Mono Blocks / why are they not more prevalent? + Wyrded4Sound SX1000R

+1 roadcykler:  I would also add that that is the trend nowadays in audio:  to compartmentalize everything, regardless of whether it has any benefit in sound quality.  Does anyone remember when you couldn’t buy a preamp without integrated phono?  Also benefits mfrs. by increasing the price x 2….

IME a well designed pair of mono power amplifiers will always do a better job of controlling the speakers they are driving than a stereo power amplifier of similar wattage. 

For example, years ago I was using a Naim Audio system with a 70 wpc  into 8 ohm NAP 250 stereo power amplifier.  I upgraded to a pair of Naim NAP 135 monoblock amplifiers which were only rated at 5 watts more per channel (75 wpc at 8 ohm speaker impedance). Even though the 135’s were for all intents and purposes a monoblock version of the 250, they did a better job of imaging and had significantly more control over the speakers I was using at the time (15 ohm Rogers LS3/5A’s).  They had a very similar sonic signature to the NAP 250 which I liked, but took the performance to the next level. 

I have been using both Quicksilver Minimite tube monoblocks as well as Antique Sound Lab AV25 tube monoblocks in my two channel system for the past 20 years, and remain very happy with them.  👍 

Dear @mitch2 ​​@mashif   : The dual mono with one transformer could be really dual mono all depends of the circuit design and transformer design.

My Levinson 20.6 monobloks comes with not one but TWO transformers each monoblok... The best John Curl design ever.

R.

“The dual mono with one transformer could be really dual mono”

@rauliruegas - Absolutely, yes. However, wouldn’t the amplifier then be more susceptible to inter-channel modulation, where a heavy power draw from one channel affects what is being reproduced by the other?

Mono blocks sound better than non mono blocks. They just do. They generate a much wider, in depth soundstage. Once you hear it, it's hard to go back. Sort of like hearing a great tube amp compared to solid state. Tubes just sound better than solid state.

The least expensive way to get into a mono block type configuration is to look for an old Harman Kardon Twin Powered Receiver. They have a power transformer for each channel that is basically a mono block design in one box.

I use bespoke tube mono blocks in the main rig, NAT Audio Magma M HPS. When listening to the Harmon Kardon 930 Twin Powered receiver in my vintage rig I am very impressed with what that little receiver does with the sound! 

I'll be comparing a Sansui 1000A tube receiver to the Harmon Kardon 930 soon and will discuss the findings.