stereo amp vs monoblocks, any advantages?

Better isolation between left and right (lower noise potential and less distortion) is probably the most distinct advantage, but even so, either should sound very good and a very discriminating ear might be needed to really hear a difference, all other factors aside.

Two cords might be able to draw power more efficiently than one even on a single circuit, not certain about that though.

I think two circuits can be done in a manner that avoids possible issues like ground loop hum, etc. if needed. A single circuit for very high power amps might be a limiting factor though I believe.

Thomastrouble - with typical 1m interconnect it will shorten each speaker cable by 3' (1m). My 6' speaker cables would become 3' cables without changing interconnects. Twice shorter cable = twice better cable.

My experience with mono amps was with VTL on the tube side and ATI on the solid state side.. I tried the VTL ST-150 on my Maggies then switched to the MB250's. The ATI amps were the 15O WPC models. Those I tried stereo then bridged the two pair for mono operation. In both cases I heard better soundstage depth and separation. The imaging was better defined and just seemed to be more stable.

Monoblocks are cool, heh,heh,heh

It is also a fun word to say.

Thanks guys. Kojiki - are you sure about the twice better cable bit? My dealer told me the best length cable to have was 14 ft, but then again the 14ft length was all he had in stock (hehe). I hate the idea of my gear sitting between my speakers, and this might sound ridiculous but with the great soundstage and imaging I almost perceive the sound coming from the gear when it sits in the middle. I would like to have the gear off to the side with nothing in between the speakers but an imaginary artist /band etc. I posted a while back asking if it was ok to have one long 16ft cable and a 6ft one and everybody wrote in saying this would make no audible difference. Have you heard before that real short cables increase fidelity? On the face of it it to me would seem the shorter the better. As usual, I expect wildly differing opinions but I find it all interesting and I am always learning something, even if it sometimes leaves me even more confused, but the debate is all part of the fun hobby, as far as I am concerned.

Thanks guys.