Opinions on Monster Power Amps?

[Race Car Driver]

Specificly the MPA 2250 SS amp.
Rated at 250x2 seems to be right what I need for my 802s.
Now for the price of $2500 for this amp, i KNOW there are alot of other options on the market, but I wouldnt be paying that, or even close to that.
So with price aside, any one hear, use, or have anything to comment on these amps?

http://monstercable.com/power/productPagePower.asp?pin=1902&LastPage=Amplifiers

I would also be looking into the AVS 2000 and HTPS 7000 Signature Series to match. :T

All feedback is welcome.

[RenoReno2]

They suck, everything they make is garbage and overpriced

[Race Car Driver]

Now tell us how you REALLY feel...

Thanks for the comment though, i was kinda expecting that.
But I dont see how EVERYTHING they make is garbage.

[PewterTA]

You spent the money for some N802s...

They why wouldn't you at least spend the money for a serious amp, or say a Rotel RB-1090 at the least... But look more towards something from Classe, Mark Levinson, Krell...etc...?

[jimmyp58]

Well, I wouldn't say everything they make is garbage but....

C'mon brother, you just laid down some serious $$$ on some beautiful speakers. Why wouldn't you want to get every possible note/sound out of them? Sure, the Monster amp has it's power rating and all but there are far better alternatives for amplifiers, especially high powered and high quality ones that you truly should look in this direction. Krell, Classe', Rotel, Bryston, Chord, Mark Levinson; or even some monoblocks like Jeff Rowland or AmpZilla 2000's. Now you'd be talkin'!!!!

When you auditioned the N802's, what amp did the dealer use to show them off? What do you currently have powering them? Did you factor in, for a total budgetary spend, the speakers AND amp or is this now an afterthought (i.e., I loved these speakers, bought them, but they just don't sound as good as they did in the store and I don't have the budget to afford an expensive amp so I'll get something less costly but has the power to push the speakers?).

I understand your comment that the Monster amp would run you ~ $2,500 and you seem ready to spend this. And some of the alternatives I've mentioned exceed (in some instances FAR exceed) the $2,500 pricetag. But you must have some other dough as you are considering purchasing some other Monster products/accessories. Why not take the money you'd be spending on those accessories (which aren't inexpensive in their own right) and add this to what you'd spend on the Monster amp to get you a much better amp?

Help us out here a little more with some additional background info so we can perhaps give additional suggestions.

Jim

[Shane Martin]

It's a Richard Marsh designed amp. I can't be half bad. I'm pretty positive it will be pretty much a ruled out when the name Monster is mentioned though as we've already seen. Who's to say w/o listening that the Monster won't deliver the goods?

I know they do back their warranties.

[PewterTA]

I agree, it could be a really good amp...

...I'd still rather give my money to companies that don't go after suing all these other "small" companies to get (basically) kickbacks for using "Monster" in their names... That kind of business I feel does not deserve my money, and I'll gladly spend a little more to NOT support a company that does stuff like that.

...Sortta like how you won't see me supporting BOSE, not because they don't sound good (well yeah we know they really don't), but because of their business practices.

I have the Monster HTS-2500 and Monster 10g cable running to my surrounds, and RF cables from them, but needless to say I won't buy anything else from them... Besides, I've found companies that make the same (if not better) products than they do for a lot less money.

[Neal_C]

He didn't lay down much for those 802's...he posted over in A/V Chalet that he got a sweet deal on them...$140 each...

He also works at Best Buy, which is why he won't be paying anywhere close to retail for these Monster amps and why he probably isn't considering any other amps because then he would have to pay retail (or very close to it).

[Race Car Driver]

Well, you are correct... sorta.
I do work for Best Buy, I did get a smokin deal on the N802s, so I suppose I could afford to spend a little extra on everything else.
I was looking at an older Sunfire 300wattx2 on ebay, went for $850.

Now what If that monster amp was avail for $1000 new? Would anyone still consider it?

I really dont have alot of money to spend here, but i can surely wait on an amp untill the right one comes along. I have no issues buying used.

[Shane Martin]

That's under half price(monster employee discount I"m sure).

Personally I wouldn't pass on that.

[David Meek]

Chris, you've run head-on into whole anti-Monster issue here. These amps may be quite good, but I wouldn't give them a thought simply based on Monster's business practices. Also, with your willingness to look at used equipment, for under that $2,500 price point you can get some seriously fine amps on Audiogon.

Here's a few:
Conrad Johnson MF 2500, $1,700 obo
VTL ST-150, $2,200 obo
Audio Research VT-100 Mk II, $2,100

[Neal_C]

As much as I hate Monster, for 1k, its probably tough to pass that up.

By the way, thanks for posting that price. Now we get a better idea of the rediculously huge mark-up that Monster imposes on its customers. Even if 1k is the Monster employee purchase amount, you know head-Monster isn't going to sell anything at cost, so he is still making money.

So lets see...less than 1k total cost per unit to build that amp (including R&D, parts, labor, etc), probably forces a wholesale price up around 1800 or 2k, then forces the stores to 2500 price point and forbids them to discount the unit to customers. And on top of that, sues every company with the word Monster in its name.

Mark my words...if I ever win the Mega Millions lottery, I am going to start a company with Monster in the title, hope for a lawsuit, and then spend millions of my own money in lawyer fees just to cost Monster millions in lawyer fees as well.

Come'on lucky numbers...

[junior77blue]

Well, lets face it...all audio is marked up rediculously. So, please don't single out monster cable for just being a part of the industry that we all fall prey too.

[Neal_C]

Why not? They are one of the worst companies in the industry...right there along side Bose. Bose and Monster might even hold hands at the bottom of the pole.

Everything in this world is marked up...it is the only way companies stay in business and continue to produce new products.

But Monster has some very shady business practices, and their mark-up is much more than any other equipment that I have ever bought.

I don't know about you, but I don't pay retail for anything, especially audio/video equipment. I get atleast 10% off, and have gotten as high as 30% off. For Monster to not allow discounts is rediculous.

[Shane Martin]

But Monster has some very shady business practices, and their mark-up is much more than any other equipment that I have ever bought.

Sony ES and many others are marked up alot more.

For Monster to not allow discounts is rediculous.

Comman business practice in audio.

[Neal_C]

Comman business practice in audio.

So what other companies have this business practice? I want to be sure not to ever shop for any of them.

[junior77blue]

I'm not here to defend monster, but just cause you see a 10% discount off equipment, that's just a pure marketing ploy to make you 'feel' your getting a deal. You don't think they add cushion to the retail prices? There's a lot involved in setting retail prices, profit, percieved value, competition prices, etc...

I don't know the exact markup from individual manufactures as I don't work in retail, but it all evens out in the end. If people buy it...why not? That's capitalism...

I'll stop here, cause don't want to hijack this thread any further, as it might be too late.

[junior77blue]

Anything that is at circuit city or best buy.

[RenoReno2]

I have alot of animocity towards Monster Cable. I ordered a 5 farad stiffening cap from them recently and waited 4 months to receive it. Meanwhile 20,000 calls and emails later they were still completely clueless on the status of it. in total I heard about 20 different stories and excuses on why I wasn't receiving it. Promise date after Promise date these dates kept getting pushed back. with no reasoning behind it. One conversation I had with a CSR was nothing but "Uhhhh Duhhhh.. Mmmmmm.. I honestly don't know." this was a 15 minute conversation with him. On top of this the rudeness I received from their CSR's on the phone and in emails. Downright Lies they told me, telling me that they didn't even sell these when I had documentation clearly stating that they did and the product was in production. So for this I have wrote off their company in any future purchases and I feel like taking my powercenter 5000 and beating it with a sledge hammer as well as some of the interconnects that I have. Their Customer Service is garbage and their company is extremely unorganized. So I am and will bad mouth Monster Cable forever and urge whomever to not buy their products.

/vent off

I feel much better now hehe


*Edit*
When they finally shipped it out Tweeter lost it in their warehouse supposedly they thought it was a half farad stiffening cap and not a five farad and shipped it out to another store. When I asked them how long it would take to get a new one they said late december of 2005.. So I got my money back

[Shane Martin]

I have alot of animocity towards Monster Cable.

We all do towards some companies, we just don't choose to vent it on threads like this.

So what other companies have this business practice? I want to be sure not to ever shop for any of them

Let's just say you won't be buying much audio equipment then.

[RenoReno2]

Race car driver asked how I really felt so I explained

[Glen B]

If one must have a Richard Marsh design, go for the real deal. Audio Advisor has the 200/200 watt Marsh A400S for $2,295. This amp was reviewed and highly rated by The Absolute Sound. Other oft-forgotten amp designers are Belles Audio and Audio by Van Alstine (AVA). The 220/220 watt Omega 440ExH by AVA lists at $1,699.

[Neal_C]

I'm not here to defend monster, but just cause you see a 10% discount off equipment, that's just a pure marketing ploy to make you 'feel' your getting a deal. You don't think they add cushion to the retail prices? There's a lot involved in setting retail prices, profit, percieved value, competition prices, etc...

I don't know the exact markup from individual manufactures as I don't work in retail, but it all evens out in the end. If people buy it...why not? That's capitalism...

I'll stop here, cause don't want to hijack this thread any further, as it might be too late.

Yes, I know how retail works. I have been on the selling side before.

So when I bought my Rotel 1055/1075 combo and told the dealer I wanted 15% off and that is what I got, who was that a marketing ploy by? If I hadn't asked for a discount, I would have had to pay retail. The dealer wasn't offering to lower his profit margin.

[Neal_C]

Let's just say you won't be buying much audio equipment then.

Well, I know you aren't talking about Rotel or McIntosh, as I can get percentage off either of those from my dealer. So I guess if I have to slum with those choices for a while, that will just have to do.
:roll:

[Patt]

Christopher,

Down a little further on the Home Page there is a Club B&W.

Or visit Audiogon, take your time and see what is on the market and how things are priced. Also check out their forum with many owners of those 802's.

Sorry, I'm not familiar with monster amps and have not heard much about them.

You are one lucky person to find such a treasure :E , give them the best amplification you can. Whatever you decide on........ENJOY :B

[junior77blue]

The marketing ploy is in the retail price. People that shop at medium to high end audio come to expect 10-15% of retail price.

You don't think the manufactures in conjuction with the distributors/dealers bake in a 10-15% of Fat just so when the dealer agrees to take 15% off you think its one hell of a deal and buy it! It's all about closing the deal. And for people that pay full retail price, they aren't buying from the right shops.

I wish someone from a retail store will chime in and tell us how much markup is on high end audio, just at the dealer level. Hey, the original poster works at best buy, I bet he could shed some light on retail pricing.

This is why I tend to buy used...at least then its somewhat 'market' driven.

And yes, the best advice is to take your time on finding what is best for your likings at a budget that doesn't break the bank.

[audioqueso]

You are aware of the ridiculous lawsuits Monster pulled on half the world, right? Now, why would you even bother with a company like that knowing that when it comes for you to need their services, they're going to treat you the same as they do with the other companies?

[junior77blue]

All I'm trying to say is how ALL audio is marked up beyond belief. And that companies that give 10% off aren't really doing you a favor. They're still making a profit just like the next guy...the fact of the matter is that they are so overpriced to begin with so that when they offer 10% off, your common consumer will jump right on it, thinking their getting ONE HELL of a deal!

As far as law suits or customer service...i'm not debating that issue whatsoever. I have no first hand knowledge. If they took it to court and won...well, that's the judicial system at its best. If you can't be more creative than using the 'monster' name...well so be it. I personally don't buy monster, but its nothing to do with the company. It's the actual product that turns me off.

[ThomasW]

I wish someone from a retail store will chime in and tell us how much markup is on high end audio, just at the dealer level.

Well it depends on the product. Really high-end speakers like Wilson, Avalon Acoustics, Sonus Farber, etc., are typically marked up 900% from mgr's cost. Electronics are no less than double from wholesale. I don't have a clue about Monster having never sold anything that low end. High-end cables have a very high profit margin. That's why one get's deals with cables basically thrown in for 'free', when the dealers need to hide a discount on equipment that has price controls.

[Patt]

off topic.....

Ever hear about the high profits from new automobiles?
Welcome to the real world.

[RenoReno2]

Getting back to the point, I think that what you need to do is demo your speakers using different amps and processors and go with what you like. Whether it be Monster Cable or any other amplifier. It's your system and your the one that has to enjoy it. Just be smart about it, don't just buy the Monster Cable cause you get a good deal on it.. saving money won't get you the best sound. if it ends up you think the Monster Cable amp sounds good then go with it.. Remember it's your cash

[Race Car Driver]

Ok, im back.
Thanks for all the "opinions"
I kinda "knew" that Monster would bring out opinions, just didnt think this much. I did a search last night, and saw some opinions in quite a few threads.
Now I KNOW im the newbie here, totally understand. Im not here to bring up a series of questions, or get anyone into arguements. Im hear to learn, and then.. then enjoy my speakers.
I do have a few comments to make.

That amp I inquired about.. COST is ABOVE the $1000 price, dont go thinking they are marked up $1500. But sometimes "who you know" has its perks.
Im not hear to defend Monster, im not a "nut swinger" per say. Thats why I simply asked what everyones thoughts were.
But for anyone to go thinking in the retail world, that a 50% markup in Audio and Video is un-common, im sorry but you are wrong. Accys.. much, much more then that.

I dont see it fair for someone to "burn Monster" at the stake because they "think" they "might" make some money on a $2500 amp... Take a look at that $8000 HDTV you have... About the only place where there is litteraly no mark up.. is in the PC market.

I am un aware of the "Monsters lawsuit to half of the world", call me nieve. *shrug*
But again, thanks for all the feedback, Im looking forward to learning alot at this site, and not ruffle any feathers while im hear. Im checking out Audiogon and Ebay just about evey day.

If anyone cares to comment... Would the amp I inquired about be a bad choice to run two N802s? Simple yes or no willl work, if you care to state WHY.. un biased, with some reasoning to specs, your more then welcome.

Thanks again.

[mattburk]

Monsters high end cable are not bad, just overpriced. Everything I have read about there amps is top notch. I remember one guy over at avs comparing it to a krell amp.
It is worth it, if all else fails you could sell it online for more than what you bought it for.

[hidefdvd]

RCD, if you can get it for the price you say you can then go for it. In the end if you don't like the sound it produces with the speakers, you could sell it for a tidy profit. From the spec's it looks like it has ample power for the B&W's. And for everones else's info, I was able to pick up a Rotel RMB-1095 from a dealer just below cost hen they were getting out of the line. Original sticker price was over twice I paid. So Monster isn't the only one with a crazy markup.

[comeup]

Its funny that none of you have heard the amp and have so much to say everything but the sound of the monster. Well I bought it replacing my Rotel rmb 1075 120 per channel x5 amd the Monster mpa 3250 is awsome. It's a three channel weighing in at 92lbs at 250 per channel I hurt my back getting it in the house. It blows the Rotel away hands down no comparison.The 1075 dosen't come close to the Monster amp. My wife even notices a big difference in the sound quality she loves the thing. My movies and music came alive like never before can't stop listening to it. It has it own power supply and transformer for each channel, it's truly a Monster. You can easliy compare it to Krell or Mac its that good they may be a little better but not by much. I will say that it is a deal for what there asking for and you could get it online for alot cheaper. It's made like a tank top quality. I first heard it hooked up with a cheap 300$ yamaha receiver as the preamp and it sounded amazing. I know this reply is late but had to say something in defense of Monster after owning one and knowing how good it sounds.

[audioqueso]

You spent the money for some N802s...

Yeah right Chris! lol


In regards to the Monster amp, I just heard it this past weekend while I was up in Virginia. It wasn't with B&Ws, but Klipsch. I've used to own a pair of Klipsch and do remember the sound. However, the Monster amp color the music a LOT. Which is probably why COMEUP said he heard such a difference. A lot more forward and tuned compared to a Rotel. A purist would not want that coloring in the music. Would it compete against a Krell? Definitely not. Two different types of sounds and leagues. If you want that 'tuned' sound, then yes, you might like it, but most people that buy B&W buy it because they want a very natural pure sound.

[comeup]

Chris I respect what your saying about the coloring with Klisp speakers which are not in the same league as B&W. Klisp speakers are more of a HT speaker in my opinion than a music speaker very loud midranges on most not a natural sounding speaker. I do have B&Ws at home in one room with a Rotel two channel setup Rotel rcd 1070 cd player, rb 1080 power amp and a rc 1070 preamp and it sounds ok but nothing like what I have in my home theater room that consist of the B&K ref 50 pre amp Monster Power amp mpa 3250 for the fronts and the rmb 1075 for the rest of my speakers. I have Kef reference 201s all the way around in my system and it sounds awsome. Even the sales person that I usally buy from that works in a store that sales alot of B&W and Rotel stuff had to admit how good the monster sounds with the Kef speakers after leaving my house. Please listen to the Monster with good speakers then voice your opinion.

[Drewbert]

Well what if one where able to get them for a sick price.... ie $1200 for the 3250.
Is it still a bad idea?

Monster, Halo or Rotel...? I was leaning towards Rotel, now Im not so sure.
I just know this, if I get the monster, its new while the Rotel and the Halo will not be...

[thyname]

Its funny that none of you have heard the amp and have so much to say everything but the sound of the monster. Well I bought it replacing my Rotel rmb 1075 120 per channel x5 amd the Monster mpa 3250 is awsome. It's a three channel weighing in at 92lbs at 250 per channel I hurt my back getting it in the house. It blows the Rotel away hands down no comparison. A good friend of mine has the Rotel's big brother the rmb 1095 200 per channel x5 dosen't come close to the Monster. Rotel is not even in the same class as Monster amps. My wife even notices a big difference in the sound quality she loves the thing. My movies and music came alive like never before can't stop listening to it. It has it own power supply and transformer for each channel, it's truly a Monster. You can easliy compare it to Krell or mac its that good. I will say that it is a deal for what there asking for and you could get it online for alot cheaper. It's made like a tank top quality. I first heard it hooked up with a cheap 300$ yamaha receiver as the preamp and it sounded amazing. I know this reply is late but had to say something in defense of Monster after owning one and knowing how good it sounds.

I am probably wrong, but I felt like I have read the above review somewhere else for a different brand. Very familiar....

[comeup]

Thyname I reconize your name from another discussion don't remember what I have the following products Denon 3910 dvd player, Lexicon dc-1 controller, B&K ref 50, Rotel rmb 1075, rb 1080, rc1070, rcd 1070, Monster mpa 3250, Monster HTS 5100 power center, B&W 602 S3s, LCR 600,DS6 surrounds, B&W ASW1000 Sub, Kef 201 monitors and few low end pieces that I still own. I wrote a really nice review on the B&Ws months ago and still think they are the best for the money in that price range. I got the monster on sale from the good guys on a close out for 2000 bucks to go with My new kefs what a combo they sound great together. I wrote reviews on most of these products.

Guys give the Monster a chance it's really a nice piece maybe its my speakers that stand out but they sure sound good together in stero and HT. The rotel sounded ok at low volumes with the Kefs but lost control when played loud. The Monster is in full controll.

P.S. as good as the B&Ws are they will be sold soon.

[Race Car Driver]

Heh, good to see this thread back from the dead!
Glad to hear someone has something good to say about them, especially after listening to them.

[Drewbert]

What amp did you end up with for those 802s?

[NMyTree]

You may want to try to audition some of the Butler Audio amps....

http://www.butleraudio.com/tdb2250.php ......you can get them for much less than those listed prices on the website.


Or maybe even a Balanced Audio Technology amp....

http://www.balanced.com/

Both make wonderful, highly musical amps.

You could do much better than those Monster amps, for your money.

[dortiz]

2 thoughts for you.

1. I own it, its very good..not my Classe for left and right 802Ds but nice for my center HTM2D and rear SCM1s. You will like it for the price.

2. Somehow folks who never heard it chose to bash Monster. IN your case remember Monster helps pay your salary...not so horrible in that regard.

funny how everyone hates a big company.

[comeup]

Amen....Amen