to be conservative 8/10. Includes original paperwork and VG condition boxes. Sold as a pair, will not split.
In the interest of full disclosure, during my research I came across comments that in some systems there "
may" be a low level ground hum. But the experience is not universal, and likely system dependent / specific. It is easily remedied with a 3 into 2 cheater plug on the power cord.
I run them as bridged monos in my main rig, using both SE and XLR inputs. I have also used each as a stereo amp in my BR system. In all cases they are tomb-quiet with a jet-black background. No noise issues whatsoever.
Stereo operation: 25 wpc 8 ohms, 40 wpc 4 ohms
Bridged mono operation: 80 wpc 8 ohms, 140 wpc 4 ohms
Input Impedance: 100k ohm
Input Sensitivity: 1 volt rms for full output
minimum load: 3 ohm steady, 2 ohm intermittent
MSRP: $2358 per pair
asking: $1050 + actual s/h + PP fees
I might consider interesting trades for tube amps.
Google shows rave reviews everywhere. See some of the gushing comments here:
http://www.monarchyaudio.com/SM70_Main_frame.htmThanks for looking,
John
