Is it easier to sell mono blocks or stereo amp on the used market?


I will be buying a new 2 channel McIntosh system soon and I am trying to decide between a 2 mono block amps or a single stereo amp. Curious... if I decided to sell down the road is it easier to sell mono blocks or a single stereo amp on the used market? Was not sure which is more in demand. 

dman777

Mono blocks all the way for listening, I moved from Stereo Mac to mono's and very happy i did.

The only down side when selling is shipping cost and luging two. I feel the mono amps will hold their value longer, potentialy anyway. Really depends on the models but gen' speaking mono amps are the next step up. But being more expencive may reduce the number of buyers. 

Amps are heavy, especially as you age.  Monoblocks are lighter, (but not 50% lighter). 

Not sure aobut selling.

Jerry

Have the models been on the market long enough to compare their selling history on Hifishark? Or to extrapolate from other Macs that have sold over the last few years? (I don't know the answer to your question but I'd think that monoblocks are more niche to the general public and you might have a bigger resale market with single amp--but I really have no idea.)

I might ask how committed you are to the decision of buying the new amps, if your first concern is how easy will they be to sell.  I say buy what you think you will enjoy the most right now.  Who knows, you may have them for 10 years and the resale question is moot.  IMHO.  Cheers.

Post removed 

+1, “buy what you think you will enjoy the most right now”. And also what amplifier sounds the best to you.

Two mono block amps or a single stereo amp decision depends on what sounds best to you in your home audio system. Concern about space also needs to be considered (one box or two). In my case, I decided on an integrated amp.

In summary, “The decision between two monoblock amplifiers and a single stereo amplifier depends on your specific needs and preferences:
    •    Sound Quality: Monoblocks offer better channel separation and reduced crosstalk, ideal for high-end systems. However, modern stereo amps often have negligible interference, making the difference minimal for most users.
    •    Power Needs: Monoblocks generally provide higher power output, suitable for demanding speakers.
    •    Space and Cost: Stereo amps are more compact and cost-effective, while monoblocks require more space and are pricier per channel.
    •    Practicality: Stereo amps simplify setup, while monoblocks allow flexibility in placement and shorter speaker cables”. 

If you are primarily concerned with sound quality, then monoblocks would be the choice. For me, that would be the only concern. But, I can't imagine that stereo amps are easier to sell. 

The OP wasn't asking for advice on which to buy but for advice on which would be easier to sell. I'm kind of curious about his question as well.

the higher the price, the more specialized the product, the smaller the demand. Check out usaudiomart, how long these amp are stalling, not selling. 

@dman777

As you requested, I believe it would be easier to sell a stereo amp on the used market as opposed to mono blocks. This is my opinion.

My mistake... I intended to say that stereo amps have to be easier to sell... not the other way around. 

I’ve gone from intergraded, to single amp to mono blocks and back.  It think monos will always have a market.  I’m back to monos for my “end game” amps.  

@dman777 

My Additional comments regarding stereo amplifiers versus mono block amplifiers in the used market are:

Advantages of Stereo Amplifiers for Resale

1. Broader Market Appeal

• More universal compatibility

• Typically less expensive

• Easier for average audiophiles to integrate into existing systems

2. Cost Considerations

• Generally lower price point

• More buyers can afford them

• Less specialized investment

3. Practical Considerations

• Simpler setup

• Fewer components to manage

• More straightforward for non-expert audio enthusiasts

Potential Mono Block Challenges

• Higher cost

• More niche market

• Require more sophisticated audio knowledge

• Often need specific matching requirements

The broader compatibility and lower price point of stereo amps make them more attractive to a wider range of potential buyers.  IMHO.  

While stereo amps may be easier to sell in general, I have a theory on this already mentioned. I’d like to believe the answer may change when going up in quality of amplification. I’m done lifting 100-120lb big iron stereo amps around or risk of damage.

  • 100+lb stereo amps are a beast to rotate in/out if you like trying different amps or when dealing with audio racks is another reason
  • Two mono amps of the same breed of amp are slightly over 1/2 the weight. Can be so much easier to manage and deal with in general
  • As you go up in quality with old school iron stereo amps, and weight keeps shifting upward, there seems to be a pivot point where Monos are just as desirable [or more] new or used to some of us out here