Are monoblocks better than stereo, with tube amps?


I am only in the research phase of audiophilia. My present system includes a creaky NAD 150w amp and ghastly sounding speakers from a "rack system" circa 1988 Stalingrad. Anyway, I am hoping to eventually save for a tube set-up with a kind turntable and sweet, costly speakers. I am wondering if there is any advantage to using a monoblock system for amplification and why.
mr_stain

Showing 3 responses by atmasphere

Modulation of the power supplies is the issue here. Since almost nobody regulates the power supplies for the output section of their amplifiers, monoblocks will sound better for this reason alone. The result is greater authority, improved soundstage and a blacker background. BTW this has nothing to do with whether it is tube or solid state!

Stereo amplifiers can get around this problem by having separate power transformers and supplies for each channel. Then the only concern is proximity, which can be dealt with if wiring and layout concerns are addressed.
I prefer to run mono amps which allow me to run very short speaker cables with long interconnects. OTOH, I run everything balanced, so I can get away with that.