Class D is just Dandy!

I don't think the case makes as big of a difference as the power supplies.

Both ICEPower and Hypex allow you to use a single power supply for 2 channels.

This has potentially two benefits:

- Headroom
- Channel separation

Lots of good stereo amps share a single power supply though, so having dual-mono power supplies is by no means an absolute requirement.

Spec-wise, the Hypex modules are better at very difficult loads, like electrostatic speakers. In practice with "normal" speakers, I can tell you I have the ICEPower in my living room and cannot hear a difference from a linear A/B amplifier. I have Hypex designed amps on my desktop system, via an NAD D 3020, but this is a bit of a unique design. All I can tell you is I'm very happy with both.

Best,

E

Hi migueca,

     I agree with Erik that the main benefits of mono-blocks, regardless of the amplifier type, are increased headroom and channel separation but with the former being more obvious than the latter.

     Increased headroom in an amp is mainly evident in its ability to more accurately reproduce the large dynamic range of live music.  My experience is that a system's ability to quickly and powerfully reproduce musical passages that progress from soft or moderate volumes to suddenly higher volumes significantly adds to the illusion that you're listening to live music in your listening room; amplifiers without large amounts of headroom and the ability to deliver it quickly typically will not be able to convincingly create this illusion.
     However, there are class D stereo units available that contain 2 power modules, with a devoted power supply for each, combined in a single chassis.  Some of these dual-mono stereo amps even utilize separate power chords for each channel/module.  I've never compared the performance of a dual-mono  stereo amp to a pair of mono-block amps but I believe most people, including myself,  would be hard pressed to  distinguish between the two.

     Technically, with mono-blocks having each channel contained in its own chassis and physically isolated from each other, it would be expected that their scientifically measured channel separation stats are superior to dual-mono stereo designs.  Whether you'd actually hear this superiority is questionable.

     I've used 2 different stereo class D  amps in my system (a classD Audio SDS-440CS and an Emerald Physics EP-100.2 ) and currently use a pair of D-Sonic M-600-M mono-blocks.  I would characterize them all as having very good channel separation with a solid and stable 3D sound-stage illusion.  I haven't noticed an obvious improvement in channel separation with the mono-blocks but have definitely noticed an increase in headroom and a greater dynamic range with the mono-blocks in my system.

     I know from your posts that you're thinking of trying out a good class D amp in your system and you're considering trying a Ghent or a ClassD Audio model.  I highly recommend my first class D amp, the classD Audio SDS-440-CS.  It's a true high quality bargain at only $630.  It's powerful (220 watts @   8 ohms/ 440 watts @ 4 ohms), has extremely low distortion levels, very good bass response, is very detailed and neutral in sound character with music emerging from a dead silent background.  The mid-range and treble response is very smooth and never bright or harsh like a tube amp without the treble sounding rolled off at all.  Here's a very accurate review from a professional reviewer: 
  
www.highfidelityreview.com/class-d-audio-sds-440c-amplifier.html

     They also give you a 30 day in-home trial period with a 'no questions asked free return policy' if you don't like it for any reason.  Very low financial risk involved but I seriously doubt  you'll want to return it.

Enjoy,
 Tim    

Erik and Noble,
Thank you for your explanations. 
Yes I am going to try a class D amplifier from this new generation of modules. 
I've had an experience some years ago with a Tripath from Dayton Audio and I must say, although cheap and not a truly HiFi piece of gear I was impressed! Now I'm obviously expecting a much higher quality from the new breed of amplifiers. 

I have been asking questions to many people from company owners/designers to dealers and forums members. And I'm getting solid and coherent answers that are helping me choosing the way to go. 
After evaluating many options I came down to three brands that are offering me what I'm looking for as a whole - price/performance/customer service. They are Class D Audio, Digital Amplifier Company and Temple Audio. They all seem to be fantastic choices, but I can only buy one and at this moment I'm closing a deal with Temple Audio - ordering the Monoblocks. 
Soon I'll be posting my review. 
Tank you for your sharing of knowledge! 

@migueca - let us know how you find them. I think you'll love them. I have some mystery monoblock class D amps that I love. Before that I had a Crown class D amp that was a great performer. But the switch to consumer monoblocks brought way more clarity, definition and power. I also have a Dayton audio class D I use for outside. It sounds great hooked up to good speakers, but these serious class D amps obviously trample all over it in terms of.. everything.

migueca,

     I just read a review on the Temple mono-blocks that was very positive:
   www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0514/temple_audio_monoblock_amplifiers.htmat

     I've never heard any of the Temple Audio amps so I'm unable to provide you with any useful feedback.  I noticed the monos are rather low powered at 40 watts/ch (the review doesn't mention whether that's into 8 or 4 ohms).  I believe you know how important it is to match an amplifier's power rating and sound characteristics to your speakers and therefore assume your speakers are very efficient. Please let us know your room dimensions and what speakers you'll be using so we  can offer further guidance.  

Thanks,
  Tim