Hi Aggielaw,
Yes, monoblocks would be connected so that each block would drive a singe speaker, or channel. This is also how it would "look" if you were to run two amps in bridged mode with each amp acting as a monoblock and running a single speaker. Both of these configurations only require a single IC connection from the pre to the amp for each channel, so it is simpler to connect. What I have experienced with the amps that I have tried running in bridged mode is that the soundstage would lose depth even though there was plenty of power. Now, monoblocks are different because their power supplies are built and integrated as a single unit. They are build for the express purpose of driving a single channel. Of the 4 or 5 amp builders who I have asked about running their stereo amps in bridged mode, all have said that while their amps had the current supplies to do it they recommended running them in stereo mode to get the best sound. (Send an email to Steve, I bet he says the same thing.) I have found it fairly easy to confirm this after listening to both configurations using the same amps. So it really is a matter of what amps you're using and what you're preferences are, assuming the amps you're using have the current capabilites that may be required from driving that 4 ohm load that is now seen as 2 by the bridged amp.
Bi-wiring is completely different and is dependant only on how your speakers are built. I suppose the cables used could also be a factor. There can be a benefit from bi-wiring, but in my experience the gains made from biamping (or dualamping for Eldartford) are much greater than the gains from bi-wiring. Also, with biamping you can get the amps very close to the speakers using longer ICs and keep the speaker wires very short. Another sonic benefit I have experienced. As always, YMMV.
Dan
Yes, monoblocks would be connected so that each block would drive a singe speaker, or channel. This is also how it would "look" if you were to run two amps in bridged mode with each amp acting as a monoblock and running a single speaker. Both of these configurations only require a single IC connection from the pre to the amp for each channel, so it is simpler to connect. What I have experienced with the amps that I have tried running in bridged mode is that the soundstage would lose depth even though there was plenty of power. Now, monoblocks are different because their power supplies are built and integrated as a single unit. They are build for the express purpose of driving a single channel. Of the 4 or 5 amp builders who I have asked about running their stereo amps in bridged mode, all have said that while their amps had the current supplies to do it they recommended running them in stereo mode to get the best sound. (Send an email to Steve, I bet he says the same thing.) I have found it fairly easy to confirm this after listening to both configurations using the same amps. So it really is a matter of what amps you're using and what you're preferences are, assuming the amps you're using have the current capabilites that may be required from driving that 4 ohm load that is now seen as 2 by the bridged amp.
Bi-wiring is completely different and is dependant only on how your speakers are built. I suppose the cables used could also be a factor. There can be a benefit from bi-wiring, but in my experience the gains made from biamping (or dualamping for Eldartford) are much greater than the gains from bi-wiring. Also, with biamping you can get the amps very close to the speakers using longer ICs and keep the speaker wires very short. Another sonic benefit I have experienced. As always, YMMV.
Dan