Why monoblocks?


Why run monoblocks? Most amps can handle most speakers, especially those that are 88DB and above in sensitivity. I see pictures of all these speakers being driven in monblock configuration. If the stereo amp can do the job, why spend money on two amps? I mean, what are the benefits?
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Showing 4 responses by pubul57

My belief is that well designed stereo amps will sound every bit as good as monoblocks, but short ICs is a real benefit, but low capacitance cables will amount to much the same benefit even if a bit longer. I simply would not buy an amp on the basis of whether or not it is monoblock or not, there are far more important aspects to the quality of amps then the issue of mono or stereo configuration, undoubtedly, some of the finest amps ever made are not monoblocks.
Now digital versus analog, that is a REAL difference that anyone can hear with no imagination or wishful thinking necessary.
I agree with Audiofeil's last note completely. Like I said before, monoblocks can be great or mediocre, stereo can be equally great or mediocre, sound quaility is simply not the reason for choosing one format over the other, though there are plenty of ergonomic reasons for doing so - one can't make a blanket statement about whether one should choose one approach or the other for best sound IMHO -- you can find great sound either way.