SE-100 Mark II, SE-100 Delux & SE-100 Basic


Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2010 18:57:35 +0300
Subject: User comment
From: Fahad Malaikah

Dear Dr Poon
As requested, I'm having below some feedback on the NM24 and SE100 Mark II
Best,
Fahad

"My first introduction to Monarchy Audio was in 2007 when I heard the amazing M24 at David Manley's home in France. He had the M24 feeding a pair of vintage Manley monoblocks and into custom speakers. On the spot I bought an M24 along with a pair of Manley 100W monoblocks. For 3 years I've been in musical heaven, especially after upgrading the M24 with vintage Mullard 6DJ8 tubes. I've added a DIP 24/96 and later a DIP Combo, and the quality of digital music is on par with the Linn LP12. Well-mastered digital sounds smooth, dynamic and involving to the extent I feal that the performer and instruments are inside my listening room. The experience improved after upgrading my Acoustic Energy AE1 monitors to Harbeths SHL5. I have to admit that the DAC chip (PCM63K) is a true gem which was produced with little regard to cost, albeit its only 20-bit.

I was having lunch with a few colleagues and one of them mentioned that he paid $7,200 for a famous sound system and he was very proud. I told him that he'll regret his purchase if he listens to my system and he agreed to visit. All three colleagues visited my home not knowing what to expect and were flabbergasted at what they heard. They brought along their CDs (mostly Jazz) and got the shock of their life. Naturally, the other system was destroyed. The owner of the $7,200 system regretted his purchase and said that his system sounds like "a battery-operated radio from the 1980s" compared to what he'd heard. To cut a long story short, two of my colleagues completely replaced their systems with Monarchy equipment. Everyone bought the marvelous NM24 (which is really special when going to 24-bits) along with the entire Monarchy line of digital and analog cables (and the DIPs too). One of my colleagues got a pair of the new SE-100mkii monoblocks which made me jealous (very smooth, non-fatiguing, with ample power reserve, solid-state but tube-like). I asked one of the owners for feedback about his all-Monarchy system (apart from speakers which are Lenehan Audio ML-1); his reply was that it was "perfect, just perfect."

After-sale support: during shipping, one of the boxes had a very bad fall which affected one of the DACs channels (the analog preamp was 100% fine, only digital had one muted channel). So I wrote to CC Poon and he responded by shipping a replacement unit without asking for any additional funds. I received the replacement unit, checked that it was 100% in order, and returned the defective unit after ensuring that problem was solved. I live thousands of miles away, and to get that level of support makes one a life-long customer.

Summary: Kudos to Dr Poon for bringing back logic to high-end audio. Why pay outrageous margins and commissions for inferior components when you can get superior quality (and value for money) when buying direct from the source? A Monarchy system can easily beat others costing twice/thrice its cost because Monarchy doesn't squander margins on dealers and advertising. Makes perfect economic (and audio) sense. Keep up the excellent work."
From: Andre Frazier
Sent: Mar 18, 2010 7:54 PM
To: CCPOON
Subject: Re: Purchase of SE-100 Mark 2


June,

 I received the two SE-100 Mk II in excellent condition.  The packing was top shelf.  They are working wonderfully and I'm enjoying a full Monarchy Stereo system now.
 I would like to continue to build my Monarchy system so if Mr. Poon can recommend any other piece of his equipment that I should consider for future purchase, please do so.
 I would love to own one of your re-generator but I have to wait until you have a sale or my wife will put me in the dog house for spending to much on stereo junk as she calls it.

 I have the following components at this time as an aid for Mr. Poon's recommendations

Conrad Johnson PV-14L tube preamp
Monarchy MN24
Monarchy SE-100 MK II
Logitech Duet  (source, FLAC ripped MP3 files)
Swan Dive 2.1 book shelf speakers
Belkin power conditioner
1 set of Kimber interconnects

My speaker cables came with my Swam speakers and they seem pretty decent.  I'm only using a 4 ft speaker cable run from amps to speaker but I do have a pretty long amp
to speaker interconnect runs (16 Ft). The interconnect cables I have are pretty high quality since I had them custom made by another audio entrepreneur.

June I would love to hear from your husband about his recommendations and future products.  I consider myself part of the Monarchy family and every piece of equipment
I've purchase from your company has been nothing but top shelf and I plan to continue purchasing your products.  My brother also owns a Monarchy MN24 which he purchase
from your company and he's the one who introduced me to your products.

Andre Frazier
USMC
(Happy Customer enjoying Monarchy sound in the war zone of Afghanistan)


 Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 16:50:37 +0100
 Subject:  SE-100 MK2
 From: gregory pasche

 Hi CC, June,
Just wanted to say that I received the SE-100's in perfect condition and have been listening to them via the POCC cables over the holidays. They are excellent, well done! They drive my Hawthorne Silver Iris open baffles to perfection across the full frequency range providing a full bodied, natural, clear sound.
 My set up is - Apple TV (WAV Audio)/Onix XCD88 - DIP Classic - MHDT Constantine - MF X-10 v3 - Promitheus TVC -?SE-100 Delux Mk2 - Hawthorne Silver Iris in Open Baffle with AV123 ERT + Triangle Meteor Sub (connected to TVC).

 I initially had some hum coming through the speakers but after moving the blocks away from other transformers and plugging them into my G&W filter managed to reduce this to being barely discernable when my ear is placed close to driver (but my OB's are
96dB/W/M) and non existant from the listening position.
Wishing you a very happy 2010
Greg


From: Jack Weiss
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:29:43 
Subject: SE-100 Mark 2

Hi C.C.;
I am very happy with my Monarchy 24 and SE 100 Mk 2s.  I added a psb hd-8 sub woofer to the soliloquys that we modified.
My set-up never sounded better.  I like the sound  better than when I was using the Monarchy SM Pro 70s.
Any up-date on when your new dip will be available?
Regards to June,
Best,
Jack


Hello C.C.,
I had my first listen to the SE-100MK2 this weekend.  Those are very sweet sounding amps... very tube like!  They sound very good hooked up to my Parasound Class-A discreet solid-state line preamp.  I would say the amps sound similar to my VTL ST-85 tube amp but perhaps a little better.  It looks like I will enjoy doing this review.Can you tell me, are these amps the modified versions or are they the basic stock units?
Thank You,
Frank Alles
www.stereotimes.com


From: gerard choisnet
Sent: Sep 19, 2009 7:03 AM
Subject:  SE-100 Delux MK2

Hello to the dear peoples in Monarchy.

My order has arrived on time. Your amplifier 100 delux MK2 after 3 days of non stop operation  is way way beyond what I was expecting. I have tested  mega thousand dollars amps and I don't hear anything that would contradict my feeling and finding.
Thank you for putting research  where it counts and if someone is turned off by your reasonable price, they can look at magazine and dream of there next toys in the jewelery department .
CCPOON you have served the music and all the music lover.
Thank you.
Gerard.


To Monarchy Audio,

I just got my hands on two of your SE-100 delux.  I just wanted to tell you how pleased I am with the
performance of these amplifiers.  They sound fantastic when combined with my Sunfire pre-amp and Martin Logan
speakers.  As you know the electro-stat speakers are very hard to drive and your amplifiers drive them with
ease.  Attached is a link to a very favorable review I did for the SE-100 delux.  Again thank you for
building such a find product that the "every man" can afford.  
Cherian's review on SE-100 Delux
http://www.martinloganowners.com/~tdacquis/forum/showthread.php?t=4335  
Kind regards,
Cherian Jose

From: Jason Smith
Sent: Dec 22, 2008 8:37 PM
Subject: SE 100 Deluxe Amps

Dear Mr. Poon,

I wanted to send an email to you regarding the SE Deluxe 100 amps.

I have been listening to them and I must say they really are nice pieces of equipment and I have decided to keep them.

I am very pleased with these amps and I wanted to thank you very much for offering them to me at the reduced price. Your offer was very helpful and beneficial as my finances have been eroded due to the current economic situation. I feel they are very good value for the money and I have been very satisfied doing business with Monarchy Audio.

I will definitely keep an eye on your website for other products that might be of interest to me.

Like many other audiophiles, I believe that music is indeed one of life's great treasures and I'm sure I will enjoy listening to the amps for many years to come.

Thanks once again and I hope you enjoy the Holiday Season.

Best Regards,

Jason


Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:54:33 -0800 (PST)
From: Jason Smith
Subject:  SE100 delux

Hi Ching,

I just wanted to let you know that I am listening to the amps and really enjoying the sound. I think they are a league above my speakers ability to resolve just how much detail is there. They are exactly like most reviewers describe. Very musical and slightly smooth with exceptional detail on female vocals like Diana Kralls Love Scenes DVD-Audio disc.

Compared to the NADs which are only a touch more grainy, a tad more bright in the mid and highs, and a little less control in the bass. I think this might have to do with the high damping factor of the SE Deluxe's
There is no problem with the amps. I turn them on after the preamp and first off. So no technical problems at all so far.

Are they really powerful enough for a Magnepan 3.6 or 1.6QR speaker? Those speakers do like a lot of power especially for bass response?  I can only imagine how good these amps would sound with your reference Sound Lab speakers.
Incredible I'm sure! I'll keep you posted. Thanks so much.
Best Regards,

Jason


From: hubbard3
Sent: Jul 12, 2008 5:15 AM
To: monarchy@earthlink.net

Mr. Poon and associates, I received and installed the 2 power switches you sent me. (thanks for the super fast service!) They were a snap to put in. Thanks for standing behind your wonderful product. A short story you`ll enjoy. Last winter I auditioned a new set of Magnepan speakers in Pennsylvania. I brought my SE-100 delux monoblocks with me. I listened to them on a very expensive set up which included a Pass 250 amp. Sounded pretty good. I switched out the amp for the 100`s and it sounded more full, more emotion, and a definite "punch" to the music that the Pass did not. The response I got from the owner was ," hey, that sounds pretty good, was is that? " When I told him the price he was totally floored. I`ve been in this hobby for 40+ years and heard tons of hyped up equipment (most of it a bitter disappointment) but your product  lives up to everything said about it.
Thanks again,
Tom H


Date: May 26, 2007 8:10 AM  
Subject:  Great job I love the SE-100 delux
To Monarchy Audio,

I just got my hands on two of your SE-100 delux.  I just wanted to tell you how pleased I am with the
performance of these amplifiers.  They sound fantastic when combined with my Sunfire pre-amp and Martin Logan
speakers.  As you know the electro-stat speakers are very hard to drive and your amplifiers drive them with
ease.  Attached is a link to a very favorable review I did for the SE-100 delux.  Again thank you for
building such a find product that the "every man" can afford.

http://www.martinloganowners.com/~tdacquis/forum/showthread.php?t=4335

Kind regards,

Cherian Jose


From: "Velkou, Paul"
Sent: Apr 5, 2007 9:28 AM
Subject: MY SE100 - Deluxe


Sir
            I’ve finally got my power amps in full working order. The earthing problems have been fixed. I can’t remember how I was using these power amps when I had my ONKO surround receiver but I do remember thinking these are ‘nice’ amplifiers and I was relatively happy. Since then I have upgraded to a Sherwood P965 (preamp/processor) and the matching amplifier A965 (7 channel power amplifier – 100 watts at 8 ohms all channels driven). So I have bi-amped my VAF DCX speakers (an aussie brand) with A965 on bass duties and the SE100 on mid+high duties.
            Initially, I just grabbed the first CD that came to hand, basically to test the amps and the setup, which happened to be the “Best of the Band”. I can only say wow and WOW and WOOWWW……was this sound really coming from my speakers and my system? I didn’t realize so much information was on a CD. Immediately I started playing more music and it was the same, unbelievable. One of the items I always complain about my system is that the sound of a cymbal doesn’t decay like the real thing or even close to it (as the sound decays a shimmering occurs)…..well it does now. These amps are ****ing unbelievable. They are delicate and strong, I can hear the nuances of the human voice, the guitarist hitting his strings unevenly or making slight mistakes, hearing 3 voices harmonising instead of 3 voices making 1 sound. I cannot heap enough superlatives on these amplifiers and its only taken me about 5 years to discover how special these amplifiers are…..It’s like my whole CD collection has been renewed.

            The above is the absolute truth and I cannot emphasize enough how good these Monarchy Audio SE100 deluxe monoblock are. Unfortunately, the rest of my system was not up to there level, until now that is. Thank you CC Poon for designing and selling such a fantastic product at a realistic price.

            I am starting to wonder now how good are some of your other products (in particular the SE250 and M-24…..Could you please give me a price                                               for SE250 – Aussie version)

            Regards

         Paul Velkou
         Infrastructure Analyst
         Burwood, NSW Australia 2134   






Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 17:37:08 +0100
From: "John Bestebreurtje"
To: monarchy@earthlink.net

Hi one more time.
Thanks for prompt shipping and thank you for the units.
They had arrived at the shipping address the day we arrived in CO and yesterday finally I had time to install them.
The test-reports did not exagerate. These are 2 great amplifiers and I will enjoy them for a long time I hope.
Listening to Diana Krall or the late Roy Orbison are only 2 examples of having someone singing in your listening room.

(From Spain)


From: "Muurinen, Mika"
Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 21:28:35 +0200

Hello,
Enclosed please find a picture of my current set. I am fully satisfied with my Monarchys.
Rgds,
 
Mika (from Finland)


From: "mauricio rosas"
To: monarchy@earthlink.net
Subject: SE100 are singing
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 11:05:28 -0300

Dear Mr Poon:
So far, my  amp has been singing! I've paired them to a transformer based volume control (TVC) containing Steven & Billington's high quality audio Tx (just burning-in). This approach is supposed to be the most transparent way to connect DAC and amp. Based on what I hear it's probably true! The TVC let the Monarchies express all the detail, control and musicality that they are able, with a black-black background. Contrary to what is public knowledge about "passive pres" this combination shows tremendous low frequency reach (with tight control, as I said) and lightning fast dynamics.

I humbly recommend that you consider a DAC/preamp project with these transformers. They are transparency personified. They also can be configurated to make an XLR output. A DAC/preamp like this, with active/passive option, would be a dream-DAC. They are not cheap, though (at least for DIYers). A Tx pair ($400) plus a Shallco high quality selector switch ($100) is worth the pain, in my view.
Please forgive my boldness...

I recently read that the famous "Living Stereo" recordings were made with passive microphone preamplifiers (I don't know if transformer based, but probably yes, being the "pro" way). These records certainly doesn't sound "passive".

I notify you that I sent a letter to the editor of "Alta Fidelidad", the most read HiFi magazine in spanish language, praising your products (I hope they publish it, as they usually do).

Best Regards.
Mauricio Rosas

From: gsparsons
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 05:21:26 GMT
To: microwisesystems@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: SE-100 DELUX

Dear Ming,

Thank you for forwarding the reply.  I have finally got things
locked in and the sub does sound better with the phase reversed,
but it is all sounding very good now.  The Monarchy amps are just
terrific -- truly one of the best audio purchases I have ever made.
Greg


From: "Chris Kenney"
Date: Sun, 23 May 2004 21:35:03 -0400

Mr. Poon:
 I have had my SE-100 Deluxes for over six weeks and I wanted to convey to you my satisfaction with them. While my previous amp, the ATI 1502, may have a very slight edge in bass performance, the Monarchys are very smooth up and down the spectrum. The bass is excellent and the smoothness of the mid range and uppers, especially on orchestral music, is superlative. After about a week of break-in, they really opened up.
 
I am very pleased with the match in my system with the Paradigm Reference 100 speakers and Adcom GFP-750 preamp. I am finally going to get around to posting some comments on the audioreview.com web site so that others can get some actual user input. Rest assured that my comments on your amplifiers will be very positive. With the installation of these now in my system, I'm basically set and can now focus on the music!
 
Regards,
Chris Kenney



From: "mauricio rosas"
Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 18:08:57 -0400

Dear Mr Poon:
I'm enjoying more and more (about 4 hours a day) my Monarchy components: the DIP upsampler and a pair of SE100deluxe monoblocks. Now I use the DIP with the balanced digital output and the benefits in terms of channel separation, dynamics, low level detail and frequency extension are evident.

As a devoted Monarchy fan I continue to spread the word on how fantastic your items are.

Thanks.
Mauricio.



From: "mauricio rosas"
To: monarchy@earthlink.net
Subject: in love with SE100
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2004 00:23:27 -0300
Dear Mr Poon:
I hope you are doing fine and that you got success at CES (someday I will go)

Recently I upgraded from my Paradigm speakers to world class (unless to me)  
Tannoy Dual Concentric's Definition D500. Wow! The Monarchy-Tannoy duo  
is amazing! The speakers have the same carachter than the amp, wich  makes  
the combo a VERY musical one. No one can believe that we are listening to CDs
(blame the DIP upsampler also). Highs are Sweeet but can be biting also when needed.
Midrange is an orgy. Bass is punchy, detailed and articulated.  
Tannoy doesn't inflate any frequency (maybe a little the midrange)
but the feeling is that every instrument is a soloist. I went on this HF-MF-Bass detailing  
but the true is that I don't think of it any more:  
I only enjoy the music. Also music that I found boring before! Music  
just flow inviting, colourful, powerful and dynamic. And what depth to the  
soundstage!
I guess one could build a dream system with a SM70pro and a couple of  
sensitive big Tannoy Studio Dual Concentric Monitors (another project).

Sorry, I have to get back to the living room.

Best regards
Mauricio
    

From: "mauricio rosas"
Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2003 00:26:47 -0300

Dear Mr. Poon:
This is it. The search is over. I knew it when I got my DIP upsampler.  
Quality like this is (almost) impossible to find at this price. While I  
was waiting for the SE100 Delux I read the reviews several times. The  
reviewers were very accurate in his comments, BUT, nothing could prepare  
us for the experience of listening to these Class A amps: my personal tastes includes  
Opera, symphonic and chamber music, and I understand now why your products  
are famous for vocal and strings reproduction and for layering and  
individualization of players. Bass reproduction is solid, tight and  
accurate. You can follow the bass lines easily. In fact, even with  
difficult scores, one could follow the music with a "partitura" on hand.  
The sweetness of tone, the delicacy and elegance of acoustic instruments  
engages you and allows for a joyfull listening sesion, wich is what it's  
all about. Opera and Choral music listening is quite a ghostly experience!  
Ella singed for me tonight.
The adjectives most related to the SE100 are "lovely" (from "love") and  
"charming" (in its original french meaning: "enchanting"; "bewithching").  
Please note that I use entry level, rather old, Paradigm speakers and a  
NAD receiver as DAC/preamp. Even with this configuration the SE100's  
qualitys shine, wich makes me also note how constrained the DIP upsampler  
performance was when using the NAD as an amp! (do the DIP performance has  
a limit?)
I can't wait to upgrade DAC and speakers to see how far the amps can go.  
Also an improuvement in performance is anticipated as units burn-in.

I am most grateful to you for making such good products for us,  
third-world audiophiles.

Mauricio
 

From: RONNYBOYCUDA
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2003 04:43:34 EST

Dear Mr. Poon,
I  received the SE-100 Delux and 22C a couple of weeks ago and I just wanted to thank you and your staff for handling my order in a timely and professional fashion.  I have the system up and running and have allowed for some "run in" time.  The only way for me to describe the sound of the SE-100 Delux and 22C combo is "REMARKABLE"!!  My only complaint is that I am trying to find the time to "rediscover" my CD collection........they are that good!  I am also surprised at how cool they run; they do get warm to the touch, but not as hot as I thought they would being single ended Class A. I guess the substantial heat sinks really do the job.  I have Athena Technologies AF-S2 speakers and the combination is wonderful. The Athena's simply came to life after the amps were connected!  I could go on and on about the sound of these amps but I believe I would not be adding anything new to all the wonderful reviews previously written about these products. Thank you again...I plan to enjoy the sound for a long time to come!!  
Ronald A. Grosso  
 
 
 

From: <john_wittmann>
To: <monarchy@earthlink.net>
Subject: SE-100
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 2002 09:49:02 -0400

Mr. Poon,

 I recently purchased a used (1 year old) pair of the SE-100 mono amps. I was taking a set of cables to "The Listening Room" in Baltimore to have them reterminated to fit my Quicksilver amps. I was not very familiar with your product but have heard about them. I bought them without even hearing them first. I was very skeptical as I am a lover of Vacuum tubes. I was a little dismayed at first, that is until they came to their operating temperature. I was very impressed with the amount of information these amps produce. The soundstage is very solid, detailed, and neutral. I was also suprised at how smooth they are. I didn't think solid state could be this smooth at least not at this price. Needless to say, I am very pleased with the SE-100 mono amps. I would not have believed that solid state would find a home in  my system. Kudos to you for a producing these little gems.

John Wittmann
Audio Enthusiast
 
 
 

From: Leake Steve
To: "'monarchy@earthlink.net'" <monarchy@earthlink.net>
Subject: SE100 Deluxe Amps
Date: Wed, 17 Jul 2002 15:29:22 -0400
 

Dear Mr. Poon and Staff

It has been a little over 4 months since I purchased a pair of SE100 Deluxe
Mono amps, and I wanted to let you know that I think these are AMAZING.  I
upgraded from a top-line Digital receiver of comparable power, and one that
is considered "very musical".  There was an immediately noticeable
improvement in speed, dynamics and separation, but then over the course of 2
to 3 months (break-in time), I have noticed their beauty in spatial imaging
(soundstage) and detail (nuance).

Living in Canada, where there are no Dealers stocking these amps, I want to
thank You and your Staff for handling the Ordering and Shipping in so
Professional a manner. They arrived in excellent condition and on-time. Even
after the item price, currency exchange, tax and shipping, there still are
no mono amps. available anywhere near their price/power/quality in stores.

Thank You again for a High-Quality product at a reasonable price.

Steve L.
Ont. Canada

Please feel free to publish the above as a Testimonial.
 
 

Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2003 16:21:18 +0200
From: massimosalesi
Subject: SE100delux
To: microwisesystems@earthlink.net

Hello Ming,

how are you?
I 'm very pleased to inform you that the problem with the SE100 seems to be solved.
I don't know exactly what's happened.
I changed both the power chord and the interconnect cable and now I can
hear a very slight hum from the speaker. Very strange!

Anyway the most important thing is that now I can concentrate on the music only,  
and I have to say that I'm really satisfied with the two amplifiers.
They sound absolutely stunning in a very natural and delicate manner.  
The detail is very good and bass is powerful and controlled.

I hope I will enjoy them for a very long time!

Thank you and best regards.
Massimo Salesi   (Rome, Italy)
 
 

From the coffee-stained  
keyboard of: C. Scott McSwain
mcswain

Hi Mr. Poon,  
I was in your factory late on Friday a week or so ago. I just wanted to drop you a line to say how much I'm enjoying your amps. They replaced some very old VTL Compact 100s, so at first listen, I almost got a headache. That effect went away after a hour or so of warm up. By the next day, they were singing pretty well.  
I had noticed you used some pretty hefty speaker cables at your place, and as my Merlins need all the bass help they can get, I tried double runs of Geneva cable -- only available on ebay from what I can tell, but a design concept I like -- to the bass and a single run to the tweeter. That, and the SE-100's extra low frequency power over the tube amps, really opened up everything.  
I'm sure you've read the audioreview messages, and I concur with the majority of them. However, I've always been skeptical of them. There are so many references to a particular product's designer or the store that sold it, I get the impression that some of the reviews are planted. Either that, or audiophiles are an even needier lot than I thought.  
Thanks for the great amps.  
Scott  
 
 

From: "raymond shiu"
To: monarchy@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: SE-100 delux price
Date: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 14:24:40 +0000
 

Dear Mr Poon,
I final got my SE-100 delux version 2001 on Wednesday. It really sound
great even not fully break-in, and sound just seductive as people said,  
like some tube amp.
However I got a few picecs of fuses shipped with the amp...I have came
up a question just now, as I browse your website, it said the 2001 version  
are using relay rather then fuse protection...how could I verify I am  
using a 2001 version of SE-100 delux...?
Sorry for troubling you all along.

Thanks and Regards,
Raymond Shiu
from Hong Kong
 
 

Reply-To: "Scott McSwain"
From: "Scott McSwain" <mcswain@flash.net>
To: "C.C.POON" <monarchy@earthlink.net>
Subject: My SE-100 Deluxes
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 10:37:54 -0700
 

Hi Mr. Poon,
    I was in your factory late on Friday a week or so ago. I just wanted to drop you a line to say how much I'm enjoying your amps. They replaced some very old VTL Compact 100s, so at first listen, I almost got a headache. That effect went away after a hour or so of warm up. By the next day, they were singing pretty well.  
    I had noticed you used some pretty hefty speaker cables at your place, and as my Merlins need all the bass help they can get, I tried double runs of Geneva cable -- only available on ebay from what I can tell, but a design concept I like -- to the bass and a single run to the tweeter. That, and the SE-100's extra low frequency power over the tube amps, really opened up everything.  
    I'm sure you've read the audioreview messages, and I concur with the majority of them. However, I've always been skeptical of them. There are so many references to a particular product's designer or the store that sold it, I get the impression that some of the reviews are planted. Either that, or audiophiles are an even needier lot than I thought.
    Thanks for the great amps.
Scott

Mr. Poon,

I have listened to the SE-100 amps with the low noise rectifier mod, and  
the results are stunning. There is greater instrumental detail, better  
articulation, and more ambience and space around the instruments.  
Soundstaging is improved, with greater precision of localization, and  
greater depth. The treble region is cleaner and smoother. Low strings have  
a harmonic richness and "guts" previously missing. Overall, the sonic  
presentation is more musical and less analytical, even though much more is  
revealed than before.

Based on my past experiences with low noise rectifiers, this is no  
surprise, but it is good to hear these amps revealing more of their true  
design potential.

Attached is a .jpg photo of a modified amp. As you can see, I used a piece  
of 1/8 inch aluminum stock, 4 1/4 inches X 1 inch, as a heatsink for the  
regulators. The aluminum bar is bolted to the transformer washer.

Thanks for sending new rectifiers for the SM-70 amps. I gather that only 1  
bridge is needed for each SM-70.

Best,
Gary
Attachment Converted: "c:\eudora\attach\SE-100 Rectifier Mod #2.jpg"

Gary Galo
galoga

"Great art presupposes the alert mind of the educated listener."
Arnold Schoenberg

"A true artist doesn't want to be admired, he wants to be believed."
Igor Markevitch  

Brief Reviews by Gary Galo
The SM70 amplifier is an excellent performer, particularly when used as a
monoblock. It is incredibly punchy and dynamic, belying it's 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 SE100 is a world-class amplifier, delivering the finest soundstaging I
have ever heard from my system. The individual detailing of instruments, and
the superb sense of air and space, make the SE100 worth far more than the
asking price. These amps also mate superbly with the Models 22C and 33
feeding the balanced inputs.

Anyone looking for an entry-level D/A converter will find the Model 18B a
steal at the close-out price of $299.99, and Monarchy's "parallel DAC chip"
mod improves the performance even further. This is an ideal, cost-effective
way to upgrade any inexpensive, stand-alone CD player.  

Gary Galo,
Review Editor
Audio Electronics Magazine
www.audioxpress.com

I have owned MGD (Michael Green Designs) modified Monarchy Audio Delux SE-100 solid state single ended mono block amplifiers now for about three months. The modifications performed by MGD involve incorporating mechanical grounding technology on the components inside the chassis. The end results of these modifications are amplifiers which are extremely fast, neutral in sound, capable of reproducing very natural sounding harmonic structures and are essentially transparent to source components feeding them. Having upgraded my digital front end from an already fine source, I found that these amps were capable of even more outstanding performance and detail than I was already enjoying up until the point of adding an even better sounding and more detailed digital front end. All types of music sound good through these amps, from small ensembles to large orchestral selections. Jazz and vocals are extremely well reproduced with an incredible amount of realism spread out over a wide and deep soundstage. I wrote a previous post here at Audio Review on my system's variable tuning capabilities from the source components, to the speakers to the acoustics of the room itself using MGD products. As outstanding as the performance was, after listening for about a month or so through careful listening, I noticed something about the mid-bass/lower midrange that I didn't particularly like and could not "tune out" on certain recordings. These were usually recordings which were not the greatest in terms of recording quality. What I have found using a variably tuned system is that even lesser quality recordings can always sound better on a variably tuned system and that these recordings, more often than not, have levels of detail that are not only more than acceptable, but whose sound is actually much better than that reproduced by a nonvariably tunable system. The only component I could single out as a possible culprit was the stock power cords on the Monarchy amps.After perusing the Monarchy Audio web site, I found that they had an upgrade power cord, the AC-1. After studying the information at the web site and making an inquiry by e-mail of Mr. C. C. Poon of Monarchy Audio, I was pretty well convinced that the AC-1 upgrade power cords could perhaps alleviate whatever it was I was hearing that I didn't like. C. C. Poon informed me by e-mail that the AC-1 would give an immediate and substantial increase in performance. He was right. I purchased the AC-1 upgrade power cords, installed them and the "problem" disappeared, with no burn-in time on the power cords. Now that the AC-1s have had break-in time, the amps are now transparent, to my level of satisfaction, and I can find no sonic faults with the amps at all on any program source material. Only better tunable speakers might reveal something that I currently cannot detect with my current tunable speakers and system. The preamp that I am using is a MGD modified Monarchy Audio 10A preamp which has a phono stage added (also by MGD). This preamp has the same level of transparency and sonic (non) characteristics as the Delux SE-100 mono block amps. Both the preamp and amps can reproduce dynamics from source material with incredible realism and impact. Music with very low levels or amounts of instrumentation (i.e., a vocal with a single or multiple guitars) can be just as moving and involving as fast paced selections with strong, rhythmic bass lines.The AC-1 power cords extended and tightened the bass even more than what was an already excellent bottom end. The AC-1s also extended and opened up the top end produced by the amps, as well as producing more detail throughout the entire audible range. The best part about the AC-1 power cords is that they only cost $75 each (total $150) for this performance increase! That is more than reasonable, in my experience, for a high quality power cord. The cheapest upgrade power cord I have ever used that made a difference over a stock power cord cost $150 (for one!) from Tice Audio. Anyone owning or considering purchasing the Monarchy Delux-100s should definitely purchase the AC-1 upgrade power cords in place of the stock power cords, based on the performance boost I found that I have experienced using them; especially at such an affordable price. These amps are what I consider to be my last purchase in amplifiers. That's how pleased I am with their and the AC-1 upgrade power cords' performance.  Up until now, I have been using Kimber 4TC speaker cable with spade connectors to connect the amps to my speakers. This is truly outstanding cable for the dollar (or so I thought). After several conversations with MGD (Michael Green himself and his hotline staff), I was urged to try some of MGD's solid core speaker cable. Knowing that I have a pair of MGD's top-of-the-line fully tunable (including variably tunable external crossovers mounted in their own ClampRacks) Chameleon speakers on order, I figured that I should consider the MGD cables, but I had great concern about their cost. Kimber advertises their cable as costing $7.00 per foot, but if you add the cost of spade plug termination, the cost balloons to ($140 total retail) $17.50 per foot for an 8 foot pair of 4TC speaker cables. I could only imagine what MGD speaker cable that goes on their top-of-the-line $15,000 speakers must cost. After a year (yes, a year!) of avoiding the question, I finally braced myself and inquired as to how much was the MGD cable cost per foot. The response I got back was $1.99 (that's one dollar and ninety-nine cents) per foot! How could a high end manufacturer offer speaker cable of any quality at this price, I asked myself? But, if this is what Michael Green himself uses in his totally variable tunable listening room (walls, ceiling, floors including joists) where he individually voices all his speakers for customers, I had nothing much to loose considering the fact that I only needed two 6 foot runs for a total cost of $24. MGD burned in the cable for about two weeks for me prior to shipment. Well, the solid core MGD cable finally arrived and it outperforms the Kimber in sound quality, detail, airiness, delicacy in reproducing harmonic structures, depth of soundstage, and tightness of sound throughout. To add insult to injury, I was told to use the MGD solid core cable by connecting it "bare wire" (for a better connection, I was told) to both the amps and speakers. The MGD speaker cable consists of what appears to be 3 twisted thin jacketed solid core cables per leg, going to each speaker, with "tinning" of some sort on the outer surface tips at each end. The MGD solid core speaker cable, used "bare wire", really works and is definitely another recommendation for the Monarchy Delux-100 mono blocks and the Monarchy AC-1 upgrade power cords.  Brian Tracy Barry audiotruth@hotmail.com System Components: (all components except turntable, VPI LP cleaner and tuner are clamped and variably tuned) MGD modified Monarchy Audio Delux SE-100 mono block amps Monarchy AC-1 upgrade power cords MGD modified Monarchy Audio 10A preamp Tice Power Block Signature Series 3B Line Conditioner MGD Monitor 5 variably tunable speakers MGD Hubbell AC Outlet Kimber Silver Streak Interconnect cables XLO digital cable (for digital recording purposes) MGD ClampRacks MGD tunable Monitor 5 speakers using MGD solid core speaker cable MGD modified Marantz CD-67 CD player Oracle Delphi Mk. V turntable with MGD custom MTDs (brass spikes), SME Series V tonearm  (damping device disengaged) with Benz Micro Glider cartridge 15 MGD Pressure Zone Controllers (variably tunable acoustical devices) Carver TX-8 tuner Phillips digital tape recorder VPI 16.5 LP cleaning machine Last stylus and record cleaner
 

Organization: TDS & Select Products
X-Mailer: Mozilla 3.0C-WorldNet  (Win16; U)
To: "C.C.Poon" <monarchy@earthlink.net>
Subject: First impression

Mr. Poon,
Just received the Monarchy Delux 100 amps this afternoon.
To say I am impressed it an understatement altho these words are
probably not new to you.
I am simply amazed at the overall superlative quality of these amps in
terms of build quality, appearance and musicality. Only having a few
hours of listening time thus far it it very apparent that these amps are
by far the very best value in audio today that I am aware of, besting
the sonic efforts of amplifiers many, many times their cost...and size.
You have succeeded in producing a beautiful instrument and for a price
that is extraordinary.  
Two days ago I purchased a VPI turntable from a gentleman who owns new
Mark Levinson equipment (amps and CD player/pre-amp) whose cost exceeds
$13,000. This equipment is driving a top end speaker by Martin Logan and
large powered sub-woofers by Kinergetic Research thru about $5,000 worth
of Purist Audio cabling.  A very impressive/expensive system that has
been tuned to perfection by the owner.
Your amplifiers were installed into a system less impressive than the
above, with exception to the Monarchy 22B DAC I have, it is simply a
good system that I have used to evaluate equipment for some time.
You amplifiers transformed the system into a truly outstanding system
and is a joy to listen to...just amazing.
When you have the time, please contact me regarding representing your
entire product line for retail sales. As mentioned in my prior email to
you, I would also like to up-date the 22B DAC I took ownership of last
week.
Tomorrow I assemble speaker cables using the TDK wire I purchased from
Gino Yang, unless you have further advice, I will simply use three
cables per channel, and for the moment terminate using the bare wire to
assess their performance......
Which I assume from your products thus far, will be extraordinary. I
hope your move is going well.

Very Sincerely,

Kirk Neal
Option Audio