Upgrade time - 7700 vs. 7x2200

After many happy movie nights, it is time for my Outlaw 1050 to retire. It will be replaced by an Integra DTC 9.8 to drive a Paradigm Studio (40v2) setup.

I'm looking at mating the Integra to an amp via balanced connectors. I would like some guidance on the differences between a 7700 and 7x2200 .

What I have gathered so far:
- Scott said that the 7700 is a full differential design. Not sure for the 2200.
- 7700 is a full A/B design, while the 2200 is A/B + G at ~80 watts.
- 2 tranformers @ 1800w (7700) vs 7 transformers @ 600w each (2200)
- Less overall space for the 7700 compared to one stack of 7x2200. One stack of 7 2200 may cause heat issues.

Beside Gonk's review of the 7500 vs older monoblocks, I couldn't locate any review comparing the two setups sonically.

As the 7700 is currently priced ~420$ higher than 7x2200 shipped, I'd like your input to understand the differences.

Any help/opinions appreciated.
DMX

The 7700 is made in the US by ATI a very well respected OEM manufacturer of amps. I have the ATI version of the 7500 and been very pleased with its performance. I originally ordered 5 2200s and returned them for several reasons. First, you can't stack more than three 2200s directly on top of each other; they can't dissipate the heat if you go 4 or more high so you eat up a lot of rack space to cool them properly. Power cord management was a real bear. I had trouble with 5 cords, 7 would be just that much worse. Finally, and YMMV, I had trouble with the units humming even in standby mode. I would never make a general statement that the 2200s hum, just three of the ones I had did and combined with the other issues presented by individual mono blocks I returned them. Just my .02 cents, but I'd get the 7700 for the first two reasons in your list and my experience with 2200s.

Here's another .02
As well as I can explain what I was told (I think by Scott or Steve) the 7700, sharing this enormous power supply, allows channels which require a lot of power during loud scenes to "pull" or use from the "pool", as others (maybe surrounds) are not demanding.

I'm not sure I'm explaining it right.
The other reasons above are correct. I was initially interested but when I learned about the stacking, the extra room it takes, and then thinking about the power cords.....well....I'm happy with my 7700 in one room and 755 in other.
HTH

I have the 770 and also NHT A1's(which I think are identical to the M200's). I think they are both reliable but if I could only have one it would be the 770 without question. Very solid amplifier.

I just noticed the Outlaw amplifier sale and it looks like the 7700 would be cheaper than the 7x2200. The 7700 is on sale for $1899 shipped while 7x2200 would be $2275 (7x$325) plus shipping. Nice.

btw, I'm very pleased with my 7500.

Rob

The 7700 at $1900 would make the choice a no-brainer in my book.

Thanks for the quick replies everyone!

I must live a pretty good life... This sale materialized just a few hours after my post went live. Coincidence? Nah. Signs like these cannot be ignored ;-)

As Rob pointed out, the 7700 is now on sale. I just checked, and you can still get 7x2200 for ~79$ less shipped via the product page, but this price difference is no longer a factor.

Although I like the added flexibility of monoblocks and the fact I can easily move them without breaking my back, space and ventilation is a big issue in my setup. Given similar price and assuming similar sound quality, form factor wins.

So based on all your feedbacks, I just picked up a 7700 tonight!

I'll update this thread once everything is setup and I had some quality listening sessions. Although a shootout between the 1050 and the Integra+7700 may not be relevant to most, detailing the move from a solid receiver to what I believe are good separates might inspire others.

Just can't wait now,
DMX

It may not be the most fair fight ever, but it would still be interesting to hear your findings.