Monarch series 8 model 8000 a worthwhile listen

Oldsansui441

Super Member
Hi, l have recently acquired the above amplifier and after checking and regreasing the outputs, checking drivers, replacing the power globe, replacing the power switch, replacing a mylar cap causing low filter issues in RH channel and setting bias and offset l am listening to it right now.

I must say this amplifier sounds VERY good (has that airy, detailed and full bodied sound that l like). It was built without any obvious cost cutting, ie it has full board shielding, point to point switches, full aluminium knobs even the little toggle tips have no inserts (very unusual), 2 phono and 2 aux inputs, pre in/main out capability and complementary dc coupled amplifier. The amp board is plug-in so makes working on it a breeze.

I have had about 60 vintage amps/receivers from most of the main players and this one stacks up very well indeed, certainly sounds in the top 30-40% of all of these l would estimate. It is rated at 55wpc into 8 ohms and 75 into 4 ohms although the 4 ohm rating may be a little optimistic.

Someone had previously recapped this amp before l purchased it with Panasonic FC's and they have done very clean work.

Anyway just thought l would share my experience with this amplifier as Monarch seems to be a lesser known brand and there is very little information out there, l couldn't find a service manual or schematic. For those interested l set the bias to 30mA, so 14-15mV across one emitter resistor.

So if anyone sees one l would recommend grabbing it if the price is right :thumbsup:.
 
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Here are some pics of the old girl
 

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And a couple more
 

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Must admit I would have passed it by, thanks for the tip. How about a bench mark ie, very similiar to Kenwood KA-7100, yamaha CA-???
but not quite as good as xxxx. From my limited exposure, the yamaha CA-1010 (probably 2010 also) are very airy. CA-800/-1000 are v good,
KA-7100 is not quite but excells in other areas.
 
Must admit I would have passed it by, thanks for the tip. How about a bench mark ie, very similiar to Kenwood KA-7100, yamaha CA-???
but not quite as good as xxxx. From my limited exposure, the yamaha CA-1010 (probably 2010 also) are very airy. CA-800/-1000 are v good,
KA-7100 is not quite but excells in other areas.

Thanks mbz, no worries, to put it into perspective it has that earlier sound, not like a Yamaha of the later 70's CA's or CR's at all. I haven't owned a Kenwood KA-7100 but l would say it sounds very similar to a KR-5200 l had, also similar to Pioneer SX X3X series, TEAC AG-6500, early Sansui, Marantz, Sony, Akai, Luxman etc l have had. Not as forward in the midrange or quite as detailed as a later Yamaha CA but a fuller sound with more bottom end.

So if you like any of the above built between say 1970-75 you would like this. Certainly doesn't sound as good as the likes of my rebuilt SX-939 but better than quite a few l have had.
 
Build reminds me somewhat of late 60's / early 70's lower ended Sansui's. Especially the Voltage selector.
 
Not as forward in the midrange or quite as detailed as a later Yamaha CA but a fuller sound with more bottom end.
. My Luxman SQ-505X kind of fits this description, not as technically correct as CA but a great full sound
and often more enjoyable. Thanks for the description, there are hidden gems out there...
 
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