Any suggestions on coolest running monoblocks?

I second Rx8man's recommendation. My Channel Islands D-100s replaced a pair of Antique Sound Labs 1009 (parallel 845)tube monoblocks driving Vandersteen Model Five speakers. I was able to compare the D-100s to the NuForce Ref8s. In my system, the D-100s were a better choice.

Dusty has struck the perfect balance between solid state (control, frequency extension) and tube (imaging, holographic mids) topologies. Highly recommended!

Do you need monoblocks? I was really impressed with the Spectron Digital One amp when I owned it. There also happens to be one for sale now on Agon [please note that I am not acquainted with the seller, nor do I receive any remuneration for this post].

For around $4 used you can buy a pair of Bryston 7B-ST monoblock amps, which are one of the best monoblocks you can buy, and also fill the bill for "running cool".

Thanks all for your input.

Fatparrot - maybe I don't need monoblocks with this type of amp. My limited experience has been that when going from a single stereo amp to two of the same amps bridged mono, the channel separation, clarity and dynamics were significantly better. I assumed that the total isolation of circuits was the main reason for much of the improvement. Furthermore, since manufacturers are making monoblock digital amps, I though that there might be some sonic reason for doing this (not just to make some extra $$$). Any thoughts?

Wrp - what differences caused you to favor the CI units?

I would go with the Channel Islands amps. You can't go wrong because they have a 30 day money back return policy.

I own the Channel Islands VMB-1s which are 40 watts/ch. If you want to save a bit of money and can really live with 40 watt mono-blocks, the Channel Islands VMB-1s are really good at less than $1000 new. However, I've read several post stating that people that have heard both prefer the Channel Islands D-100 or D-200.

If the D-series sounds better than the VMB-1s, they must be truely special. And don't forget that 30 day return policy. You can't loose, but you could save some bucks and get new amps w/warranty direct from Dusty.

All of the CI amps run really cool, putting off nearly zero perceivable heat.

Enjoy,

TIC