dynamic duo. revealing clarity of sound.

sharp heatsinks

I have had a pair of SM-70pros for about 4months now driving my Magnepan 1.6QRs. All I can say is there is detail, clarity and more detail. These amps are wonderful. Everything is so natural and real. Lets not even mention the killer price. TWO pure class A monoblocks for $1200?!@#! I listen to alot of accostic guitar and jazz. Guitar trio, Stan Getz, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, my unplugged collection...all sound so real.

STORY 1: I was cleaning my scooter one day out in the parking lot where I live. I had turned up my stereo with some live guitar playing and vocals. A girl came walking along and stopped to listen. When the song was over she clapped and asked if I knew those guys upstairs playing.

STORY 2: Much like the previous story only this time I was inside just cooking or something. I was listening to the same album as before and had the door open to let in the cool evening breeze. *knock*knock* I answered the door to see a bewildered girl. She asked where the guys were that were playing that song she heard outside.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. add a couple stars down there for me.

Similar Products Used:

adcom, classe, technics, marantz, rotel

cohesive musical sounds

I've been using these little amps as monoblocks for over 9 months now. The sound quality is amazing. Smooth from top to bottom. No glare or grit. Soundstaging etc. is realisitic. The amps run very quiet though somewhat warm. The cj was "hard" though very hifi compared to the SM70s. I didn't realize the cjs were adding an electronic flavor to the music.
They sing and the price is right. Actually I had very good sound using one as 25w./ch stereo amp; with two in 70 watt monoblock the whole sound solidified and could play louder. They're made in California and are built like tanks.
Try them!

Similar Products Used:

cj2200, NAD,

Incredible soundstage and detail when used in the balanced, mono mode.

This product comes close to satisfying the Asian ideal of "just right". You can wire it into a variety of configurations and it works well in each and only requires a flip of the toggle switch and a little wire re-routing.

Especially good performer when bi-amped or in the balanced, mono mode.

Overheats; some of the early runs tend to shut down after an hour or so.

You have to be concerned about the longevity of this product. It may live just a short, but glorious time.

I've owned two of the SM-70 Pros for over a year now without really trying the mono balanced mode. Recently, I acquired a Monarchy 33, which has balanced outs, so I was able to give it a go.

I've read several reviews which really praised this amp in the balanced mode so my curiosity was peaked. Needless to say, when I first powered it up in this mode, I could hear a greater depth of soundstage, better detail and placement of voices and instruments. So, the reviewers, who are always suspect, were quite correct.

Since that first audition, I've only used the Monarchys in balanced mode and now my only quandry is to choose between the Elco Silvers or the TMC fully balanced. The TMCs are a little softer and more neutral but the Silvers breath more life into a piece, even though they may a little too forward(bold). Ah, if all life's choices were so difficult.

Similar Products Used:

ATI-1502, Berning EA-230 and EA-2100

liquid, suave flowing rhythm of sound, then with precision releasing beat as if it was something held under tension.

absolutely none

Well, not too much I can cover that has not yet been expressed by the previous reviewers.
It has been running for 8 hours now, and......
I'm taken prisoner by beauty and excellence.
Every one has their own way of expression =
LIQUIDY !
Equipment:
Onkyo DV S535 DVD (transport)
MSB Link III DAC
Parasound P L/D 1100 PRE
Monarchy SM70 AMP(stereo)
Audio Quest Slate speaker cables
Bettercable Premium Interconnects
Paradigm Reference Studio 60 Speakers

Similar Products Used:

Harmon Kardon ? /Adcom 545 II / Anthem Intergrated 2
Outlaw 1050

Excellent sound from a small package!

Some have mentioned the heat...doesn't bother me

I put off writing this review until I had time to fully evaluate this amp.
It all boils down to 1 st atement:this is absolutely the best sounding amp I have ever heard. It not only produces rich, detailed mids and highs but also provides tight deep bass.
I am using the amp to drive a pair of Belle Klipsch speakers along with a subwoofer to fill in the bottom end (the Belles roll off ~45Hz). This amp handles my 2 channel listening without breaking a sweat.
I am also using the Monarchy Model 33 as a line stage/volume control. My basement 2 channel listening room is approx. 18' x 24' with a 9' ceiling. This amp can deliver mid 90-100dB at 20' with the volume control at the ~11 o'clock position. I love it! My wife hates it! (even when she is on the 3rd floor)!
Anyway, I am not an audiophile, just a guy who loves to listen to some tunes on a regualr basis. I am continually amazed (as is everyone who has listened to my set-up) at the sound quality of this combination of equipment. I was going to get back into tubes again until I heard this amp...the only other thing I may try is another SM70 to bi-amp my Belles.

Similar Products Used:

McIntosh 2105, Jolida 801A, Sansui AU717, Denon, NAD...

I have not had chance to smooth, fairly dynamic sound, much improved by incorporating the twin rectifier mod provided by Monarchy Audio for $ 60 plus postage. Excellent for price.

Under powered for single amp stereo use. Brige mode overcomes this. Runs too hot though heat sink temperature is OK (50 C). Transformer washer and rectifier heat sink runs at 60 C which is too much for sustained use. Monarchy should seek to lower this.

I have not had chance to assess the SM70s in bridged mode. In se mode the sound is excellent for the price. The rectifier mod is highly desirable. I am worried about the high transformer case temperature and may run the units with a wire mesh top.

Similar Products Used:

Accuphase 50 in reference system; Marantz Class A; other Class AB amps

sound/$$

runs warm

I am running a single SM-70 in a biamped configuration from 90 Hz and up driving a pair of Magnepan MMGs. Most of my observations are in this mode. However, I did run the MMGs full range with this amp to try to get a taste of the bottom end capabilities as well as driving my two 12-inch subs with this amp. In short, I gave it a pretty good workout.

My initial impressions were incredible. For those of you that think all amps sound the same, this amp will change your mind fast.

Right out of the box this amp was amazingly transparent, almost shockingly transparent. It sounds a lot like the Pass amps that I have borrowed in my system. It was like removing a large curtain that was previously between me and my beloved (modified) MMGs. These amps resolve everything you throw at them. I have heard them described as very tube-like and I really don't hear this. I have had VTL amps in this exact system. Tubes sound sluggish and mushy compared to this amp. However, it has NONE of the transistor nasties that most of us are used to hearing. It has a bell-like clarity that is addictive when you hear it. How does
this amp do all this? I would guess that it is the combination of good design with pure class A and the use of MOSFET outputs coupled with the BB OPA2604 which is a great opamp IMO. I put these opamps in my CD player and it sounds much smoother.

I know that most of this review sounds cliche, but I really did (and still am) playing every CD in my collection to hear them anew. I sat down many times to listen for analytical audio adjectives (imaging, depth, detail, height, width, etc.) and always found myself getting "sidetracked" just getting caught up in the music. I have never had this experience with a new audio component before. For this reason, it is hard to describe the sound of this amp
because you are too busy re-discovering your favorite music.

Random notes: I experienced none of the hum problems that some users have mentioned, dead silent with my ADCOM preamp driving it. Monarchy's CC Poon answered all my e-mail questions honestly and promptly. This amp (30W at 4 ohms) drove my MMGs without breaking a sweat. I have yet to hear this amp clip. I may save my pennies for another amp to run in mono mode but right now, I don't have the need. This amp really makes me wonder how good Monarchy's higher priced amps are. Also makes me wonder about the SM-70 PRO, I have a feeling that it is a giant killer. The only thing I can remotely criticize is the fact that it runs pretty
warm. I may care about this in August, but not now. Easy 5 stars for audio quality, should get 6 stars for value. Thanks Monarchy.

Similar Products Used:

PASS, VTL, Belles, McCormack.

The SM-70 amplifier is an excellent performer, particularly when used asa monoblock. It is incredibly punchy and dynamic, belying its modest
power rating. The excellent inner detail and rich harmonic presentation
are amazingly satisfying during long-term listening. These amps really
shine when used in the balanced mode, fed by the MONARCHY 22C or 33 D/A
converter/line amp units.

[ The above is posted with the kind permission of the reviewer, Gary Galo,
reviewe editor, AUDIO ELECTRONICS MAGAZINE, at www.audioxpress.com]

The SM-70 Stereo amplifier has to be the best buy in a decade. It has a three dimensional sound stage with bass punch, midrange detail and one of the best all around amplifiers for efficient speaker designs, example Altec Lansing Studio monitor types. In the balanced mode, the power is rated at 70 watts!! This amplifier brought life to a very highly regarded tube preamp, that was rather soft sounding and laid back and was very close to being offered for sale. Now they match very well in sound and compliment each other. I would recommend the M22C D/A converter and the SM-70 amplifiers for the best sound and the most value for the money!! Class A designs that sound very tube like, lower noise and a pure joy to listen and enjoy!!!

just saved up for the second sm-70. boy this is heaven. more punch, more inner detail, more drive. more heath. but it is worth it. if you don't own a sm-70, get one and if you have one go for the second and use them as mono blocks!
great value!!