Why monoblocks?

Well, as this topic applies to my system in my admittedly limited experience running a few stereo amps and a few sets of monoblocks, when comparing the sonic results given a choice between 30 foot balanced interconnects and 6 foot speaker cables, or 30 foot speaker cables and 3 foot interconnects (either balanced or single ended), I have heard clear improvements using the former, which is the monoblock configuration.

Now, I did not compare amplifiers in both stereo and monoblock versions from the same manufacturer, nor did I compare the different cable lengths of the same model cabling. The expense to do so was prohibitive.

Nor did I try uber-expensive cabling of either type for the 30 foot run. Again, this would have been cost prohibitive.

I imagine, given no ceiling on cost, one could likely run 30 foot speaker cabling from an outstanding stereo amplifier with no discernible sonic penalty, but this was not the recommendation of the speaker manufacturer at the time of my decision to go with monoblocks. In fact, the manufacturer was adamant about avoiding long speaker cable runs.

With the constraints of installation and cost, monoblocks became the appropriate choice for my system.

This thread is great! I actually owned a stereo amp, Audio Research Classic 60. I turned around and traded it in for a pair of the Audio Research Classic 120's monoblocks. What surprised me was not only was there more power, the amps were aesthetically easier to place in the room. But for the first time I was able to finally hear 3D imaging with the ability to hear some of the instuments "float in space" depending on the recording.Same room, same equipment just different amps. I do plan on returning to a pair of monoblocks again to complete my system. Just need to sell my stereo amp again!

Statman, your post is a little confusing. Did you get rid of the 120s? It is hard to tell.

The fact that the 120s had twice the power of the Classic 60 probably has more effect on the sound than whether or not the amps were mono Statman.

Statman, This is exactly what I was talking about. The Classic 120s actually have twice the power of the Classic 60. I have owned both and both are great amps. You forgot to mention the soundstage was bigger with the monos.

Audiofeil, I did the 300B thing and decided it didn't work since those amplifiers are not capable of driving real world speakers.

And speaking of inexperience, you may think VAC amplifiers are something special, but it wasn't that long ago VAC was not a well received product because of competition like the Audio Research Classic 120 which was a much more flexible and better sounding amplifier on a broader range of speakers.

At the same time, VAC was marketing Chinese tubes under the name Golden Dragon. These are the tubes that were used in VAC products. We called them Chinese firecrackers because of their short life expectancy.

I always buy equipment from reputable companies and as a rule mono amplifiers will give superior sound and that is a fact.