Monoblocks or components? Free Technical Library article. The art of audio

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Monoblocks or components?

The art of audio

Readers who regularly look through our magazine with pleasure may have noticed the mention of the topic of this reasoning in the test of amplifiers in the previous issue. The motive was the parallel publication in the latest issues of tests of micro- and mini-systems, on the one hand, and individual components for block complexes, on the other. With all the outward dissimilarity, the ultimate goal of any equipment is the same - the sound that satisfies the buyer with the maximum approximation, if possible, to the natural atmosphere of live music. We will leave aside the High End equipment with its alluring metal and expensive wood, the solidity and good quality of which are more suitable for a fireplace room or, at worst, the living room of a modern dwelling of the new Naf-Naf.

First, about minisystems. Here, at first glance, everything is very simple. Traditionally, combined devices were considered not only by buyers, but it seems that manufacturers, as products with a quality one step lower. But if we talk about the current mini-systems, then everything is already more complicated. We can say that in comparable price categories they crowd out block complexes. The technical characteristics of the mini-systems have come close to the parameters of the components, and in terms of the set of functions for equal money, the systems are already beginning to surpass the blocks in some ways. In addition, the capabilities of modern small-sized equipment are much greater. Two of their undeniable advantages are visible, as they say, to the naked eye: small dimensions and the most modern "stuffing", including a multi-CD player, electronic equalizer, surround sound processor or even Dolby Pro Logic - all with remote control.

Of course, while in the case of mini-systems, all these additional functions are not provided with such versatility as in separate specialized units, but you will be provided with a minimum set of features. And, finally, one more argument in the dispute between two approaches to the choice of new electronics. Winter is in the yard, and according to the Russian custom, immortalized by the proverb, it's time to prepare the cart, and in our case, the equipment that will go with you to the dacha in the summer. For many, such a device could traditionally be a portable radio. And the best choice was considered to be a fairly solid-sized product, the slang name of which, loosely translated from English, sounds like a "ghetto rumbler". Something like a great-nephew of the radio GF-555, which was popular in not so distant times.

In free nature, such a thing really rumbled famously, but when moving to a city apartment, it began to constantly interfere here and there, because there was simply no place for it in a Russian apartment. And a modern mini-system will help you successfully solve the problem of its full use and acceptable transportation conditions in all cases with a reasonable compromise. Now about block equipment, which came to us from times more measured and less mobile than ours, when television was just becoming color, and video recording was a rarity even in studios.

This is equipment from the times without laptops and cell phones. And if the block complex suits you more, then you can compose it in one of two ways. Firstly, it is really possible to pick up blocks of different manufacturers that amaze the imagination with their characteristics or just like them. This requires, of course, thorough preparation and understanding of its ultimate goal, because, following the progress of technology, the blocks in such a complex can be changed continuously. And then picking up the best models will become a lifestyle. The second option is to opt for a full set of blocks from one company, suitable for more busy or lazy people.

Each approach has its pluses. In the first case, you will get an excellent set of characteristics and a collection of brands of well-known manufacturers, but the possibilities of convenient control, and according to modern concepts, convenient means remote, you will most likely be limited. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. You can choose an AV amplifier or an AV receiver with a learning remote control as the main unit and select other units with their remotes to it.

But in this case, after the learning process of the main remote control, all the rest will fall, as they say, into a dry residue. In the option of components from a single manufacturer, it is possible to pre-select units with remote control from a common console or via the system bus. Considering the continuity of the models of one company, especially in terms of remote control, it is then possible to easily improve the complex by replacing individual blocks with more modern ones. This is what in modern computer jargon is called an upgrade. You can not only improve the sound of your stereo system, but move to a new level and, by adding to it, for example, an AV processor and missing acoustics, you can get a home theater with all its previously inaccessible charms.

The arguments in the dispute were expressed, the possibilities and purpose of each type of equipment after that, I hope, became more clearly outlined. If sound comes first for you, then for now you will have to focus on the blocks. If the main thing in life is to be in time for everything, then in order to immediately remove all questions about home electronics, you need to choose from mini-systems.

Author: Alexey Grudinin

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