Hi migueca,
I agree with Erik that the main benefits of mono-blocks, regardless of the amplifier type, are increased headroom and channel separation but with the former being more obvious than the latter.
Increased headroom in an amp is mainly evident in its ability to more accurately reproduce the large dynamic range of live music. My experience is that a system's ability to quickly and powerfully reproduce musical passages that progress from soft or moderate volumes to suddenly higher volumes significantly adds to the illusion that you're listening to live music in your listening room; amplifiers without large amounts of headroom and the ability to deliver it quickly typically will not be able to convincingly create this illusion.
However, there are class D stereo units available that contain 2 power modules, with a devoted power supply for each, combined in a single chassis. Some of these dual-mono stereo amps even utilize separate power chords for each channel/module. I've never compared the performance of a dual-mono stereo amp to a pair of mono-block amps but I believe most people, including myself, would be hard pressed to distinguish between the two.
Technically, with mono-blocks having each channel contained in its own chassis and physically isolated from each other, it would be expected that their scientifically measured channel separation stats are superior to dual-mono stereo designs. Whether you'd actually hear this superiority is questionable.
I've used 2 different stereo class D amps in my system (a classD Audio SDS-440CS and an Emerald Physics EP-100.2 ) and currently use a pair of D-Sonic M-600-M mono-blocks. I would characterize them all as having very good channel separation with a solid and stable 3D sound-stage illusion. I haven't noticed an obvious improvement in channel separation with the mono-blocks but have definitely noticed an increase in headroom and a greater dynamic range with the mono-blocks in my system.
I know from your posts that you're thinking of trying out a good class D amp in your system and you're considering trying a Ghent or a ClassD Audio model. I highly recommend my first class D amp, the classD Audio SDS-440-CS. It's a true high quality bargain at only $630. It's powerful (220 watts @ 8 ohms/ 440 watts @ 4 ohms), has extremely low distortion levels, very good bass response, is very detailed and neutral in sound character with music emerging from a dead silent background. The mid-range and treble response is very smooth and never bright or harsh like a tube amp without the treble sounding rolled off at all. Here's a very accurate review from a professional reviewer:
www.highfidelityreview.com/class-d-audio-sds-440c-amplifier.html
They also give you a 30 day in-home trial period with a 'no questions asked free return policy' if you don't like it for any reason. Very low financial risk involved but I seriously doubt you'll want to return it.
Enjoy,
Tim
I agree with Erik that the main benefits of mono-blocks, regardless of the amplifier type, are increased headroom and channel separation but with the former being more obvious than the latter.
Increased headroom in an amp is mainly evident in its ability to more accurately reproduce the large dynamic range of live music. My experience is that a system's ability to quickly and powerfully reproduce musical passages that progress from soft or moderate volumes to suddenly higher volumes significantly adds to the illusion that you're listening to live music in your listening room; amplifiers without large amounts of headroom and the ability to deliver it quickly typically will not be able to convincingly create this illusion.
However, there are class D stereo units available that contain 2 power modules, with a devoted power supply for each, combined in a single chassis. Some of these dual-mono stereo amps even utilize separate power chords for each channel/module. I've never compared the performance of a dual-mono stereo amp to a pair of mono-block amps but I believe most people, including myself, would be hard pressed to distinguish between the two.
Technically, with mono-blocks having each channel contained in its own chassis and physically isolated from each other, it would be expected that their scientifically measured channel separation stats are superior to dual-mono stereo designs. Whether you'd actually hear this superiority is questionable.
I've used 2 different stereo class D amps in my system (a classD Audio SDS-440CS and an Emerald Physics EP-100.2 ) and currently use a pair of D-Sonic M-600-M mono-blocks. I would characterize them all as having very good channel separation with a solid and stable 3D sound-stage illusion. I haven't noticed an obvious improvement in channel separation with the mono-blocks but have definitely noticed an increase in headroom and a greater dynamic range with the mono-blocks in my system.
I know from your posts that you're thinking of trying out a good class D amp in your system and you're considering trying a Ghent or a ClassD Audio model. I highly recommend my first class D amp, the classD Audio SDS-440-CS. It's a true high quality bargain at only $630. It's powerful (220 watts @ 8 ohms/ 440 watts @ 4 ohms), has extremely low distortion levels, very good bass response, is very detailed and neutral in sound character with music emerging from a dead silent background. The mid-range and treble response is very smooth and never bright or harsh like a tube amp without the treble sounding rolled off at all. Here's a very accurate review from a professional reviewer:
www.highfidelityreview.com/class-d-audio-sds-440c-amplifier.html
They also give you a 30 day in-home trial period with a 'no questions asked free return policy' if you don't like it for any reason. Very low financial risk involved but I seriously doubt you'll want to return it.
Enjoy,
Tim