An upcoming issue of Affordable Audio will feature an amp comparison between two high power transistor amplifiers; the H2O Signature 100 stereo amp and the Monarchy hybrid SE-250 mono blocks. Other than high current capacity, the topology on these amplifiers are completely opposite of one another. If you’ve been looking to get into some powerhouse amps – this articles for you!
The H2O is a $2000, 50lb ICE powered amp that takes the topology as far as it can go. She is a beast, boasting 100w per side with 1kw of power on tap – topped off with 400,000uf of capacitance, there’s virtually nothing on the planet that it can’t handle (within its power rating).
The Monarchy SE-250 mono blocks rack up a MSRP of $5000. Although this seems completely unfair, there is a reason why this comparison is just – something that I will reveal in the review itself. Moving on; The SE-250 is a hybrid amp, using a single tube at the input stage and Mosfet transistors on the output stage. Each mono supplies a whopping 250w per side – the first 50 running in class A. The SE-250 is also a zero feedback design.
Since most reviews end with a thumbs up recommendation (not to exclude many of my own), I felt it would be refreshing for people to read a comparison between two well engineered high current amplifiers that happen to use a vastly different approach in topologies. This is NOT going to be a contest (shootout) to decide a personal favorite. Instead, this article is meant to shed light into two very good products while using a solid reference point. I’ll tell you this much; both amps are exceptional – for very different reasons.
Meanwhile; a cruddy picture of the line-up (note that the H2O Signature 100 is in a used/beat up chassis);
