Why monoblocks?

Good one Bill.

What Pubul57 said.

Furthermore, I have VAC monoblocks and just bought a VAC stereo amp. Soundstage is the same and I really can't tell if there is any difference in separation. Not to mention, to me the design attributes of the cables is more important than length. In both instances of my comparison I was using 1m interconnects and 5.5m speaker cables. I have tried the other approach as well, but saw no benefit. To me, getting the equipment down farther along the sidewall was a bigger improvement over having the rack of gear or just the amps between the speakers.

My second VAC 300.1 made my VSA VR-7se's come alive. That's "why monoblocks", at least for me. The amps are not working as hard as just 1 was, so presentation is more relaxed with lots more dynamic range. Additional benefits include a lower noise floor, wider soundstage and of course no crosstalk. I also now have the ability to tweak speaker output individually if necessary to overcome speaker/room placement issues.

The amps are just jammed into my available space for now, but the system will be reconfigured hopefully this summer to give them some "breathing room". When that happens, the system will look much better than it does now, although the 2nd amp purchase was purely for better sound.

Audiofeil,
You forgot to mention the cartridge!!!

just something to add to the list, but I found diagnosing issues, ie pops, noise, a lot easier when using monoblocks