Far be it from me to talk you out of doing something good for your system. Monoblocks have some advantages. The physical separation of monoblocks offers some SQ benefits. A stereo amp circuit in a single chassis has more crosstalk, usually shares a single power supply, and definitely weighs more. Monoblocks also split the heat between two chassis.
Not sure that a single chassis unit offers much benefit over monoblocks if the price isn’t prohibitive, other than perhaps that you only need one space (though larger) and one plug for it.
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I say go for the mono blocks! Oh sorry you wanted us to talk you out of it. Also I don’t have Macs and don’t have mono blocks. I got caught up in the excitement of getting mono block amps. I guess just get a Bosewave radio instead…
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I kind of wish I hadn't sold my mono blocks.
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I love my mono blocks but honestly have not been able to compare them to an integrated version of themselves because none exist.
I'm curious to hear what people say, but how many apples-to-apples comparisons are there, really?
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If I can't talk you out of McIntosh why discuss monoblocks? Just poking fun! :)
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1. done with tubes for life? either way that’s quite a commitment to SS.
2. you want or need that much power?
3. you want stereo with short interconnects and longer speaker wires OR mono with longer interconnects and shorter speaker wires?
4. any placement considerations?
5. normally, same power, it is easier to move smaller mono-blocks, however you are going from 450wpc stereo to 600wpc monos, the stereo weighs around 115, the monos weigh 97lbs, what’s another 18 lbs among friends with hand trucks and hernia prevention belts.
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If you have the financial ability and space I would purchase the mono-blocks, if not I would purchase the stereo amp. It should be that simple, don't fret over the decision, just bust a move. You know you want those mono-blocks...
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You only have to store one box and in most cases only need one power cord. There you go, think I covered it all. Enjoy the music
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Mono Blocks are for weenies - period.
DeKay
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A lot of advantages to monoblocks. Lighter and easier to move, dedicated power supply. Can be placed at the base of the speaker with a 1M speaker cable. I'd argue for different amps but you are past that.
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Don't even think about it!!! Go with the monoblocks!!!
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I think that your dream is for the monos, so do it and fulfill your dream.
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Nice system. CP12000 preamp is killer. I think the MC611 monoblocks match better the CP12000 design philosophy and the setup will be quite imposing - sonically and physically.
Note: fyi, I am running MC275 monoblocks into a C2300 and I am glad I added another MC275 when I did...
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love my Pass Labs Mono Blocks ...
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Why monoblocks?
Because they separately amplify the left and right signals without having to be in one box.
Because they allow you to use shorter speaker wires, which in turn, will result in less cable coloring.
Because using XLR cables (providing the circuitry follows AES standards) between amp and preamp minimizes signal loss. -I don't know if the Mac's are XLR, but going this route, I hope they are.
My 2.5 cents...
Bob
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If you are not worried about power, space or cost I would always buy mono blocks. I've been in and out of mono blocks a number of times and always ended up with monos. If you are thinking about it you won't be happy if you dont buy them. Cleanest sound, dedicated power supplies and great flexibility. Buy and dont look back!
+1 @gdnrbob
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Monoblocs all the way, dude...You'll feel like more of a man, and well, monoblocs are just more badass.
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When you are in this league there are no bad choices, buy what you want.
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Initially, I went to mono blocks on my main system to split the weight of 100lb stereo amplifiers to 55lb each mono amps. Much easier to swap in/out now.
Later realized again the sonic benefit of splitting each channel to its own individual chassis, more transformer capability, and less of a noise mess in each chassis.
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I was lucky enough to live with both the ARC Ref 160s stereo and 160m monoblocks for over two years. I have auditioned a couple other pairs as well. The differences seem pretty universal when the only difference is stereo versus monoblocks.
The monoblocks have a deeper wider and more defined soundstage. So the images are more stable and smaller, set in a larger soundstage. They are quieter (lower noise floor) helping to allow for the better imaging and soundstage. The stereo version has a bit greater impact as the power seems to be more concentrated on larger images across a smaller, shallow soundstage.
A big advantage of monoblocks is that you can locate them right next to the speakers and get really short speaker cables with will increase the dynamics and transients over a long run of speaker cable.
I think most people audiophiles would always prefer the monoblocks. However, folks that buy MacIntosh tend to value impact and slam over fitness. So, depending on your likes, it could go either way. If you drive a Corvette, get the stereo version, if you drive a Porsche get the monoblocks.
Sorry, I just have to say it... if you fall into the later category and are into highly nuanced sound and a system with great finesse... is this the right brand for you?,
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Do you have a separate dedicated power line all ready installed for each mono? Are the wall plugs both the same? Is it no problem buying two of the same power cords? If yes to all GO FOR IT
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Devils advocate, you have to consider that you need two power cords for monos. Sometimes it’s better a stereo with a high quality power cord than a Mono with medium quality PC’s, and man those can be very expensive too
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The more meters, the sweeter the juice.
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Lol I have four sets of mono blocks and one stereo amp. They are all good but I find the mono blocks just a bit better more costly in many ways to setup but toe it is worth it.
Regards
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1. Cross talk usually above -80dB and above. ears cannot perceive. Does it matter ?
2. Mono blocks; more cables, Near to speaker advantage? no preamp also have cables.
3. Separate Power source is advantage in mono blocs. Where as Stereo's also have separate power.
4. Equal Measurement of 2 mono blocks is also matters in SQ.
Different opinion is welcome.
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long speaker wires are … spongy….
@ghdprentice not a good analogy with the new Vette… and i’m a 5 ( so far ) Porsche guy…
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2 MC611s or 1 MC462 and a week in Paris or Hawaii.
Ask your spousal unit for their input and you'll have the answer.
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This is the most "I'm convinced I'm getting the monoblocks" that I've seen.
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I have that combination of mcintosh the 12000 and 611.it is great and has good transients to reach base ect.go with the monoblocks for short speaker cable and long xlr.the resale on macintosh is still great.enjoy the music.
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How old are you? 
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Monoblocks have more advantages - especially short speaker cables. The other option is 2 stereo amps placed next to your speakers and vertically bi-amped.
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I have an mha12000 supplying easily driven speakers and it is an impressive monster. It comes in an even more impressive package with a wood base. It takes up most of the space in a pickup bed, and is both heavy and bulky. Not impossible to handle by myself at 71, but does require you to be strong and clever. Being what they are, most Macs are packaged to a high level, so you’ll need storage space. It runs surprisingly cool; almost no heat produced. I have another system using class D mono blocks to drive difficult speakers, and they do an incredible job. If the demand is low, go stereo; if high, go mono. A side benefit is the jewelry aspect…if you like the aesthetic, two are twice as nice. I’m not ashamed to admit I love looking at the mha12000 from across the room. Makes me smile every. Single. Time.
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Go with the 1.25s, those are a night and day difference. I have both the MC462 and the 1.25kw you can’t compare them different levels and different leagues.
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Monoblocs all the way baby.
@tomic601 You are right about the vette/porsche analogy.
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Do it!! There’s nothing more badass than big monos. 👍👍
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@dman777
The benefits of a mono block amplifier system are essentially more power and current for your speakers per pound of amplifier.
A 2000 watt stereo amplifier would be physically much larger and heavier than a single 1000 watt mono amplifier. It would be most impractical to ship, install, move and maintain. Much easier to deal with two boxes at a percentage of the weight of the single 2000 watt amp.
Mono blocks are for very demanding speakers in very large rooms. You are talking about a practical way to deliver massive quantity, not necessarily quality.
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Mono blocks are for very demanding speakers in very large rooms. You are talking about a practical way to deliver massive quantity, not necessarily quality.
Not necessarily. I know that there are, and have been, some way low powered SET monoblocks designed to drive extremely efficient speakers. As for myself, the monoblocks that I owned were ARC VTM 120s that were only rated at 100 wpc but they sounded great, and I sometimes think that they sounded better than the comparably powered stereo amp I replaced them with. As a matter of fact, I'd still own those ARCs if they were not so unreliable and when I flipped the switches I never knew whether I would be listening to music or soldering in new grid resistors.
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If you get the stereo amp now, you will always wonder how much better the mono's are....
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I always say if you have room and money go the best sounding period..But until in your room how much more will you hear and guess how good of hearing do you have to really hear the difference... Bring them both home and tell us what you think of stereo amp vs Mono ??? Good Luck and please let us know..
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Others in this thread have adequately described the benefits and risks of monos vs stereos, so I will not be somniferously redundant. Rather, I will ask you to open your mind and ears to some points to consider. The 462 has independent power supplies but in one chassis. The 611s will give independent chassis and more power. The only way to determine if the theoretical benefits of monoblocks, which is in part reduced by the 462 power supply design, is to audition. If you are a fan of the Mac sound, that’s great. I am not. But if you have the wherewithal for the additional spend on the monos plus additional cable, there is a high probability you will get better performance from a stereo amp at the 16k - 20k range. Did you consider this and audition other stereo amps at that price point. If you consider a preowned stereo amp at that price point you will possibly elevate SQ even further. The only way to determine what is better is to investigate alternatives and audition.
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@dman777
I was in the exact same position you were two years ago. I ended up purchasing a pair of MC 611s and C2700. I auditioned the MC 462 with the C2700, but the 611s were slightly better. In hindsight, I wish I had purchased the MC 462 and C12000. I love the McIntosh sound, looks, performance, and brand, and I thought this would be my endgame system.
A big, however, and I know you don't want to hear this, but I just auditioned the new Soulution 331 integrated. Its retail price is equal to the total of the MC 611 and C12000. I will soon be moving away from my beloved MAC system. To put this into perspective, I have roughly $30K retail of cabling/conditioning feeding my MACs. My current system was shamed by how the Soulution 331 performed. I still can't unhear what that integrated did with a measly just over 100-watt specification.
I wish someone had given me this advice before purchasing my system. It would have saved me a bunch of $$ in the long run.
Best of luck on your journey!
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@jeffreyw Interesting story, thank you. If I may ask, please, why do you wish you purchased the MC 462 over the 611s in hindsight?
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@jeffreyw I had a similar experience, different equipment. I was in love with the look and sound of high power Krell separates until a Burmester 105 watt, model 032 integrated amp seduced me, causing me to divorce my Krells for a younger, clearer, faster but just as athletically powerful sound that was more truthful to the music. I thought dropping 200 watts would disappoint. It did not. Dynamics, bass and image density were all better the Burmester. To be fair, I have not heard current Krell models. Your Solution is also a phenomenal sounding integrated. The only better integrated I have auditioned cost the price of your Solution and my Burmester together - the Audionet Humboldt.
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@dman777
I think the MC 462 punches way above its weight. I was not able to demo the C12000 when I was purchasing, but I believe that combo would outperform the C2700/MC611s. The performance of the C12000 is substantially better than the C2700. I heard the C12000 on another system and found it to be more accurate than the C2700.
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Can’t do, for I switched from a well-respected tube amplifier (Rogue Stereo 100 “Dark”) to two Odyssey Kismet mono locks and it vastly improved the sound, although I suspect part of it was increasing power by a factor of two and switching to solid state power amplification. It really “opened up” the sound, improved the tonal qualities, enhanced definition, and expanded the sound stage. One feature is having the power amps near the individual speakers and using shorter speaker cables. I am quite pleased.
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I'll likely never go back to stereo amp, I'll take individual power supplies, transformers over shared all day.
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