Any suggestions on coolest running monoblocks?

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

I backup Velo62

$2800 for the cold running H2O Signature stereo. It will power anything. It's ICE module is backed by a big analog power supply. That makes the difference in performance, and price.

I am with Muralman1! I have the S-250 Signature Stereo driving Magnepans. At first I thought the regular Stereo is very very good but the Signature model makes it even better. At 1kVA per channel of torroidal transformer, it runs exceptionally cool.

cheers

Rowland 201 - retail $4700
H2o Signature Stereo - retail $2800 (I think)
H2o Monoblocks - retail $4000
Channel Islands - unsure of price
eAR - unsure of price
Spectron - unsure of price
Jjaz - unsure of price
Bel Canto's - unsure of price

Just about any digital or PWM amp out there will run without any noticable heat... your hand on the case will feel as if the unit is turned off.

There is much difference sonically between many out there. I personally have only compared the Rowland 201, 501 and H2o amplifiers with this technology... definately suggest a listen prior to purchase.